Objective To evaluate the effect of ovarian preservation on oncologic outcomes for women with low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma of the uterus.

Methods A systematic search of the Medline, Embase, Cohrane, and Web of Science databases was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Studies including patients with low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma who had hysterectomy were identified. Data on tumor recurrence and death rate were pooled using a random effects model.

Results A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and reported on 786 patients. Based on available information, ovarian preservation was noted in 190 patients while 501 had bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A significantly increased tumor recurrence rate was observed in the ovarian preservation group (89/190, 46.8%) compared with the bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy group (121/501, 24.2%) (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.39 to 5.28). Based on data from 162 patients, no difference in death rate was noted between the ovarian preservation (2/34, 5.9%) and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (9/128, 7%) groups (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.18 to 3.47).

Conclusions Approximately one-quarter of patients with low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma were managed with ovarian preservation. These women experienced a higher recurrence rate. Hormone exposure may be responsible for this elevated risk. Given the apparent high salvage rate, however, ovarian preservation may be an option only in a well-informed patient population.