Role of p53 pathway alterations in uterine carcinosarcomas (malignant mixed Müllerian tumors).

Carcinosarcomas (CSs; malignant mixed Müllerian tumors) of the uterus are highly malignant neoplasms characterized by an unfavorable outcome. They represent less than 5% of all uterine malignancies, and the median patient survival rate is only 21 months. p53 pathway alterations have been studied in CSs originating from the uterus, supporting the monoclonal nature of most but not all of these neoplasms. This paper gives an overview of the current knowledge of p53 pathway distortions in patients with uterine CSs. The survival of patients with uterine CSs in relation to p53 pathway alterations is also briefly summarized.