1) We are contributing towards Dr Alex Lee’s Early Career Fellowship grant to support a project in Uterine Sarcoma and specifically to
- understand and map the current landscape across the UK for Uterine LMS patients.
- carry out a prospective trial to improve early Uterine LMS identification and diagnosis. This will use AI alongside MRI scan data (radiomics) to identify and flag LMS concerns early which is critical to improving outcomes.
- work across greater Manchester to research the use of blood biopsies (circulating tumour DNA) and then sharing learning, best practice, and data where possible with Gynae Oncology colleagues on their projects e.g. Prof Esther Moss at Leicester University Hospital.
This work is planned to begin in the summer.
2) We are contributing towards Professor Robin Jones’ Adjuvant Chemotherapy trial for Uterine LMS using combination doxorubicin-trabectedin chemotherapy. Preparations are ongoing for this trial, and we will update you as soon as details are available. We hope that this trial be available to all UK centres where possible, although it will be coordinated by the Royal Marsden.
3) We are beginning the planning and development of a National (virtual) LMS tissue, blood, and data bank. This is a major project which will support LMS researchers by greatly improving their access to samples and data. The lack of which, is currently one of the major roadblocks to LMS research. Our plan is that this will cover all LMS subtypes.
4) Together with Sarcoma UK, we are developing a series of workshops, bringing together colleagues from Sarcoma centres and local centres (general oncology and Gynae Oncology). The aim is to discuss best practice, closer working, and future research ideas. This was stimulated by our LMS Pathfinder Network (a network of UK Sarcoma healthcare professionals) and we have been continuing to coordinate the LMS Pathfinder Network to drive this activity forward.
5) We are working on a campaign to raise awareness about LMS and its subtypes for healthcare professionals and the public. If you’re interested in being involved in this further, please do let us know as we are keen to have patient involvement.
We recognised, as a new, entirely volunteer run charity, that we could not do everything all at once. We have initially supported Uterine LMS projects, as these are the best projects which emerged from the research professionals. We are confident they will open the door for the other LMS subtypes such as retroperitoneal and extremity LMS.
Thank you for everything. Together we will make a difference. Together we will find a cure.