ReviewReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Molecular biology reports · May 2026 · narrative review
Genisteinbreast cancerovarian cancerprostate cancergliomaneuroblastomahepatocellular carcinomalung cancerbladder cancerosteosarcomarhabdomyosarcoma This is a narrative review of the biological activities and potential therapeutic roles of soy isoflavones (including genistein and daidzein). The authors summarize proposed anticancer mechanisms (estrogen receptor modulation, apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, epigenetic effects, etc.) and report that in vitro and in vivo studies have shown promising results across a range of tumor types. They conclude that further research—especially studies combining isoflavones with established chemotherapeutics—is needed.
Studied with: chemotherapeutic agents.
Key findings
- Soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) have estrogenic and non-estrogenic activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.
- Proposed anticancer mechanisms include modulation of estrogen receptors, copper ion-dependent induction of cell death, promotion of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, regulation of epigenetic processes, and effects on platelet function.
- Because of estrogen receptor interactions, isoflavones have been studied particularly in hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
- In vitro and in vivo studies have reported promising results in multiple malignancies (gliomas, neuroblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung and bladder cancers, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma).
- Authors recommend further investigation, particularly combining isoflavones with established chemotherapeutics, to evaluate potential synergy.
Limitations: This article is a narrative review and does not present new clinical trial data.; The evidence summarized is primarily preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) with no clinical trial data provided in the abstract.; Mechanistic proposals are not proven clinical effects and require further experimental and clinical validation.; Safety and efficacy in patients, optimal dosing, and interactions with standard therapies are not established in this review..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
Human · observationalMechanismReported positiveLimited evidenceTier 3 · early humann = 11
Histopathology · Apr 2026 · case series
ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumorrhabdomyosarcoma (heterologous component)ovarian neoplasms
This case series of 11 ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors with heterologous rhabdomyosarcoma describes clinicopathologic features and molecular findings. All 7 tumors analyzed by next-generation sequencing had DICER1 hotspot mutations, most (6/7) also had a second loss-of-function DICER1 mutation, and additional mutually exclusive TERT promoter or TP53 alterations were observed. Component-specific sequencing in two cases showed shared DICER1 hotspots between SLCT and RMS components, supporting a clonal origin.
Reported effects: n_cases 11, n=11 · embryonal_RMS_count 10, n=11 · +17 more
Key findings
- We report clinicopathologic features of 11 ovarian SLCTs with heterologous RMS (positivity for desmin and myogenin);
- Ten tumors were in keeping with embryonal RMS and 1 with pleomorphic RMS.
- The patients showed a bimodal age distribution: seven patients (64%) were aged 33 years or younger (mean 20) and four patients (36%) were aged 52 years or older (mean 60).
- All tumors were unilateral.
- Eight of 11 cases (73%) contained other heterologous elements, including gastrointestinal-type mucinous epithelium (5 cases) and immature cartilage (3 cases).
- Seven of 11 cases (64%) underwent next-generation sequencing analysis.
- All tumors tested molecularly (7/7, 100%) harbored hotspot DICER1 mutations.
- Of these, six cases (86%) also carried a second nonsense or frameshift loss-of-function DICER1 mutation.
- In addition to DICER1 mutations, TERT c.-124C>T promoter (4 cases) or TP53 mutations (3 cases) were present in all cases and were mutually exclusive.
- Component-specific analysis in two cases revealed shared common DICER1 hotspot mutations in both the SLCT and RMS components, supporting a clonal origin.
- In one case, a TERT promoter c.-124C>T somatic mutation was present only in the RMS component; in the other case the TERT promoter mutation was found in both components while a BRAF p.V600E mutation was exclusive to the RMS component.
Limitations: Small sample size (11 cases).; Retrospective case series design without systematic clinical outcome data reported in the abstract.; Next-generation sequencing was performed in only a subset of cases (7/11).; Component-specific molecular analysis was limited to two cases.; The abstract does not report whether DICER1 mutations were somatic versus germline in all cases..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
ReviewMechanismInconclusiveLimited evidenceTier 3 · early human
Advances in anatomic pathology · Jan 2026 · narrative review
gynecologic neoplasmsembryonal rhabdomyosarcomaSertoli-Leydig cell tumorpleuropulmonary blastoma-like peritoneal sarcomaadenosarcomagynandroblastomajuvenile granulosa cell tumorSertoli cell tumorDICER1-related Wilms-like uterine tumor
This narrative review summarizes how germline and somatic DICER1 mutations are associated with a range of benign and malignant gynecologic neoplasms and describes their shared morphologic features. The authors note that a germline loss-of-function DICER1 mutation is often followed by a somatic hotspot (second-hit) mutation in tumors, and they recommend that recognition of characteristic morphology should prompt genetic testing and surveillance for patients and families. The review proposes the term "DICER1-related primitive polyphenotypic neoplasm" to encompass the diverse histologic features of these tumors.
Key findings
- DICER1 is crucial for microRNA biogenesis and maturation.
- Germline DICER1 mutations are associated with increased risk of a wide range of benign and malignant neoplasms; the same tumors can also arise sporadically via somatic DICER1 mutations.
- In syndromic patients, a germline loss-of-function DICER1 mutation is usually followed by a somatic hotspot mutation in the tumor as a second hit.
- DICER1-associated gynecologic neoplasms most commonly include embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and moderately to poorly differentiated Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, with several less frequent tumor types also described.
- DICER1-mutant gynecologic neoplasms frequently share characteristic morphology (primitive mesenchyme, fetal-type epithelium/cartilage, rhabdomyoblastic and/or neuroectodermal differentiation, osteoid formation, and anaplasia).
- Recognition of these distinctive morphologic features should prompt consideration of DICER1-associated neoplasm and genetic testing to facilitate surveillance for patients and families.
- The morphologic spectrum of most DICER1-mutant gynecologic neoplasms appears wider than that of any known type of sarcoma.
- The authors propose the term "DICER1-related primitive polyphenotypic neoplasm" to better capture the diverse histologic features.
Limitations: Narrative review without description of systematic search or methods — potential selection bias in included reports.; No primary data or quantitative synthesis (no new experimental or cohort data presented).; Extent of evidence, frequency estimates, and outcomes are not quantified in the abstract..
Summarizes the association between DICER1 mutations and a spectrum of gynecologic tumors and highlights implications for pathologic recognition and genetic testing.
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jun 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
Case reportInconclusiveLimited evidenceTier 3 · early humann = 1
Journal of cancer research and therapeutics · Oct 2025 · case report
This case report describes a 17-year-old girl with a very rare ovarian rhabdomyosarcoma. The tumor was diagnosed by imaging, pathology, and immunohistochemistry, and it came back within 3 months after surgery. The authors report that she then received VAC chemotherapy (vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide), and they emphasize the need for earlier diagnosis and more standardized treatment approaches.
Studied with: vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide.
Key findings
- Imaging showed a large solid-cystic pelvic mass.
- Histopathology and immunohistochemical markers (desmin, myogenin, WT1) confirmed ovarian rhabdomyosarcoma.
- Recurrence occurred within 3 months after surgical resection.
- VAC chemotherapy was given after early relapse.
Limitations: Single-patient case report.; No control group.; No quantitative treatment outcome data reported.; Cannot determine effectiveness of VAC from this report alone.; Focus is diagnostic and descriptive rather than evaluative..
Describes a rare ovarian cancer case and subsequent chemotherapy, but does not evaluate a compound's anticancer effect in a comparative way.
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jun 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
ReviewMechanismInconclusiveLimited evidenceTier 4 · clinical
Cancers · Sep 2025 · review
pleuropulmonary blastomaSertoli-Leydig cell tumorcystic nephromacervical embryonal rhabdomyosarcomacystic lung lesionsthyroid follicular nodular disease
This is a narrative review of DICER1 syndrome, a hereditary cancer predisposition caused by germline loss-of-function variants in DICER1 and characteristic second somatic hotspot mutations in the RNase IIIb domain. The review summarizes the range of associated benign and malignant tumors, describes DICER1's role as an endoribonuclease in RNA interference and microRNA processing, and concludes that the exact molecular mechanisms linking altered DICER1 function to tumorigenesis remain incompletely understood and require further research.
