Evaluation of prognostic factors of sex cord stromal tumors: a single-center experience

Aims: Sex cord stromal tumors (SCSTs) constitute a rare subgroup of ovarian tumors, exhibiting heterogeneous clinical course and prognosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinicopathological factors affecting prognosis in patients with SCSTs based on single-center experience. Methods: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with SCSTs at Selçuk University between 2010-2025. Demographic characteristics, tumor type, tumor stage, tumor size, mitotic index, surgical approach, adjuvant therapy status, and follow-up duration were recorded. Factors affecting prognosis were analyzed in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival. Results: A total of 94 patients with ovarian SCSTs were included in the study. Granulosa cell tumors constituted the most common histopathological subtype (n=41, 43.6%), followed by fibroma/thecoma (n=25, 26.6%) and other SCSTs (n=28, 29.8%). The mean age at diagnosis was 58.0±14.6 years. Tumor recurrence was observed in 5 patients (5.3%). At the last follow-up, 79 patients (84.0%) were alive and 15 patients (16.0%) had died. Adjuvant therapy was administered to 6 patients (6.4%), all of whom belonged to the other SCST group. Recurrence and mortality were more frequently observed in granulosa cell tumor and other SCST subgroups. Conclusion: In SCSTs, stage, mitotic activity, and residual disease after surgery are important factors in determining prognosis. Early diagnosis and optimal cytoreduction positively influence disease-free and overall survival. Larger patient series and multicenter studies with long-term follow-up are needed.