We are supporting the development of an important new clinical trial investigating adjuvant chemotherapy for people diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS), a rare and aggressive form of cancer. This work reflects our commitment to improving treatment options and outcomes for patients affected by uLMS, where progress has historically been limited.
The trial is being run in France and the UK and will be led by Professor Robin Jones in the UK. The study will focus on the use of combination doxorubicin-trabectedin chemotherapy following surgery. This chemotherapy regimen has shown promise in other uLMS settings, and the trial aims to explore whether its earlier use can bring benefits for patients after their primary cancer has been removed.
At present, the standard approach for uLMS patients whose cancer is localised at diagnosis is surgical removal followed by close monitoring. However, recurrence rates remain high, and there is a lack of evidence to guide the use of additional treatment after surgery. This trial seeks to address that gap by evaluating chemotherapy in the adjuvant (post-surgical) setting.
By contributing towards this study, we are helping to advance research that could fundamentally change how uLMS is treated in the UK. The trial will investigate whether adjuvant chemotherapy can reduce recurrence risk, improve survival, and ultimately lead to better long-term outcomes for patients considered at higher risk.
Preparatory work for the trial is currently underway. This includes trial design finalisation, regulatory approvals, and coordination with participating hospitals. We will share further details, including eligibility criteria and timelines for recruitment, as soon as they become available.
The trial will be coordinated by The Royal Marsden, ensuring robust clinical oversight and adherence to the highest research standards. The leadership and expertise involved will help to ensure that the findings are reliable, meaningful, and applicable across the UK healthcare system.
Wherever possible, it is hoped that the trial will be opened to centres across the UK, enabling broad participation and improving access for eligible patients. A national approach will also strengthen recruitment and help ensure that the results are representative and widely applicable.
If successful, this study could provide much-needed evidence to support the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in uLMS, influencing future clinical guidelines and offering new hope to patients facing this challenging diagnosis.