Uterine sarcomas are a rarer form of womb cancer. They make up 3 in 100 cancers in the womb (uterus). They can be difficult to diagnose as they have many of the same symptoms, and look similar on scans, to fibroids. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the womb.
Most womb cancers are diagnosed using biopsies taken from the womb lining (called the endometrium), but these biopsies are only able to pick up 1 in 3 uterine sarcomas. This is because they begin from the muscle, rather than the lining of the womb. This can lead to a delayed or wrong diagnosis and potentially harmful treatments, which can risk spreading the cancer. Because of these issues, women and people with gynae organs with uterine sarcomas often face poor outcomes. This is an even greater problem for women from Black communities, as they have a higher risk of both fibroids and uterine sarcomas.
Dr Moss, Associate Professor in Gynaecological Oncology, Professor Jackie Shaw, Professor of Translational Cancer Genetics, and Dr Natalie Darko, Associate Professor Health Equity, are aiming to develop a blood test which can distinguish between fibroids and uterine sarcomas, and could help women get the correct diagnosis and treatment sooner.
Uterine sarcomas can be associated with poor long-term outcomes, and the lack of an effective diagnostic tool has serious implications for women decision making about their health. Our aim is to develop a blood test based on circulating tumour DNA that will offer a clearer diagnosis, enabling more informed treatment decisions. – Dr Esther Moss
The team will be trying to develop a test that uses circulating tumour DNA. Circulating tumour DNA is small fragments of genetic material that is released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. The team will look for circulating tumour DNA that fits the unique genetic profile of uterine sarcomas, creating a test which can distinguish whether someone has a sarcoma and not a fibroid or other type of womb cancer.
This pioneering study will look at samples from women who have been diagnosed with a uterine sarcoma or are scheduled for surgery for a suspected sarcoma. They will analyse their blood and tissue samples to look for patterns in the genetic profile and circulating tumour DNA that is specific to uterine sarcoma.
This test, if successful, will help women and people with gynae organs get a more accurate and quicker diagnosis of uterine sarcoma, allowing them to begin the correct treatment faster, and ultimately hopefully help save lives. It will also help reduce the health inequities Black women currently face in the diagnosis and treatment of womb cancer.
This project aligns with our commitment to advancing early detection methods for gynaecological cancers, particularly those that are difficult to diagnose and where health disparities exist. Dr Moss’ work has the potential to transform diagnosis and care for women with uterine sarcomas. – Eve CEO, Athena Lamnisos
It is fantastic that The Eve Appeal and all their kind donors have supported the Rare Gynae Cancer Fund to make this project possible. Uterine sarcomas are rare cancers that can have potentially devastating impacts on patients and their families. We hope this test will make a real difference to women with uterine sarcoma. – Dr Esther Moss
More information and advice
We have lots more information and advice on our research and womb cancer. You can also contact our Ask Eve nurses for free to chat about any worries or questions.
