Uterine Fibroids: Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies

Dear Colleagues,

Uterine fibroids are the most common form of benign neoplasm of the uterus and a major source of morbidity for women. A lot of progress has been made regarding their pathogenesis in recent decades; however, their molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood, and their therapeutic possibilities have yet to be explored. There is no doubt about the importance of studying uterine fibroids because of their impact on women’s health. Although the usual leiomyoma is the most prevalent, the management of uterine fibroids can be complicated in cases of leiomyoma variants, which can make differential diagnoses between leiomyoma and its malignant counterpart (leiomyosarcoma) quite challenging. Nonetheless, the prevalence of uncertain diagnoses in the category of STUMP was introduced in 2014 by the World Health Organization (WHO). On the other hand, uterine fibroids are often associated with other gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis and adenomyosis, which can further complicate diagnosis and treatment. It is necessary to focus on recent updates on uterine fibroids because this topic is pivotal in the realm of gynecological diseases and is instrumental in shaping future targeted therapies. Contributions regarding molecular biology research on leiomyoma pathogenesis, molecular diagnosis, signaling and regulatory pathways, and therapeutic updates are welcome. Studies on leiomyoma co-morbidity, as well as leiomyoma variants and leiomyosarcoma, are encouraged.

Dr. Pasquapina Ciarmela
Guest Editor

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• uterine fibroids
• leiomyoma
• pathogenic signaling
• molecular diagnosis
• histological variants
• comorbidity
• therapeutic target