bims-myxlip Biomed News
on Myxoid liposarcoma
Issue of 2026–01–04
two papers selected by
Laura Mannarino, Humanitas Research



  1. Cancer Genomics Proteomics. 2026 Jan-Feb;23(1):23(1): 1-11
      Myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma (MPLPS) is an exceedingly rare and recently recognized adipocytic neoplasm that primarily occurs in children and young adults and shows a strong predilection for the mediastinum. Clinically, MPLPS demonstrates aggressive behavior and exhibits a high propensity for systemic spread and a worse overall survival. Some cases have been associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Histologically, MPLPS is composed of a variable mixture of myxoid and pleomorphic liposarcoma-like components. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells show diffuse expression of CD34 and p16 and loss of nuclear RB expression. MPLPS lacks DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3) rearrangements and MDM2 proto-oncogene (MDM2) amplifications but shows tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutations and RB transcriptional co-repressor 1 (RB1) deletions. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that the most consistent molecular feature of MPLPS is genome-wide loss of heterozygosity. Surgical excision with negative margins is the mainstay of treatment for localized MPLPS. The treatment of advanced/metastatic MPLPS still poses a huge therapeutic challenge. This review provides information about the clinicoradiological features, pathogenesis, histopathology, and management currently available for MPLPS. In addition, we discuss the differential diagnosis of this novel entity.
    Keywords:  Myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma; RB1; TP53; atypical spindle-cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumor; dedifferentiated liposarcoma; myxoid liposarcoma; pleomorphic liposarcoma; review; treatment
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.21873/cgp.20557
  2. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2025 Dec 31.
       INTRODUCTION: Synovial sarcoma (SyS) and myxoid round-cell liposarcoma (MRCL) are rare, aggressive soft tissue sarcomas with poor outcomes at the advanced and metastatic stage. Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Afamitresgene autoleucel (afami-cel) is the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, affinity-enhanced T-cell receptor (TCR) therapy targeting the cancer-testis antigen MAGE-A4 in HLA-A *02-positive patients.
    AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes clinical evidence from one early-phase study and the pivotal phase 2 SPEARHEAD-1 trial. Afami-cel achieved objective response rates of 39% in SyS and 25% in MRCL, with durable responses exceeding 11 months in SyS. The safety profile is manageable, with hematological toxicities from lymphodepletion and predominantly low-grade cytokine release syndrome; no treatment-related deaths occurred in SPEARHEAD-1.
    EXPERT OPINION: Afami-cel represents a milestone in sarcoma therapy, establishing proof of concept for engineered TCR T-cell therapies in solid tumors. However, challenges remain regarding HLA restriction, tumor microenvironment resistance, manufacturing delays and cost. Future efforts should focus on broadening applicability, optimizing combinations, and ensuring equitable access.
    Keywords:  Afamitresgene Autoleucel; MAGE-A4; SPEARHEAD-1 trial; TCR T-cells; cancer testis antigen; myxoid round cell liposarcoma; synovial sarcoma
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/14737140.2025.2612043