International Research Collaboration to Focus on Leiomyosarcomas

Rare Daily Staff

The National LeioMyoSarcoma Foundation and the Sarcoma Patients EuroNet said they have formed a collaboration to create an International Research Roundtable to address issues in leiomyosarcoma.

Leiomyosarcomas are uncommon malignant tumors that grow from immature smooth muscle cells, accounting for up to 20 percent of all soft tissue sarcomas. They appear most often in large blood vessels and the pelvic area, including the uterus, and, to a lesser extent, in the extremities like the thighs. In its metastatic state, leiomyosarcoma most commonly spreads to the bloodstream, lung, and liver.

The roundtable will bring together researchers from around the world to share investigational research ideas and discuss ongoing research projects designed to address unanswered questions relating to leiomyosarcomas. The roundtable will also address the need for and development of consistent diagnosis and care and treatment guidelines that can be referenced by the sarcoma oncology community.

So far 53 U.S. and European researchers are expected to participate in the roundtable, which will convene in September of 2019 in Miami.

Annie Achee, president and medical research liaison for the National LeioMyoSarcoma Foundation, said the initiative holds great promise for accelerating progress of new treatment options for patients with leiomyosarcoma.

“This particular research initiative will be a game-changer for the future of accelerating LMS specific research on a larger scale, with hopeful research breakthroughs to come in order ultimately advance treatment options to enhance survivorship for patients,” she said.

December 10, 2018
Photo: Annie Achee, president and medical research liaison for the National LeioMyoSarcoma Foundation