Survival from a rare aggressive cancer depends on WHERE the tumour grows, Edinburgh scientists find in a study of 11,700 patients

Survival rates were lowest among leiomyosarcoma patients whose tumours arose in the uterus, urinary tract or trunk, University of Edinburgh researchers found. Patients with tumours in the head, neck, limbs or male reproductive tract had better outcomes. Historically, clinicians have classified the disease into just two categories — uterine and non-uterine — but the team argues that tumour location could point to risk factors beyond cancer stage and grade.

Black, widowed and lower-income patients suffered significantly poorer outcomes.

Leiomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma, yet treatment options remain limited.