A case of extremely chemoresistant pure pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterus associated with a high serum LDH level

Eur J Gynaecol Oncol. 2008;29(5):518-22.

Abstract

Background: Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of gynecologic origin is an exceedingly rare, highly malignant tumor. Only a few cases have been reported in the last decades.

Case report: A 60-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with a high LDH level of unknown origin. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with pleomorphic RMS. She underwent total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, left pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy and partial omentectomy. Surgery was followed by systemic chemotherapy and pelvic irradiation. Unfortunately, the patient did not respond to treatment. Her disease course correlated with the fluctuation of plasma LDH levels. Ultimately she died within 20 months of the diagnosis.

Conclusion: It is important to have better insight and to set a standard multimodal treatment for adult RMS. In addition, plasma LDH levels can be considered as a prognostic marker for RMS, particularly in advanced stage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Female
  • Humans
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / blood*
  • Middle Aged
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / blood
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / pathology*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / physiopathology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / blood
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / physiopathology

Substances

  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase