Postoperative radiotherapy-induced pulmonary leiomyosarcoma in breast cancer: a case report and literature review - Report - MDSpire

Postoperative radiotherapy-induced pulmonary leiomyosarcoma in breast cancer: a case report and literature review

  • By

  • Dewei Zhang

  • Shihan Shi

  • Yang Wei

  • Jin Wei

  • Linwei Yang

  • Si Gui

  • Xuejian Wang

  • Liming Zhou

  • Yan Zhang

  • June 12, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Pulmonary Leiomyosarcoma Induced by Post-Surgical Radiotherapy

Overview

This report presents a rare case of pulmonary leiomyosarcoma that developed over 20 years post-radiotherapy for breast cancer. The tumor exhibited a TP53 mutation and low PD-L1 expression, with rapid progression and poor response to multiple treatment modalities.

Background

Radiation-induced sarcoma (RIS) is a rare but serious complication following radiotherapy, particularly in breast cancer patients. The long latency period and high malignancy associated with RIS complicate diagnosis and treatment, leading to significant variability in patient outcomes. Understanding RIS is crucial for improving management strategies and patient quality of life.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • Radiation-induced pulmonary leiomyosarcoma can develop more than 20 years after breast cancer radiotherapy.
  • The tumor in this case harbored a TP53 mutation and exhibited low PD-L1 expression.
  • Imaging showed rapid tumor progression, complicating treatment options.
  • The patient had a poor response to multiple treatment modalities, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
  • Survival was under 10 months following diagnosis.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential for RIS in patients with a history of breast cancer treated with radiotherapy. Early recognition and referral to specialized sarcoma teams may improve management outcomes. Multimodal treatment approaches may be necessary, although responses can be limited.

Conclusion

This case underscores the challenges of diagnosing and treating radiation-induced sarcomas, highlighting the need for ongoing research and improved clinical guidelines.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Surgery-enabled precision oncology in an MSI-High pulmonary artery sarcoma with Lynch syndrome: a case report
  2. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2024 -- A comprehensive analysis of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of metastatic spinal sarcomas
  3. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2009 -- Treatment of Secondary Brain Stem Fibrosarcoma with Cyclophosphamide and Imatinib
  4. The ASCO Post, 2020 -- Preoperative Radiotherapy Dose Reduction in Patients With Myxoid Liposarcoma
  5. Radiation-induced sarcoma after radiotherapy for breast cancer: A retrospective case series - PMC
  6. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Version 1.2025 - PubMed
  7. Radiation-induced sarcoma after radiotherapy for breast cancer: A retrospective case series - PMC
  8. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Version 1.2025 - PubMed

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