Infiltrating adenomyosis of the cervix with features of a low-grade stromal sarcoma: a case report and a literature review.

Adenomyosis is a common, non-neoplastic, chronic gynecologic disorder that is detected in 5% to 70% of hysterectomy specimens. It is characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium, and it occurs mostly in late reproductive age women. Adenomyosis has a propensity to present in the uterine fundus and is rarely seen in the cervix. At present, the most reliable way to diagnose adenomyosis is by pathologic examination of the hysterectomy specimens. Herein, we report a case of infiltrating adenomyosis in the cervix with unusual clinical and pathologic findings.

Paclitaxel poliglumex for ovarian cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Despite an 80% initial response rate to the standard primary regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel, most women with ovarian cancer will experience recurrence with incurable disease within five years and will be treated with several successive palliative regimens. Consequently, a significant need exists for chemotherapeutic agents, which are not only clinically efficacious, but have acceptable side-effect profiles. Paclitaxel poliglumex (PPX) is a recently developed taxane in which paclitaxel is conjugated to poly(l-glutamic acid), which renders it water soluble, reduces hypersensitivity reactions and preferentially targets it to the tumor. AREAS COVERED: This review covers pre-clinical pharmacokinetic data and key Phase I and II clinical trial results in ovarian cancer. EXPERT OPINION: While PPX is active in ovarian cancer, it is unclear at present whether it offers significant benefit in terms of its side-effect profile or outcomes over a standard taxane-based regimen as first-line therapy, or what role it will have in maintenance therapy as studies are ongoing.