Ovarian carcinosarcoma: Current developments and future perspectives

Abstract

Ovarian carcinosarcoma (OCS) constitute uncommon malignancies accounting for only 1-4% of ovarian cancers. Patients more often present with advanced stage disease and symptoms similar to those of epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC). Optimal tumor cytoreduction appears to be an important determinant of survival. Platinum-based chemotherapy remains the most commonly employed adjuvant treatment. The uncertain origin and poor prognosis of OCS motivate determination of the molecular basis of carcinosarcomas aggressive behavior in the hope of developing novel and effective treatment modalities. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathology, prognostic factors, clinical presentation, and therapeutic interventions including future potential therapeutic targets.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Debulking surgery; Ovarian carcinosarcoma; Targeted therapy.