title: Recent scientific advances in leiomyoma (uterine fibroids) research facilitates better understanding and management.
abstract: Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most prevalent medical problem of the female reproductive tract, but there are few non-surgical treatment options. Although many advances in the understanding of the molecular components of these tumors have occurred over the past five years, an effective pharmaceutical approach remains elusive. Further, there is currently no clinical method to distinguish a benign uterine leiomyoma from a malignant leiomyosarcoma prior to treatment, a pressing need given concerns about the use of the power morcellator for minimally invasive surgery. This paper reviews current studies regarding the molecular biology of uterine fibroids, discusses non-surgical approaches and suggests new cutting-edge therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA.
authors.forename: Darlene K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Kristine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Holthouser
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
authors.forename: James H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Segars
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Phyllis C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Leppert
keywords: fibroids; gynecological cancers; leiomyoma; uterine fibroids; uterine leiomyoma