Novel targeted therapies in ovarian and uterine carcinosarcomas.

Carcinosarcomas (CSs) of the uterus and ovary are rare biologically aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. The development of novel, effective treatment strategies against CSs of the female genital tract remains an unmet medical need. Whole-exome sequencing studies have recently demonstrated mutations or aberrant activation of multiple genes/pathways in CSs including HER2, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, EGFR, MAPK, genes related to histones and chromatin structure, and genes related to cell-cycle regulation. The carcinomatous component of these biphasic tumors is suggested to be the catalyst in CS tumorigenesis. This article reviews the genetic landscapes and explores novel targeted treatment modalities against this deadly gynecologic tumor.