Key findings
- DICER1 syndrome is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome with a broad phenotype including pleuropulmonary blastoma, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, cystic nephroma, cervical embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, cystic lung lesions, and thyroid follicular nodular disease.
- The syndrome is caused by loss-of-function germline variants in the DICER1 gene and DICER1-related tumors commonly have second somatic hotspot variants in the RNase IIIb domain.
- DICER1 encodes an endoribonuclease important for RNA interference and microRNA biogenesis.
- The review highlights gaps in knowledge about the precise molecular mechanisms by which altered DICER1 function contributes to tumorigenesis and calls for more research.
Limitations: Narrative review without original experimental or patient-level data.; Conclusions limited by existing incomplete knowledge of molecular mechanisms as noted by the authors.; Review methodology is not described in the abstract (e.g., not specified as a systematic review), so selection bias in covered literature is possible..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
Animal studyReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 2 · animal
Nature communications · Aug 2025 · xenograft antitumor assays
neuroblastomarhabdomyosarcomacolorectal carcinomamelanomaovarian carcinomabreast carcinoma
This study tested a humanized antibody-drug conjugate called CDX0239-PBD in ALK-expressing cancer models. In cell lines, it was taken up by ALK-positive neuroblastoma cells and killed them in a way that depended on surface ALK expression. In mouse xenograft models, it produced strong antitumor activity and complete responses were maintained in several ALK-expressing cancers.
Key findings
- ALK RNA, protein, and tumor cell surface expression was elevated in multiple pediatric and adult malignancies with minimal expression in childhood normal tissues.
- CDX0239-PBD was internalized in ALK-expressing neuroblastoma cell lines with cell surface expression-dependent cytotoxicity.
- CDX0239-PBD exhibited potent antitumor efficacy including maintained complete responses in ALK-expressing patient and cell line-derived neuroblastoma, fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma, and colorectal carcinoma xenograft models.
Limitations: Preclinical study only; no human treatment data are reported in the abstract.; Efficacy was shown in cell lines and xenograft mouse models, which may not predict clinical benefit.; No quantitative effect sizes, dosing details, or toxicity results are provided in the abstract..
The abstract describes a preclinical anticancer antibody-drug conjugate targeting ALK-expressing tumors.
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jun 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
ReviewMechanismInconclusiveModerate evidenceTier 4 · clinical
Pediatric and developmental pathology : the official journal of the Society for Pediatric Pathology and the Paediatric Pathology Society · Jul 2025 · narrative review
pleuropulmonary blastomaSertoli-Leydig cell tumorcystic nephromauterine cervical embryonal rhabdomyosarcomathyroid follicular nodular disease
This narrative review summarizes the spectrum of benign and malignant tumors associated with germline heterozygous pathogenic DICER1 variants and emphasizes DICER1's role in miRNA processing and RNA interference. It highlights the most prevalent tumor types (pleuropulmonary blastoma, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, cystic nephroma, uterine cervical embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and thyroid follicular nodular disease), notes that these neoplasms are rare and often occur in children, and focuses on their histological features and molecular pathogenesis. The authors recommend that pathologists consider additional molecular testing and referral for genetic counseling and testing to facilitate earlier diagnosis.
Key findings
- DICER1 syndrome is caused by germline heterozygous pathogenic variants in DICER1 and is essential in miRNA processing and RNA interference.
- The syndrome is heterogeneous and includes a large variety of benign and malignant tumor types.
- The most prevalent tumor types include pleuropulmonary blastoma, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, cystic nephroma, uterine cervical embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and thyroid follicular nodular disease.
- These neoplasms are rare and particularly occur in the pediatric population.
- Pathologists should be aware of the potential relationship to DICER1 syndrome to perform or suggest additional molecular pathologic analysis and refer patients and their parents for genetic counseling and testing.
