Dr Alex Lee
The Christie, Manchester
Awarded: £74,238
The challenge
Uterine sarcomas are rare but aggressive cancers of the womb. Because their symptoms often mimic common non-cancerous fibroids, many women face delays in diagnosis or receive major surgery that may not be necessary. Current scans, including MRI, often struggle to distinguish between fibroids and cancer, and care varies widely across the UK. Earlier and more accurate diagnosis is urgently needed.
How will this project tackle this challenge?
This two-year project aims to improve how suspected uterine sarcomas are recognised and managed.
- Mapping UK practice: A national survey of sarcoma and gynaecology teams will identify differences in imaging, referral and decision-making, helping to highlight where care could be improved.
- Pilot study in Manchester: Women with suspicious fibroids or confirmed sarcomas will be invited for detailed MRI scans, blood tests to detect tumour DNA, and tumour sampling. Around 40 cancer cases and up to 200 non-cancer cases will be recruited to explore whether scans and blood tests can better identify cancer and predict outcomes.
- Patient involvement: Workshops with women affected by uterine sarcoma will shape priorities for future research.
What this means for people affected by sarcoma
This project will build the evidence needed to develop clearer diagnostic pathways, reduce unnecessary surgery and move towards earlier, more accurate detection of uterine sarcoma across the UK.