- The review emphasizes histological features of DICER1-related tumors and reflects on DICER1 molecular pathogenesis to raise awareness and facilitate earlier diagnosis.
Limitations: Review article that does not present new primary data.; Rarity of the tumor types limits the available evidence base and generalizability.; Focus is on histological features and molecular pathogenesis; the review does not provide primary clinical outcome or treatment data..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
Human · observationalMixed resultsLimited evidenceTier 3 · early humann = 6
Cureus · Jun 2025 · retrospective analysis
ovarian rhabdomyosarcoma
This retrospective case series reviewed six pediatric patients with ovarian rhabdomyosarcoma treated over a 25-year period at a national cancer center in Peru. Most tumors had embryonal histology, four patients presented with distant metastases (stage/group IV), none tested positive for fusion genes, and all received chemotherapy plus surgery with efforts to preserve fertility when appropriate. Three patients received abdominopelvic radiotherapy (2,400 cGy in 16 sessions); one low-risk patient survived up to 94 months and the authors report multimodal treatment produced survival exceeding 87 months in some cases.
Reported effects: number of patients 6, n=6 · abdominopelvic radiotherapy total dose 2400, n=3 · +3 more
Key findings
- Six female patients aged between five months and 13 years were included.
- Four patients were classified as clinical stage/group IV due to distant metastases; two were low-risk.
- The majority had embryonal histology and none tested positive for fusion genes.
- All patients underwent chemotherapy and surgery; surgical approaches emphasized fertility preservation and varied by disease extent.
- Three patients received intensity-modulated abdominopelvic radiotherapy at a total dose of 2,400 cGy delivered in 16 sessions for peritoneal sarcomatosis (two for persistent disease after chemotherapy and surgery, one for high-risk histology).
- One low-risk patient achieved a survival of up to 94 months.
- Authors conclude ovarian rhabdomyosarcoma is rare, presents with nonspecific clinical/radiologic features, immunohistochemistry is essential for diagnosis, and multimodal treatment can achieve long-term survival, including in metastatic cases.
Limitations: Very small sample size (n=6).; Retrospective, single-center design increases risk of selection and reporting bias.; Heterogeneous disease stages and treatments among patients limit generalizability.; Limited outcome detail reported for individual patients (only one specific long-term survival reported).; No control or comparison group and no standardized prospective follow-up reported.; Molecular/genetic testing beyond fusion-gene negativity is not described in the cohort..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jun 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
ReviewInconclusiveLimited evidenceTier 3 · early human
Cancers · Feb 2025 · literature review and case series (selected cases presented)
sacrococcygeal teratomaovarian teratomarhabdomyosarcomaEwing sarcomacervical cancersmall cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ovaryEwing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) of the ovarydiffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the ovariesovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT)neuroblastomaplexiform neurofibromaRosai-Dorfman disease
The authors review selected atypical pelvic tumors seen in children and present their own cases, focusing on imaging (MRI) characteristics. They describe a variety of reproductive-system and nervous-system tumors (including rare ovarian and testicular neoplasms, lymphomas, neuroblastoma, plexiform neurofibroma, and Rosai-Dorfman disease). The study sought radiological features that could help radiologists reach correct diagnoses but emphasizes that MRI cannot be interpreted alone and must be combined with clinical, syndromic and laboratory information.
Key findings
- Selected atypical pelvic tumors in children are presented, many arising in the reproductive system (examples listed include cervical cancer, ovarian small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, ES/PNET of the ovary, ovarian DLBCL, and ovarian SLCT associated with DICER1 syndrome).
- Tumors originating from the nervous system discussed include neuroblastoma and plexiform neurofibroma (both NF1-associated and not associated with NF1).
- Rosai-Dorfman disease involving pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes is presented as an additional differential diagnosis.
- The authors aimed to identify radiological (MRI) features to guide radiologists toward correct diagnosis, but state that MR images must be interpreted alongside clinical picture, comorbidities/syndromes, and laboratory results.
Limitations: Study presents selected cases and a literature review rather than a systematic or comprehensive series; potential selection bias.; No sample size, quantitative diagnostic accuracy, or outcome data are reported in the abstract.; Imaging findings are descriptive and the abstract does not report validation of MRI features against definitive diagnoses or standardized criteria..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jun 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
Case reportReported positiveLimited evidenceTier 3 · early humann = 1
Cureus · Jan 2025 · case report
cervical rhabdomyosarcoma
This paper reports a single case of primary cervical rhabdomyosarcoma in a 35-year-old woman who presented with abnormal uterine bleeding. After evaluation and histopathology, she was diagnosed and received appropriate treatment; the authors state that timely diagnosis and treatment resulted in a good prognosis. The report emphasizes the importance of histopathology for correct diagnosis of rare cervical rhabdomyosarcoma.
Key findings
- A 35-year-old woman presented with abnormal uterine bleeding and was diagnosed with primary cervical rhabdomyosarcoma following evaluation and investigations.
- Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment were reported to have ensured a good prognosis for this patient.
- The case underscores the importance of histopathology in achieving the correct diagnosis.
Limitations: Single-patient case report—findings are not generalizable.; Abstract provides no details on the specific diagnostic methods, treatment modality, or duration of follow-up.; No quantitative outcomes or long-term prognosis data presented.; Literature on this rare entity is described as scarce, limiting contextual interpretation..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Aug 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
Case reportInconclusiveLimited evidenceTier 3 · early human
Journal of the Belgian Society of Radiology · Dec 2024 · case report
rhabdomyosarcomahead and neckmaxillaparameningeal head and neck
This case report discusses rhabdomyosarcoma occurring in the maxilla/head and neck region and describes MRI as the preferred diagnostic imaging method, while noting MRI features are relatively non-specific. The authors state prognosis depends on primary tumour site and size, that parameningeal head and neck locations have a less favorable prognosis due to higher spread risk, and they recommend further imaging including brain and spinal MRI.
Key findings
- Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and less frequent in adults, with the head and neck region as a primary site.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is described as the preferred diagnostic imaging tool, but its imaging characteristics are relatively non-specific and overlap with other soft tissue sarcomas.
- Prognosis depends on primary tumour site and size; parameningeal head and neck localisations have a less favourable prognosis due to higher risk of spread.
- Further imaging including brain and spinal MRI is recommended for assessment.
Limitations: Single case report / case-series level evidence (limits generalizability).; No treatment, longitudinal outcome, or comparative data are reported in the abstract.; Imaging characteristics described as relatively non-specific, limiting diagnostic specificity..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Aug 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
ReviewMechanismInconclusiveModerate evidenceTier 3 · early human
Advances in anatomic pathology · Nov 2024 · review
uterine mesenchymal neoplasmsinflammatory myofibroblastic tumorperivascular epithelioid cell tumoruterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumorembryonal rhabdomyosarcomaNTRK-rearranged uterine sarcomaSMARCA4-deficient uterine sarcomaKAT6B/A::KANSL1 fusion uterine sarcomaMEIS1::NCOA2/1 fusion sarcoma
This narrative review summarizes recent developments in uncommon uterine mesenchymal tumors. It describes how increased molecular testing has improved understanding of their biology, led to recognition of new tumor entities (including NTRK-rearranged and SMARCA4-deficient sarcomas), and identified molecular alterations that may allow targeted therapy in some cases.
Key findings
- Molecular testing has improved appreciation of the pathobiology of uterine mesenchymal neoplasms.
- Identification of specific molecular alterations has permitted targeted therapy options in tumors that were typically unresponsive to conventional therapies.
- Recognition that a subset of these tumors can have a hereditary basis.
- Review discusses several uncommon tumors (inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumor, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma) and emerging entities (NTRK-rearranged, SMARCA4-deficient, KAT6B/A::KANSL1 fusion, MEIS1::NCOA2/1 fusion sarcomas).
Limitations: Narrative review with no new primary data reported in the abstract.; Abstract provides no methods, search strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, or sample sizes.; Findings are descriptive; no quantitative outcomes or systematic synthesis presented in the abstract.; Clinical implications (targeted therapy options) are described generally; efficacy or outcomes data are not provided in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jun 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed