ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO Consensus Conference on Endometrial Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-up

Application Value of Real-Time Shear Wave Elastography in Diagnosing the Depth of Infiltrating Muscular Layer of Endometrial Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical value of real-time shear wave ultrasonic elastography in diagnosing the depth of infiltrating muscularis of endometrial cancer.

METHODS

Seventy-one patients with stage I endometrial cancer infiltrating the myometrium and 37 patients with normal physical examination were enrolled and divided into three groups: endometrial cancer superficial muscle infiltration group, endometrial cancer deep muscle infiltration group, and normal control group. After completing 2-dimensional ultrasound examination, each patient switched to the real-time shear wave elastography mode to measure the elasticity values Emax, Emean, and Esd.

RESULTS

For control group, comparison of elastic modulus values between superficial muscular layer near the intimal surface and the deep muscular layer near the serosa surface showed no difference (P > 0.05). For endometrial cancer superficial muscular infiltration group, significant difference was found regarding the elastic modulus values of infiltrated muscular layer and uninfiltrated muscular layer (Emax and Emean) without difference for Esd (P > 0.05). A significant difference of elastic modulus was observed between control group and deep myometrial infiltration group (P < 0.05) without difference of Emean or Emax but with difference of Esd. The accuracy in diagnosing muscular layer infiltration was 78.9% for Emax cutoff and 82.5% for Emean cutoff. The rate of using Emax ≥32.22 kPa or Emean ≥27.54 kPa as the ultrasound standard for diagnosing myometrium infiltration was 92.9%. The accuracy for the diagnosis of muscular layer infiltration was 96.1% for Emax cutoff, 94.1% for Emean cutoff and 86.3% for Esd cutoff.

CONCLUSION

Real-time shear wave elastography is helpful to determine the depth of infiltrating myometrium of endometrial cancer.

Combining Clinicopathological Parameters and Molecular Indicators to Predict Lymph Node Metastasis in Endometrioid Type Endometrial Adenocarcinoma

Background

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a critical unfavorable prognostic factor in endometrial cancer (EC). At present, models involving molecular indicators that accurately predict LNM are still uncommon. We addressed this gap by developing nomograms to individualize the risk of LNM in EC and to identify a low-risk group for LNM.

Methods

In all, 776 patients who underwent comprehensive surgical staging with pelvic lymphadenectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were divided into a training cohort (used for building the model) and a validation cohort (used for validating the model) according to a predefined ratio of 7:3. Logistics regression analysis was used in the training cohort to screen out predictors related to LNM, after which a nomogram was developed to predict LNM in patients with EC. A calibration curve and consistency index (C-index) were used to estimate the performance of the model. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Youden index were used to determine the optimal threshold of the risk probability of LNM predicted by the model proposed in this study. Then, the prediction performance of different models and their discrimination abilities for identifying low-risk patients were compared.

Result

LNM occurred in 87 and 42 patients in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that histological grade (P=0.022), myometrial invasion (P=0.002), lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (P=0.001), serum CA125 (P=0.008), Ki67 (P=0.012), estrogen receptor (ER) (0.009), and P53 (P=0.003) were associated with LNM; a nomogram was then successfully established on this basis. The internal and external calibration curves showed that the model fits well, and the C-index showed that the prediction accuracy of the model proposed in this study was better than that of the other models (the C-index of the training and validation cohorts was 0.90 and 0.91, respectively). The optimal threshold of the risk probability of LNM predicted by the model was 0.18. Based on this threshold, the model showed good discrimination for identifying low-risk patients.

Conclusion

Combining molecular indicators based on classical clinical parameters can predict LNM of patients with EC more accurately. The nomogram proposed in this study showed good discrimination for identifying low-risk patients with LNM.

Preoperative MRI and immunohistochemical examination for the prediction of high-risk endometrial cancer

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immunohistochemical (IHC) examination provides useful information for the risk stratification of endometrial cancer (EC). However, the use of the combination of MRI and IHC for the prediction of high-risk EC is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of preoperative MRI and IHC examination in prediction of patients with high-risk EC.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study was conducted from January 1, 2018 to May 1, 2021 at two hospitals. A primary cohort (n=102) comprised patients with histologically confirmed EC in one hospital between January 1, 2018 and May 31, 2020. An additional external cohort (n=35) comprising patients with histologically confirmed EC in a different hospital from January 1, 2020 to May 1, 2021 was included for validation. Imaging features including tumor size, tumor margin, relative T2 value, tumor signal intensity on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) were determined from preoperative MRI images. IHC markers including ER, PR, p53 and Ki67 were determined through IHC staining of preoperative curettage specimen. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-intermediate- risk group based on the final histological results. Differences between categorical and numerical variables were assessed using chi-square test and independent-sample t-test, respectively. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used for construction of the prediction model A fusion prediction model was constructed by combining MRI features and IHC markers. The predictive performance of the model was then validated using the external cohort.

Results

Imaging and IHC markers were significantly associated with risk ranks. Model 1 based on MRI features showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.822 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.741-0.903] whereas Model 2 based on IHC markers showed an AUC of 0.894 (95% CI, 0.829-0.960). Notably, model 3 integrating independent MRI and IHC risk factors demonstrated good calibration and high differentiation ability with an AUC of 0.958 (95% CI, 0.923-0.993), and showed good discrimination with an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.677-0.942) using the external validation set.

Conclusions

This study proposes a comprehensive predictive model comprising MRI and IHC features as a powerful tool for preoperative risk stratification to assist in clinical decision-making for EC patients.

Clinical features related to lymphatic metastasis in grade 3 endometroid endometrial cancer: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Endometrial cancer (EC) has been one of the most general cancers with respect to gynecological malignancies; however, there are debates on clinical strategies concerning treatments especially for patients with grade 3 (G3) endometroid endometrial cancer (EEC). Present study aimed to evaluate the lymphatic metastasis (LM) related factors and figure out the necessity of lymphadenectomy for G3 EEC patients.

METHODS

From January 2009 to April 2019, 3751 EC patients were admitted to Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University. Clinical characteristics include age, grade, stage, and clinical pathological features. A total of 1235 EEC patients were involved in the multivariable analysis. Three hundred and eighty-one patients were involved in the survival analysis and the data attributed to sufficient follow-up information. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were utilized to analyze the survival rate.

RESULTS

Among the 1235 EEC patients, 181 (14.7%) were categorized as G3 and 1054 (85.3%) were grade 1 to grade 2 (G1-2). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lymphovascular space invasion, adnexal involvement, and cervical stroma involvement were independent risk factors of LM in G3 cohort with odds ratio 3.4, 5.8, and 8.9; 95% confidence interval 1.1-10.6, 1.5-22.4, and 2.8-28.0, respectively. LM rates increased from 3.3% (3/92) to 75% (9/12) for G3 EEC cohort as related factor numbers increased from one to three. There were no differences between G3 and G1-2 EEC in overall survival and progression free survival. Additionally, no survival advantage was observed for G3 EEC patients at early stage with different plans of adjuvant treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

For G3 EEC patients without other pathological positive factor, the LM rate is lower than those with other pathological positive factor. Survival analysis showed no difference between G3 cohort and G1-2 cohort. Also, different adjuvant treatments had no impact on the overall survival for G3 EEC patients.

The Expression of NRIP1 and LCOR in Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to analyze the expression of nuclear receptor interacting protein 1 (NRIP1) and its partner ligand-dependent nuclear receptor co-repressor (LCOR) in endometrioid endometrial cancer and to investigate their association with estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67, clinicopathological parameters and patient survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical evaluation was carried out to investigate the subcellular expression of NRIP1 and LCOR in endometrioid endometrial cancer samples. Statistical analysis was used to identify the correlations of NRIP1 and LCOR expression with clinicopathological variables and to estimate the survival rates.

RESULTS

Endometrial cancer tissues exhibited higher expression of NRIP1 and LCOR in comparison with the normal tissues. Cytoplasmic LCOR expression was positively associated with ER and PR expression, while cytoplasmic NRIP1 expression was positively associated with ER expression. Moreover, cytoplasmic expression of NRIP1 was positively associated with Ki-67.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that high cytoplasmic expression of LCOR may predict a longer overall survival of patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer. Patients with tumors expressing low levels of LCOR showed a worse survival compared to those expressing high levels.

Adjuvant and post-surgical treatment in endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) usually presented as a localized disease at diagnosis (67%), 20% of patients diagnosed with regional spread, and distant metastasis accounted for 9%. The standard treatments include hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic with/without paraaortic lymph node dissection/biopsy. Adjuvant therapy is arranged according to risk factors and stages. Risk group classification varied among different guidelines and studies and evolved with time. Adjuvant modalities include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, antiangiogenesis agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and multi-target agents. We review the recent literature to incorporate important advances in trial results, real-world big data, and knowledge in biomarkers of EC to update appropriate adjuvant therapy and post-surgical treatment of EC patients.

The role of molecular tests for adjuvant and post-surgical treatment in gynaecological cancers

The adjuvant and post-surgical treatment of gynaecological cancers has historically been guided by the estimation of relapse risk based on clinicopathological factors determined at the time of cancer diagnosis. The recent advancement of genomic and molecular characterisation of gynaecological cancers has begun to shift paradigms in the selection of adjuvant treatment strategy. Recent data regarding the predictive and/or prognostic value of molecular tests in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer as well as early stage endometrial cancer have been the first such examples to enter adjuvant treatment guidelines for these diseases. In this article, we discuss the current state and future development of molecular assays for gynaecological cancers and how they impact upon treatment selection for ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers in the post-surgical setting.

Pathology findings among women with alterations in uterine bleeding patterns in cameroon

PURPOSE

Endometrial cancer is on the rise in high-income countries but it has not been adequately studied in low-and-middle income countries especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), likely due to scarce pathology facilities. The purpose of this study was to characterize and quantify the prevalence of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer in a cohort of women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) who underwent endometrial biopsy in Cameroon.

METHODS

We designed a cross-sectional study using medical records to characterize women who underwent endometrial biopsy in the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS) from 2008 to 2019. Pathologic diagnoses were classified as either endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, or no endometrial hyperplasia/cancer. We reported the overall prevalence of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. Bivariate analyses compared patient characteristics between women with endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, and neither.

RESULTS

The average age was 46.2 years and women had an average of 5.1 parity. We found that, 61 [(36.7% of 166 women; 95% CI (27.6-47.0%)] had endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. There were no cases of hyperplasia with atypia and 13 women had endometrial cancer. The remainder were comprised of benign or infectious pathologic findings. In bivariate analysis, mean ages were statistically different among the three groups (hyperplasia, cancer, and no hyperplasia/cancer), p < 0.001, and women with cancer had the highest age. Parity was statistically significantly different among the three groups (p = 0.002) and women with endometrial cancer had higher parity.

CONCLUSION

We found that just over 1 in 3 women with AUB who underwent endometrial biopsy at a health system in SSA were found to have pathologic findings of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer, with no cases of hyperplasia with atypia. Women with endometrial cancer had higher mean age and parity.

Immunotherapy and Systemic Therapy in Metastatic/Recurrent Endometrial and Cervical Cancers

Despite advances in the treatment of gynaecological malignancies, both recurrent endometrial and cervical cancers when not amenable to localised therapy (surgery or radiotherapy), remain incurable with limited prognosis and effective treatment options. Chemotherapy remains the standard of care for women with metastatic endometrial or cervical cancers. The addition of bevacizumab to first-line chemotherapy for metastatic cervical cancer patients represents a significant step forward in improving survival. More recently, immunotherapeutic strategies targeting the PD-1/-L1 pathway have shown clinical activity in both endometrial and cervical cancers. The increased understanding of the molecular biology of these cancers is shaping target-specific treatments. Here we summarise current treatment options and results from clinical trials of immunotherapy and other targeted therapies that have already changed, or have the potential to change, clinical practice in metastatic/recurrent endometrial and cervical cancer.

Exclusive 3D-brachytherapy as a good option for stage-I inoperable endometrial cancer: a retrospective analysis in the gynaecological cancer GEC-ESTRO Working Group

PURPOSE

Analyse outcomes of stage-I inoperable endometrial cancer (EC) patients from seven European centres treated with 3D-image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2004 to 2018, 62 patients (41 stage-IA and 21 IB) were retrospectively studied, analysing anaesthetic procedure, applicator type, BT-planning imaging, clinical target volume (CTV), BT schedule, overall daily-dose equivalent to 2 Gy (EQD2_{(α/β=4.5 or 3)}) to the CTV_(α/β=4.5) and D2 cm³_(α/β=3) for organs at risk. Complications were evaluated using CTCAEv4 scores. The 2 and 5 year survival was calculated [cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS), local relapse-free survival (LRFS), loco-regional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS)]. Descriptive analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up: 32.8 months (SD 33.7). Spinal anaesthesia (38/62) followed by none (16/62) were the most common. Y-shaped Rotte applicators were used in 74% of patients. High-dose rate brachytherapy was administered in 89%. Median D90 to the CTV was 58.9 Gy (8.66-144 Gy). Eight patients presented relapse: four uterine, four nodal and four distant. The 2 and 5 year CSS was 93.3 and 80.5%, DFS 84.8 and 80.5%, LRFS was 93.1 and 88.7%, LRRFS was 91 and 91% and DMFS was 90.2 and 90.2%, respectively, CSS was better in stage-IA vs. IB (p = 0.043). Late vaginal and bladder G3-complication rates were 2.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Inoperable EC patients can be safely treated by BT with 2 and 5 year CSS of 93 and 80.5%, respectively, with even better results for IA cases. Prospective studies on 3D-IGBT are necessary to better analyse EC patient outcomes based on dose and treated volumes.

Tumor Characteristic Variations between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in Europe and usually diagnosed in its initial stage owing to early symptoms of abnormal bleeding. There is no population screening for this disease, although it can sometimes be accidentally diagnosed in asymptomatic patients. Our study aims to determine differences in clinical and tumor characteristics between an asymptomatic and symptomatic group of patients. This unicentric prospective observational study took place in University Hospital Brno between January 2016 and December 2019. A total of 264 patients met inclusion criteria (26% asymptomatic, 74% with reported symptoms). We did not find a statistically significant difference in clinical characteristics (menopausal status, parity, age, BMI, and serum level of CA 125) between groups. According to ultrasound examination, bleeding tumors were larger (19.5 vs. 12.7 mm, p ≤ 0.001). Definitive histology results indicated more frequent lymphovascular space invasion (p < 0.001), along with deep myometrial (p = 0.001) and cervical (p = 0.002) invasion. There was no difference in advanced stages of the tumor. We did not substantiate statistically significant difference in immunohistochemical profile (estrogen and progesterone receptors, L1 cell adhesion molecule, tumor protein p53), which is relevant for tumor recurrence risk and survival capacity. Our conclusions affirmed that bleeding occurs more often among patients with local tumor invasion into the myometrium and cervical stroma. Final International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, histology, and immunohistochemical characteristics do not significantly affect symptom appearance.

MRI of the endometrium - from normal appearances to rare pathology

MRI was recently included as a standard pre-operative diagnostic tool for patients with endometrial cancer. MR findings allow a better risk assessment and ultimately guides the surgical planning. Therefore, it is vital that the radiological interpretation is as accurate as possible. This requires essential knowledge regarding the appropriate MRI protocol, as well as different appearances of the endometrium, ranging from normal peri- and post-menopausal changes, benign findings (e.g. endometrial hyperplasia, polyp, changes due to exogenous hormones) to common and rare endometrium-related malignancies. Furthermore, this review will emphasize the role of MRI in staging endometrial cancer patients and highlight pitfalls that could result in the underestimation or overestimation of the disease extent.

Lymphadenectomy, obesity and open surgery are associated with surgical complications in endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate surgical complications related to the staging procedure for endometrial cancer (EC) and to explore complication associations towards patient characteristics and survival.

METHODS

A population-based cohort study of women diagnosed with EC where primary surgery was performed at a tertiary centre between 2012 and 2016. The Swedish Quality Registry for Gynecological Cancer was used for identification, medical records reviewed and surgical outcomes, including complications according to Clavien-Dindo (CD), and comorbidity (Charlson's index) registered. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with complications as outcome and multivariable Cox regression analysis with overall survival (OS) as endpoint.

RESULTS

In total 549 women were identified where 108 (19.7%) had CD grade II-V complications. In the multivariable regression analysis; surgical technique, BMI and lymph node dissection, but not comorbidity or age, were found to be risk factors for complications CD grade II-V, with OR of 0.32 (95%CI:0.18-0.56) for minimalinvasive surgery (MIS) compared to open, OR 2.18 (95%CI:1.37-3.49) for BMI ≥30 and OR 2.63 (95%CI:1.32-5.31) for pelvic and paraaortic lymphnode dissection. In Cox regression analysis, a significant lower OS was found within the first 1.5 years for the cohort of complications (CD II-V) compared to no complications.

CONCLUSION

Surgical staging with lymphadenectomy was found a risk factor for complications together with high BMI in EC. Using MIS was significantly associated with less complications. Overall survival was found to be negatively affected within the first years after complications. Our results may be taken into consideration when performing updated treatment guidelines including surgical staging.

Prediction of Myometrial Invasion in Stage I Endometrial Cancer by MRI: The Influence of Surgical Diagnostic Procedure

Simple Summary

Fertility sparing treatment can be considered for young women with clinical stage 1A endometrial cancer (EC) without myometrial invasion (MI). Surgical diagnostic procedures (SDP) were needed to make diagnosis of EC, but different extents of SDP including diagnostic hysteroscopic biopsy (DHB, group 1), operative hysteroscopic partial resection (OHPR, group 2), operative hysteroscopic complete resection (OHCR, group 3), and cervical dilatation and fractional curettage (D&C, group 4) may affect the accuracy of MI assessment by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after SDP. Here, we retrospectively review those initially diagnosed with stage 1A EC and compare MI status on MRI reports and final histopathology of hysterectomy. We found that the MRI accuracy of MI was better in patients with EC diagnosed with D&C. Three diagnostic procedures using hysteroscopy might interfere with the diagnostic power of MI on MRI. Thus, D&C for diagnosis of EC and further hysteroscopic complete resection with hormone as a fertility sparing treatment for those confirmed as stage 1A without MI from MRI may be a choice in the future.

Abstract

Young women with endometrial cancer (EC) can choose fertility-sparing treatment for stage 1A disease without myometrial invasion (MI). The surgical diagnostic procedure (SDP) may affect the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess MI. Here, we evaluated different SDP and compared the MI on MRI results with further pathologic results after hysterectomy. We retrospectively collected data on 263 patients with clinical stage IA EC diagnosed between January 2013 and December 2015. Patients were classified into four groups based on SDP, including diagnostic hysteroscopic biopsy (DHB, group 1), operative hysteroscopic partial resection (OHPR, group 2), operative hysteroscopic complete resection (OHCR, group 3), and cervical dilatation and fractional curettage (D&C, group 4). The sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MRI to assess MI were 73.1%, 46.7%, 63.9%, 71.8%, and 48.3%, respectively. Three hysteroscopic procedures (groups 1 to 3) had a trend with a higher odds ratio of discrepancy between MRI and histopathology (p = 0.068), especially in group 2 (odds ratio 2.268, p = 0.032). Here, we found MRI accuracy of MI was better in patients with EC diagnosed with D&C. Three diagnostic procedures using hysteroscopy might interfere with the diagnostic power of MI on MRI.

A nomogram prediction model for lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer patients

Background

This study aimed to explore the risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) and develop a clinically useful nomogram based on clinicopathological parameters to predict it.

Methods

Clinical information of patients who underwent staging surgery for EC was abstracted from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 1st, 2005 to June 31st, 2019. Parameters including patient-related, tumor-related, and preoperative hematologic examination-related were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine the correlation with LNM. A nomogram based on the multivariate results was constructed and underwent internal and external validation to predict the probability of LNM.

Results

The overall data from the 1517 patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. 105(6.29%) patients had LNM. According the univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, LVSI is the most predictive factor for LNM, patients with positive LVSI had 13.156-fold increased risk for LNM (95%CI:6.834–25.324; P < 0.001). The nomogram was constructed and incorporated valuable parameters including histological type, histological grade, depth of myometrial invasion, LVSI, cervical involvement, parametrial involvement, and HGB levels from training set. The nomogram was cross-validated internally by the 1000 bootstrap sample and showed good discrimination accuracy. The c-index for internal and external validation of the nomogram are 0.916(95%CI:0.849–0.982) and 0.873(95%CI:0.776–0.970), respectively.

Conclusions

We developed and validated a 7-variable nomogram with a high concordance probability to predict the risk of LNM in patients with EC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08466-4.

Integration of functional imaging in brachytherapy

Functional imaging allows the evaluation of numerous biological properties that could be considered at all steps of the therapeutic management of patients treated with brachytherapy. Indeed, it enables better initial staging of the disease, and some parameters may also be used as predictive biomarkers for treatment response, allowing better selection of patients eligible for brachytherapy. It may also improve the definition of target volumes with the aim of dose escalations by dose-painting. Finally, it could be useful during the follow-up to assess response to treatment. In this review, we report how functional imaging is integrated at the present time during the brachytherapy procedure, and what are its potential future contributions in the main tumour locations where brachytherapy is recommended. Functional imaging has great potential in the contact of brachytherapy, but still, several issues remain to be resolved before integrating it into clinical practice, especially as a biomarker or in dose painting strategies.

The prognostic value of squamous differentiation in endometrioid type endometrial cancer: a matched analysis

We aimed to examine the effect of the squamous differentiation on survival outcomes of women with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed the patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma who underwent primary surgical treatment in a tertiary referral hospital. Sixty-nine patients having squamous differentiation constituted the case group. Each woman in the case group was matched with two patients in the control group based on age, disease stage, tumour grade, lymphovascular space invasion, tumour size, myometrial invasion, type of surgery and adjuvant therapy. During the follow-up, the recurrence rates were similar between the case (5/69, 7.2%) and control (10/138, 7.2%) groups (p = 1.0). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 90.2% for the case group and 88.6% for the control group (p = .51). The 5-year overall survival rate was 94.6% for the case group and 91.8% for the control group (p = .12). Squamous differentiation seems to have no impact on the prognosis of patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? A focus of squamous differentiation is recognised in 12.8-25% of women with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. The prognostic value of the squamous differentiation was evaluated in several previous studies. However, it could not be clarified due to the conflicting results of these studies.What do the results of this study add? The probable confounding effects of well-known prognostic factors including age at diagnosis, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics stage, tumour grade, lymphovascular space invasion, tumour size, myometrial invasion, type of surgery and adjuvant therapy were eliminated with the case-control study design in the current study. Our findings indicate that the presence of squamous differentiation does not have any prognostic effect in endometrioid type endometrial cancer.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The molecular prognosticators of endometrial cancer were extensively studied in recent years. It is likely that clinicopathological and molecular prognostic factors will be integrated for predicting prognosis as a part of routine clinical practice soon. In this context, the prognostic value of the squamous differentiation in endometrioid adenocarcinomas may further be clarified by larger and multicentric studies that utilise central pathology review.

Predictive value of the new ESGO-ESTRO-ESP endometrial cancer risk classification on survival and recurrence in the Danish population

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance of the new ESGO-ESTRO-ESP (European Society of Gynecological Oncology-European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology-European Society for Pathology) 2020 risk classification system with the previous 2016 risk classification in predicting survival and patterns of recurrence in the Danish endometrial cancer population.

METHODS

This Danish national cohort study included 4516 patients with endometrial cancer treated between 2005 and 2012. Five-year Kaplan-Meier adjusted and unadjusted survival estimates and actuarial recurrence rates were calculated for the previous and the new classification systems.

RESULTS

In the 2020 risk classification system, 81.0% of patients were allocated to low, intermediate, or high-intermediate risk compared with 69.1% in the 2016 risk classification system, mainly due to reclassification of 44.5% of patients previously classified as high risk to either intermediate or especially high-intermediate risk. The survival of the 2020 high-risk group was significantly lower, and the recurrence rate, especially the non-local recurrence rate, was significantly higher than in the 2016 high risk group (2020/2016, overall survival 59%/66%; disease specific 69%/76%; recurrence 40.5%/32.3%, non-local 34.5%/25.8%). Survival and recurrence rates in the other risk groups and the decline in overall and disease-specific survival rates from the low risk to the higher risk groups were similar in patients classified according to the 2016 and 2020 systems.

CONCLUSION

The new ESGO-ESTRO-ESP 2020 risk classification system allocated fewer patients to the high risk group than the previous risk classification system. The main differences were lower overall and disease-specific survival and a higher recurrence rate in the 2020 high risk group. The introduction of the new 2020 risk classification will potentially result in fewer patients at high risk and allocation to the new high risk group will predict lower survival, potentially allowing more specific selection for postoperative adjuvant therapy.

Adjuvant Therapy for High-risk Endometrial Carcinoma

About one-fifth of endometrial cancers are 'high risk', which carries a poorer prognosis. Management strategies to optimise their survival have been under investigation for many years. Despite recent advances, their overall survival remains relatively poor. The definition of high risk in endometrial cancers has been based on clinicopathological factors until recently, when molecular profiling has shown greater discrimination. There is, however, poor correlation between traditional clinicopathological factors and their molecular profile. This is the subject of ongoing trials to better individualise adjuvant post-hysterectomy treatment. The management of high-risk tumours is traditionally based on surgery followed by radiotherapy, despite no proven overall survival benefit in early stages. The place of chemotherapy remains under investigation, with recent trials showing benefit in more advanced stages. The Post Operative Radiation Therapy in Endometrial Carcinoma (PORTEC) and Gynecologic Oncology Group trials support the use of chemoradiation and chemotherapy for stage III and adverse histological subgroups. In addition, there is now early evidence of correlation between benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy based on molecular alterations in the tumour cells. In this review, we look at the current evidence on management strategies in the evolving era of molecular diagnosis and stratification.

Endometrial Carcinoma: Immune Microenvironment and Emerging Treatments in Immuno-Oncology

Endometrial cancer (EC) can easily be cured when diagnosed at an early stage. However, advanced and metastatic EC is a common disease, affecting more than 15,000 patients per year in the United Sates. Only limited treatment options were available until recently, with a taxane–platinum combination as the gold standard in first-line setting and no efficient second-line chemotherapy or hormone therapy. EC can be split into four molecular subtypes, including hypermutated cases with POLE mutations and 25–30% harboring a microsatellite instability (MSI) phenotype with mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). These tumors display a high load of frameshift mutations, leading to increased expression of neoantigens that can be targeted by the immune system, including (but not limited) to T-cell response. Recent data have demonstrated this impact of programmed death 1 and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors on chemo-resistant metastatic EC. The uncontrolled KEYNOTE-158 and GARNET trials have shown high response rates with pembrolizumab and dostarlimab in chemoresistant MSI-high tumors. Most responders experiment long responses that last more than one year. Similar, encouraging results were obtained for MMR proficient (MMRp) cases treated with a combination of pembrolizumab and the angiogenesis inhibitor lenvatinib. Approvals have, thus, been obtained or are underway for EC with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) used as monotherapy, and in combination with antiangiogenic agents. Combinations with other targeted therapies are under evaluation and randomized studies are ongoing to explore the impact of ICI-chemotherapy triplets in first-line setting. We summarize in this review the current knowledge of the immune environment of EC, both for MMRd and MMRp tumors. We also detail the main clinical data regarding PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and discuss the next steps of development for immunotherapy, including various ICI-based combinations planned to limit resistance to immunotherapy.

Impact of socio-economic deprivation on endometrial cancer survival in the North West of England: a prospective database analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of socio-economic deprivation on endometrial cancer survival.

DESIGN

Single-centre prospective database study.

SETTING

North West England.

POPULATION

Women with endometrial cancer treated between 2010 and 2015.

METHODS

Areal-level socio-economic status, using the English indices of multiple deprivation from residential postcodes, was analysed in relation to survival using Kaplan-Meier estimation and multivariable Cox regression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall survival, cancer-specific survival and patterns and rates of recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 539 women, with a median age of 66 years (interquartile range, IQR 56-73 years) and a body mass index (BMI) of 32 kg/m2 (IQR 26-39 kg/m2 ), were included in the analysis. Women in the most deprived social group were younger (median 64 years, IQR 55-72 years) and more obese (median 34 kg/m2 , IQR 28-42 kg/m2 ) than women in the least deprived group (median age 68 years, IQR 60-74 years; BMI 29 kg/m2 , IQR 25-36 kg/m2 ; P = 0.002 and <0.001, respectively). There were no differences in endometrial cancer type, stage or grade between social groups. There was no difference in recurrence rates, however, women in the middle and most deprived social groups were more likely to present with distant/metastatic recurrence (80.6 and 79.2%, respectively) than women in the least deprived group (43.5%, P < 0.001). Women in the middle and most deprived groups had a two-fold (adjusted hazard ratio, HR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.07-3.73, P = 0.030) and 53% (adjusted HR = 1.53, 95% CI 0.77-3.04, P = 0.221) increase in cancer-specific mortality compared with women in the least deprived group. There were no differences in overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that socio-economically deprived women with endometrial cancer were more likely to develop fatal recurrence. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify modifiable contributing factors.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Socio-economic deprivation is linked to an increased risk of death from endometrial cancer in the North West of England.

Modeling ANXA2-overexpressing circulating tumor cells homing and high throughput screening for metastasis impairment in endometrial carcinomas

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common neoplasm of the female reproductive tract in the developed world. Patients usually are diagnosed in early stage having a good prognosis. However, up to 20-25% of patients are diagnosed in advanced stages and have a higher risk of recurrence, making the prognosis worse. Previously studies identified ANXA2 as a predictor of recurrent disease in EC even in low risk patients. Furthermore, Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) released from the primary tumor into the bloodstream, are plasticity entities responsible of the process of metastasis, becoming into an attractive clinical target. In this work we validated ANXA2 expression in CTC from high-risk EC patients. After that, we modelled in vitro and in vivo the tumor cell attachment of ANXA2-expressing CTC to the endothelium and the homing for the generation of micrometastasis. ANXA2 overexpression does not provide an advantage in the adhesion process of CTC, but it could be playing an important role in more advanced steps, conferring a greater homing capacity. We also performed a high-throughput screening (HTS) for compounds specifically targeting ANXA2, and selected Daunorubicin as candidate hit. Finally, we validated Daunorubicin in a 3D transendothelial migration system and also in a in vivo model of advanced EC, demonstrating the ability of Daunorubicin to inhibit the proliferation of ANXA2-overexpressing tumor cells.

ESGO/ESTRO/ESP guidelines for the management of patients with endometrial carcinoma

A European consensus conference on endometrial carcinoma was held in 2014 to produce multidisciplinary evidence-based guidelines on selected questions. Given the large body of literature on the management of endometrial carcinoma published since 2014, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) jointly decided to update these evidence-based guidelines and to cover new topics in order to improve the quality of care for women with endometrial carcinoma across Europe and worldwide. ESGO/ESTRO/ESP nominated an international multidisciplinary development group consisting of practicing clinicians and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of endometrial carcinoma (27 experts across Europe). To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature published since 2014, identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgment was based on the professional experience and consensus of the development group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 191 independent international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives. The guidelines comprehensively cover endometrial carcinoma staging, definition of prognostic risk groups integrating molecular markers, pre- and intra-operative work-up, fertility preservation, management for early, advanced, metastatic, and recurrent disease and palliative treatment. Principles of radiotherapy and pathological evaluation are also defined.

Endometrial adenocarcinoma initially mistaken as urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE

The report aims to present a case of endometrial cancer with unusual initial presentation. A literature review is conducted to speculate symptoms presented by endometrial cancer other than vaginal bleeding.

CASE REPORT

A 43-year-old, para 1, lean female suffered from copious watery vaginal discharge that was odorless and colorless for 8 months without any signs of abnormal vaginal bleeding. Preliminary surveys in private clinics with per vaginal examination and Papanicolaou smear were normal. Urinary incontinence was mistakenly impressed. When the patient turned to our center for help as symptoms aggravated, transvaginal sonography revealed hydrometra with papillary endometrium lesions. Hysteroscopy survey with endometrial biopsy revealed endometrial adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

This is a case of endometrial cancer with unusual presentation. Transvaginal sonography and hysteroscopy are easy and sensitive screening tools that should be readily offered to patients with suspicious symptoms.

Maximizing sentinel node detection in endometrial cancer with dual cervical and transcervical fundal indocyanine green injection: 5-year single-center prospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe our latest results using dual cervical and fundal indocyanine green injection for detection of sentinel lymph node (SLN) in endometrial cancer.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted between 26 June 2014 and 31 December 2019 with 278 patients that underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer at our institution. In all cases, we performed SLN biopsy with dual cervical and fundal indocyanine green injection. All SLNs were processed with an ultrastaging technique. A total of 128 patients also underwent total pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy.

RESULTS

The detection rates were as follows: 93.5 % (260/278) overall for SLNs; 90.7 % (252/278) overall for pelvic SLNs; 68.0 % (189/278) for bilateral SLNs; 66.9 % (186/278) for paraaortic SLNs, and 2.9 % (8/278) for isolated paraaortic SLNs. We found macroscopic lymph node metastasis in 26 patients (10.0 %) and microdisease in lymph nodes in another 48 patients, raising the overall rate of lymph node involvement to 16.2 %. There was one false negative (negative SLN biopsy but positive lymphadenectomy). Applying the SLN algorithm, the sensitivity of detection was 97.9 % (95 % CI 89.1-99.6), specificity 100 % (95 % CI 98.2-100), negative predictive value 99.5 % (95 % CI 97.4-99.9), and positive predictive value 100 % (95 % CI 92.4-100).

CONCLUSIONS

Dual sentinel node injection is a feasible technique that achieves adequate detection rates. Additionally, this technique allows a high rate of aortic detection, identifying a non-negligible percentage of isolated aortic metastases. Aortic metastases in endometrial cancer are possible and we should not give up actively looking for them.

High expression of SIX1 is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in endometrial cancer

Objective: The overexpression of transcription factor Sine oculis homeobox 1 (SIX1) is discovered in various malignant tumors and has been known to be closely associated with tumorigenesis, progression and prognosis. This study aims to determine the role of SIX1 in endometrial cancer (EC). Methods: In this study, we analyzed the SIX1 expression profile and the correlation with the corresponding clinical characteristics of EC samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) databases. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to analyze the difference between tumor group and control group. The potential biological processes or signaling pathways related to SIX1 activity in EC was also assessed. Results: The results showed that SIX1 was overexpressed in EC tissues compared to normal tissues (P=2.029e-15, P=6.25e-6). The SIX1 level was correlated with tumor grade (P=2.91e-4), peritoneal cytology (P=0.005), and the subsequent tumor surgery (P=1.169e-4). SIX1 expression was negatively associated with overall survival rate (P=4.241e-4, P=0.000241) and served as an independent factor that affected EC overall survival rate (P=0.005063), similar to other factors such as age, Figo stage, and tumor (T) stage. SIX1 participates in cancer pathogenesis through gene regulation that involves PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling, mitotic spindle, G2M checkpoint, E2F targets, NOTCH signaling, glycolysis, cholesterol homeostasis, DNA repair and early estrogen response. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that SIX1 is overexpressed in EC and associated with adverse clinicopathological outcomes, which can function as an independent factor for EC prognosis.

Assessment of lymphovascular invasion in early stage endometrial carcinoma -a retrospective study

Introduction

Endometrial carcinoma is associated with several known prognostic factors. Recently, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has gained a prominent position in the risk assessment of early endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, in identifying patients who can benefit from adjuvant radiation therapy. This study aims to assess LVI in early-stage endometrioid endometrial carcinoma accurately with emphasis on its extent /grading. We also propose a few local recommendations for improving LVI reproducibility in endometrial carcinoma to guide future studies.

Methods

The duration of this retrospective study was 2 years. Early-stage I (Ia and Ib), and grade 1 and 2 endometrioid endometrial carcinomas were included. 03 reviewers independently recorded their findings on H&E stained slides. LVI was graded as none, focal and substantial. In discordant cases, immunohistochemical stain CD 31 was used.

All the data was entered in the statistical software SPSS version 26 and analyzed for frequencies. The relationships between various histological parameters assessed and the degree of reproducibility for LVI amongst various observers were also determined.

Results

Out of a total of 70 cases of endometrioid carcinoma diagnosed on hysterectomy specimen, only 32 met our inclusion criteria. The rate of LVI positivity was 6.3 %, 34.4 %, and 37.5 % respectively for reviewers 1, 2, and 3. The degree of reproducibility in LVI assessment and LVI grading was significant amongst reviewers 2 and 3. Also, a significant association was drawn between tumor grade and LVI.

Conclusion

Despite limitations in our study we recommend including both LVI assessment and grading in routine reporting formats locally. By adding a second reviewer in LVI assessment and using CD31 in discrepant cases LVI positivity can be significantly increased.

Altered Profile of E1-S Transporters in Endometrial Cancer: Lower Protein Levels of ABCG2 and OSTβ and Up-Regulation of SLCO1B3 Expression

Endometrial cancer (EC) is associated with increased estrogen actions. Locally, estrogens can be formed from estrone-sulphate (E1-S) after cellular uptake by organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATP) or organic anion transporters (OAT). Efflux of E1-S is enabled by ATP Binding Cassette transporters (ABC) and organic solute transporter (OST)αβ. Currently, 19 E1-S transporters are known but their roles in EC are not yet understood. Here, we analysed levels of E1-S transporters in Ishikawa (premenopausal EC), HEC-1-A (postmenopausal EC), HIEEC (control) cell lines, in EC tissue, examined metabolism of steroid precursor E1-S, studied effects of OATPs' inhibition and gene-silencing on E1-S uptake, and assessed associations between transporters and histopathological data. Results revealed enhanced E1-S metabolism in HEC-1-A versus Ishikawa which could be explained by higher levels of OATPs in HEC-1-A versus Ishikawa, especially 6.3-fold up-regulation of OATP1B3 (SLCO1B3), as also confirmed by immunocytochemical staining and gene silencing studies, lower ABCG2 expression and higher levels of sulfatase (STS). In EC versus adjacent control tissue the highest differences were seen for ABCG2 and SLC51B (OSTβ) which were 3.0-fold and 2.1-fold down-regulated, respectively. Immunohistochemistry confirmed lower levels of these two transporters in EC versus adjacent control tissue. Further analysis of histopathological data indicated that SLCO1B3 might be important for uptake of E1-S in tumours without lymphovascular invasion where it was 15.6-fold up-regulated as compared to adjacent control tissue. Our results clearly indicate the importance of E1-S transporters in EC pathophysiology and provide a base for further studies towards development of targeted treatment.

Concordance between preoperative ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO risk classification and final histology in early-stage endometrial cancer

Objective

To evaluate the concordance between preoperative European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)-European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO)-European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) risk classification in early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) assessed by biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with this classification based on histology of surgical specimen.

Methods

This bicentric retrospective study included women diagnosed with early-stage EC (≤stage II) who had a complete preoperative assessment and underwent a surgical management from January 2011 to December 2018. Patients were preoperatively classified into 3 degrees of risk of lymph node (LN) involvement based on biopsy and MRI. Based on final histological report, patients were re-classified using the preoperative classification. Concordance between the preoperative assessment and definitive histology was calculated with weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient.

Results

A total of 333 women were included and kappa coefficient of preoperative risk classification was 0.49. The risk was underestimated and overestimated in 37% and 10% of cases, respectively. Twenty-nine percent of patients had an incomplete LN staging according to the degree of risk of re-classification. The observed discordance in the risk classification was attributed to MRI in 75% of cases, to biopsy in 18% and in 7% to both (p<0.001). Kappa coefficient for concordance was 0.25 for MRI and 0.73 for biopsy.

Conclusion

Concordance between preoperative ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO risk classification and final histology is weak. Given that the risk was underestimated in the majority of patients wrongly classified, sentinel LN procedure instead of no LN dissection could be an option offered to preoperative low-risk patients to decrease the indication of second surgery for re-staging and/or to avoid toxicity of adjuvant radiotherapy.

Paucity of data evaluating patient centred outcomes following sentinel lymph node dissection in endometrial cancer: A systematic review

•

SLND has potentially favourable patient-centred outcomes over systematic LND.

•

High-quality evidence comparing SLND with other methods of staging is lacking.

•

SLND was associated with shorter operating times and lower estimated blood loss.

•

Intraoperative and postoperative complications were not conclusively different.

Sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) is presently used by the majority of gynaecologic oncologists for surgical staging of endometrial cancer. SLND assimilated into routine surgical practice because it increases precision of surgical staging and may reduce morbidity compared to a full, systematic LND. Previous research focussed on the accuracy of SLND. Patient centred outcomes have never been conclusively demonstrated. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate patient centred outcomes of SLND for endometrial cancer patients. Literature published in the last five years (January 2015 to April 2020) was retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library, across five domains: (1) perioperative outcomes; (2) adjuvant treatment; (3) patient-reported outcomes (PROs); (4) lymphedema, and (5) cost. Covidence software ascertained a standardised and monitored review process. We identified 21 eligible studies. Included studies were highly heterogeneous, with widely varying outcome measures and reporting. SLND was associated with shorter operating times and lower estimated blood loss compared to systematic LND, but intra-operative and post-operative complications were not conclusively different. There was either no impact, or a trend towards less adjuvant treatment used in patients with SLND compared to systematic LND. SLND had lower prevalence rates of lymphedema compared to systematic LND, although this was shown only in three retrospective studies. Costs of surgical staging were lowest for no node sampling, followed by SLND, then LND. PROs were unable to be compared because of a lack of studies. The quality of evidence on patient-centred outcomes associated with SLND for surgical staging of endometrial cancer is poor, particularly in PROs, lymphedema and cost. The available studies were vulnerable to bias and confounding.

Registration of Systematic Review: PROSPERO (CRD42020180339)

Sentinel lymph node detection in endometrial cancer with indocyanine green: laparoscopic versus robotic approach

BACKGROUND

The aims of the present study were to assess bilateral sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping with laparoscopic versus robotic approach, to assess variables affecting bilateral detection rates and to assess survival difference in patients with no/unilateral, compared to bilateral SLN detection.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, single-centre, observational cohort study, including patients with endometrial cancer FIGO stage IA-IVB, treated with minimally invasive primary surgery and undergoing indocyanine green (ICG) injection to detect SLN, between January 2015 and December 2019.

RESULTS

Of the 549 included patients, 286 (52.1%) and 263 (47.9%) underwent the laparoscopic and robotic approach respectively. 387 (70.5%) patients had bilateral SLN mapping, 102 (18.6%) and 60 (10.9%) had unilateral and no mapping, respectively. Patients who underwent the robotic approach were older (median 61 versus 64 years, p=0.046) and had a higher BMI (median 26.0 versus 34.8 kg/m2, p<0.001). No difference in any SLN mapping or in SLN bilateral detection was evident between the laparoscopic or robotic approach (p=0.892 and p=0.507 respectively). Patients with bilateral SLN detection in the entire cohort were younger (p<0.001) and had a better 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) compared to patients with no/unilateral SLN mapping (77.0% versus 66.3%, respectively, p=0.036). No 3-year overall survival (OS) difference was reported (p=0.491).

CONCLUSION

SLN mapping and bilateral SLN detection with ICG in endometrial cancer was not different in the laparoscopic and robotic approach, even though patients undergoing the robotic approach were older and more obese. Bilateral SLN detection was associated with improved 3-year DFS, but not with 3-year OS, compared to no and unilateral SLN detection.

ESGO/ESTRO/ESP Guidelines for the management of patients with endometrial carcinoma

A European consensus conference on endometrial carcinoma was held in 2014 to produce multidisciplinary evidence-based guidelines on selected questions. Given the large body of literature on the management of endometrial carcinoma published since 2014, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) jointly decided to update these evidence-based guidelines and to cover new topics in order to improve the quality of care for women with endometrial carcinoma across Europe and worldwide. ESGO/ESTRO/ESP nominated an international multidisciplinary development group consisting of practicing clinicians and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of endometrial carcinoma (27 experts across Europe). To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature published since 2014, identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgment was based on the professional experience and consensus of the development group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 191 independent international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives. The guidelines comprehensively cover endometrial carcinoma staging, definition of prognostic risk groups integrating molecular markers, pre- and intra-operative work-up, fertility preservation, management for early, advanced, metastatic, and recurrent disease and palliative treatment. Principles of radiotherapy and pathological evaluation are also defined.

The TCGA Molecular Classification of Endometrial Cancer and Its Possible Impact on Adjuvant Treatment Decisions

Simple Summary

The Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) is a recently developed tool to identify four distinct molecular subgroups of endometrial cancer. Patients identified as Polymerase Epsilon exonuclease domain mutated (POLE EDM) or p53-mutated have significantly altered prognosis compared to patients allocated to the mismatch repair deficient (MMRd) or p53 wt groups. The aim of this review is to give a broad overview over the initial development and refinement of the classifier as well as possible effects on the recommended adjuvant treatment. We have summarized the clinical data of 8 studies including 3650 endometrial cancer patients and analyzed the distribution of tumor stage and adjuvant treatment received in respect to the molecular subgroups. Based on the findings of the summarized studies treatment de-escalation might be feasible for POLE EDM patients while p53 abn patients should receive adjuvant (chemo-)radiotherapy.

Abstract

Adjuvant treatment decisions for endometrial cancer (EC) are based on stage, the histological grade of differentiation, histological subtype, and few histopathological markers. The Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) identified four risk groups of EC patients using a combination of immunohistochemistry and mutation analysis: Polymerase Epsilon exonuclease domain mutated (POLE EDM), mismatch repair deficient (MMRd), p53 wild-type/copy-number-low (p53 wt), and p53-mutated/copy-number-high (p53 abn). Patients allocated to the POLE or abnormal p53 expression subtype are faced with a significantly altered outcome possibly requiring a modified adjuvant treatment decision. Within this review, we summarize the development of ProMisE, characterize the four molecular subtypes, and finally discuss its value in terms of a patient-tailored therapy in order to prevent significant under or overtreatment.

Paraaortic sentinel lymph node detection in intermediate and high-risk endometrial cancer by transvaginal ultrasound-guided myometrial injection of radiotracer (TUMIR)

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping with transvaginal ultrasound-guided myometrial injection of radiotracer (TUMIR) to detect lymph node (LN) metastases, in patients with intermediate and high-risk endometrial cancer (EC), focusing on its performance to detect paraaortic involvement.

Methods

Prospective study including women with preoperative intermediate or high-risk EC, according to ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO consensus, who underwent SLN mapping using the TUMIR approach. SLNs were preoperatively localized by planar and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography images, and intraoperatively by gamma-probe. Immediately after SLN excision, all women underwent systematic pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy by laparoscopy.

Results

The study included 102 patients. The intraoperative SLN detection rate was 79.4% (81/102). Pelvic and paraaortic drainage was observed in 92.6% (75/81) and 45.7% (37/81) women, respectively, being exclusively paraaortic in 7.4% (6/81). After systematic lymphadenectomy, LN metastases were identified in 19.6% (20/102) patients, with 45.0% (9/20) showing paraaortic involvement, which was exclusive in 15.0% (3/20). The overall sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of SLNs by the TUMIR approach to detect lymphatic involvement were 87.5% and 97.0%, respectively; and 83.3% and 96.9%, for paraaortic metastases. After applying the MSKCC SLN mapping algorithm, the sensitivity and NPV were 93.8% and 98.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

The TUMIR method provides valuable information of endometrial drainage in patients at higher risk of paraaortic LN involvement. The TUMIR approach showed a detection rate of paraaortic SLNs greater than 45% and a high sensitivity and NPV for paraaortic metastases in women with intermediate and high-risk EC.

[What's new in the management of endometrial cancer? Update on the new European recommendations for 2021]

The new European guidelines for the management of patients with endometrial cancer were published in early 2021. These recommendations are joint to the three European Learned Societies of Gynecologic Oncology (ESGO), Radiation Therapy and Oncology (ESTRO) and Anatomical Pathology (ESP). On behalf of the French Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SFOG), we wish to bring to the knowledge of the French-speaking readership the main measures for the management of patients which represent an advance compared to the 2016 recommendations. The new European recommendations for the management of patients with endometrial cancer emphasize the generalization of micro-satellite instability (MSI) or immunohistochemical analysis of MMR system proteins for all patients. Also, the classification into 4 prognostic risk groups integrates data from molecular analysis (p53, MSI, POLE) to guide initial surgical management as well as adjuvant treatment modalities. The indocyanine green sentinel node procedure has also become the reference technique for FIGO I and II lymph node staging regardless of histological type. It should be remembered that management should be provided in a specialized institution by a team specialized in the management of gynecological cancers, particularly for high-risk and/or advanced cancer patients.

Modern day screening for Lynch syndrome in endometrial cancer: the KEM experience

PURPOSE

Current guidelines for Lynch syndrome detection in endometrial cancer (EC) patients rely either on risk evaluation, based on personal/family history, or detection of mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency on tumor tissue. We present a combined screening algorithm for Lynch syndrome.

METHODS

In this study, 213 consecutive patients treated for EC at Kliniken Essen-Mitte between 2014 and 2018 were included. Personal/family history was evaluated by the Amsterdam II, revised Bethesda/German-DKG criteria and prediction model PREMM₅. MMR testing was performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based microsatellite analysis on tumor tissue. MLH1 promoter methylation analysis was performed in case of MLH1 loss or microsatellite instability.

RESULTS

Based on personal/family history 2/213 (Amsterdam II), 31/213 (revised Bethesda/German-DKG) and 149/213 (PREMM₅) patients were identified as at risk for Lynch syndrome. MMR analysis was performed by IHC in 51.2%, by PCR in 32.4%, and in 16.4% of patients both methods were used. MMR deficiency was detected in 20.6% (44/213). Methylation analysis was performed in 27 patients of whom, 22 (81.4%) showed MLH1 promoter hypermethylation. Only 9% of MMR deficient patients were identified as at risk for Lynch syndrome by the revised Bethesda/German-DKG criteria. A pathogenic germline mutation was discovered in 3 out of 20 patients that underwent genetic testing. None of these patients were younger than 50 years or had a family history of Lynch syndrome-associated malignancies.

CONCLUSION

General MMR assessment is a feasible strategy to improve the detection of Lynch Syndrome in patients with EC.

A Lymph Node Count-Based AJCC Staging System Facilitates a More Accurate Prediction of the Prognosis of Patients With Endometrial Cancer

Purpose

Both the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for endometrial cancer (EC) defined the N category by the location of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) rather than the metastatic LN count. We aimed to compare the accuracy of the AJCC staging system and the LN count-based staging system.

Patients and Methods

EC patients were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2016. Patients' characteristics were collected, including age, race, marital status, histological type, grade, therapeutic measures, the number of metastatic LNs, the number of dissected LNs, vital status, and survival in months. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method and the concordance index (C-index) was used to compare the prognostic value of the AJCC staging system and the LN count-based staging system.

Results

We identified 4,276 EC cases from the SEER database, including 2,693 patients with stage IIIC1 and 1,583 patients with stage IIIC2. Multivariate analyses showed that independent prognostic factors for patients with stage IIIC1 included age, race, marital status, grade, histology, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Independent prognostic factors for patients with stage IIIC2 included age, marital status, grade, histology, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The C-index of the AJCC staging system and the LN count-based staging system were 0.483 and 0.617, respectively. At least six LNs should be dissected to ensure the accuracy of the LN count-based staging system.

Conclusion

A modified AJCC staging system based on the count of metastatic LNs might be superior to the current AJCC staging system, which still had room for improvement and further refinements were required. For accurate staging, we recommended that at least six LNs should be examined in the modified AJCC staging system.

Identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers in endometrial cancer using targeted metabolomic profiling

PURPOSE

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy with high disease burden especially in advanced stages of the disease. Our study investigated the metabolomic profile of EC patient's serum with the aim of identifying novel diagnostic biomarkers that could be used especially in early disease detection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using targeted metabolomic serum profiling based on HPLC-TQ/MS, women with EC (n ​= ​15) and controls (n ​= ​21) were examined for 232 endogenous metabolites.

RESULTS

Top performing biomarkers included ceramides, acylcarnitines and 1-methyl adenosine. Top 4 biomarkers combined achieved 94% sensitivity with 75% specificity with AUC 92.5% (CI 90.5-94.5%). Individual markers also provided significant predictive values: C16-ceramide achieved sensitivity 73%, specificity 81%, AUC 0.83, C22-ceramide sensitivity 67%, specificity 81%, AUC 0.77, hydroxyhexadecenoylcarnitine sensitivity 60%, specificity 96%, AUC 0.76 and 1-methyladenosine sensitivity 67%, specificity 81%, AUC 0.75. The individual markers, however, did not reach the high sensitivity and specificity of the 4-biomarker combination.

CONCLUSIONS

Using mass spectrometry targeted metabolomic profiling, ceramides, acylcarnitines and 1-methyladenosine were identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers for EC. Additionally, these identified metabolites may provide additional insight into cancer cell metabolism.

Recurrence risk factors in stage IA grade 1 endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVES

Patients with early-stage endometrial cancers (EC) with disease recurrences have worse survival outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical and pathologic factors that predict for all recurrences in stage IA grade 1 (IAG1) EC.

METHODS

Records from patients diagnosed with EC were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline characteristics of 222 patients with IAG1 EC who underwent surgical resection were analyzed. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to identify univariate and multivariate risk factors that predict for recurrence.

RESULTS

Seventeen (7.65%) patients had recurrences. The 3-year cumulative incidence of recurrence were significantly higher for patients with time from biopsy to surgery ≥6 months (54% vs. 8%, p=0.003), simple hysterectomy with ovarian preservation vs. total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (31% vs. 9%, p=0.032), any myometrial invasion vs. no invasion (18% vs. 2%, p=0.004), and tumor size ≥2 cm (15% vs. 2%, p=0.021). On, multivariate analysis, any myometrial invasion, increasing time from biopsy to surgery, and larger tumor size were independent predictors of any recurrence. Patients with recurrences had worse outcomes than those without (5-year overall survival [OS]=60%; 95% confidence interval [CI]=16%-86% vs. 5-year OS=95%; 95% CI=87%-99%, respectively, p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Time from biopsy to surgery, larger tumors, and myometrial invasion are the most important predictors of recurrence. Though the recurrence rates are generally low in IAG1 EC, the survival rate for the patients with recurrences was worse than those without. Identification of additional recurrence risk factors can help select patients who may benefit from adjuvant treatment.

What is the predictive value of preoperative CA 125 level on the survival rate of type 1 endometrial cancer?

Background/aim

To investigate the utility of preoperative serum cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) levels in type 1 endometrial carcinoma (EC) as a marker for determining poor prognostic factors and survival.

Material and methods

All patients with endometrial cancer, who had been treated between 2012 and 2020, were retrospectively reviewed, and finally, 256 patients with type 1 endometrium carcinoma were included in the study. The relationship between the clinicopathological characteristics, CA 125 level, and survival rates were analyzed. The cut-off value for the preoperative serum CA 125 level was defined as 16 IU/L.

Results

The median serum CA 125 levels were significantly higher in patients with deep myometrial invasion, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular space invasion, cervical stromal and adnexal involvement, advanced stage, positive peritoneal cytology, recurrence, and adjuvant therapy requirement. Serum CA 125 cut-off values determined according to clinicopathologic factors ranged from 15.3 to 22.9 IU/L (sensitivity 61%–77%, specificity 52%–73%). The disease-specific survival rate was significantly higher in patients with CA 125 levels < 16 IU/L (P = 0.047).

Conclusion

The data showed that choosing a lower threshold value for the CA 125 level (16 IU/L) instead of 35 IU/L, could be more useful in type 1 EC patients with negative prognostic factors.

PD-L1 Expression Is an Independent Marker for Lymph Node Metastasis in Middle Eastern Endometrial Cancer

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in endometrial cancer (EC) tumor cells have been reported in several studies with inconsistent results. Furthermore, there is scarcity of data on the prevalence and prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in EC from Middle Eastern ethnicity. We aimed to assess PD-L1 expression in a large cohort of Middle Eastern EC and to correlate this with clinico-pathological factors, as well as mismatch repair (MMR) protein status and patients’ outcome. PD-L1 expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray in an unselected cohort of 440 EC. Kaplan–Meier and logistic regression analysis were used to compare the outcome and prognostic factors. PD-L1 expression in tumor tissue was detected in 18.9% (83/440) EC cases with no impact on survival. When stratified for MMR protein status, PD-L1 expression was similar for both MMR deficient and MMR proficient ECs. However, the expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells was significantly associated with type II (non-endometrioid) histology (p = 0.0005) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0172). Multivariate analysis showed PD-L1 expression to be an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis (odds ratio: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.26–6.84; p = 0.0123). In conclusion, PD-L1 was strongly associated with non-endometrioid EC and was an independent prognostic marker of lymph node metastasis.

Accuracy of intra-operative frozen section in guiding surgical staging of endometrial cancer

PURPOSE

Surgery consists the main treatment of endometrial cancer; however, decision of lypmhadenectomy is controversial. Intra-operative frozen section (FS) is commonly used in guiding surgical staging; nevertheless, there are different reports regarding its adequacy and reliability. Aim of this study is to assess accuracy of FS in predicting paraffin section (PS) results in patients with endometrium cancer.

METHODS

Data of 223 cases, who were operated for endometrial cancer at a tertiary hospital in 2012-2019, were analyzed retrospectively. Histological type, grade, tumor diameter, depth of myometrial invasion, and cervical and adnexal involvement in frozen and paraffin section were evaluated. Positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of frozen results in predicting paraffin results for each parameter was assessed. Statistical significance was taken as 0.05 in all tests.

RESULTS

Accuracy of FS in predicting PS results were 76.23% for histology, 75.45% for grade, 85.31% for depth of myometrial invasion, and 95.45% for tumor diameter. Surgery, based on FS results, caused undertreatment in 4 patients, while metastatic lymph node ratios were found in only 35.3-50.0% of cases who had high risk parameters at FS.

CONCLUSION

Our FS results have reasonable accuracy rates in predicting PS results, in comparison with the previous literature. However, even if the high risk parameters detected in FS predict PS accurately, absence of lymph node involvement in all cases with high risk parameters indicates that FS-based triage cannot prevent unnecessary lymphadenectomies.

Adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer with >50% myometrial invasion and negative lymph nodes

OBJECTIVE

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy as an addition or alternative to radiotherapy for early-stage high-risk endometrioid endometrial cancer is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage high-risk endometrioid endometrial cancer.

METHODS

We identified patients with stage I or II endometrioid grade 2 or 3 endometrial cancer with myometrial invasion >50% and negative lymph nodes after pelvic with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy at four institutions (USA and Italy). Associations between chemotherapy and cause-specific and recurrence-free survival were assessed with Cox proportional hazards models. Hematogenous, peritoneal, and lymphatic recurrences were defined as 'non-vaginal'.

RESULTS

We identified 329 patients of mean (SD) age 66.4 (9.8) years. The median follow-up among those alive was 84 (IQR 44-133) months. The 5-year cause-specific survival was 86.1% (95% CI 82.0% to 90.4%) and the 5-year recurrence-free survival was 82.2% (95% CI 77.9% to 86.8%). Stage II (vs stage IB) was associated with poorer cause-specific and recurrence-free survival. A total of 58 (90.6%) of 64 patients who had chemotherapy had 4-6 cycles of platinum-based regimen. In adjusted analysis, we did not observe a statistically significant improvement in cause-specific survival (HR 0.34; 95% CI 0.11 to 1.03; p=0.06) or non-vaginal recurrence-free survival (HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.12 to 1.08; p=0.07) with adjuvant chemotherapy. Sixteen of 18 lymphatic recurrences (88.9%; 3/5 pelvic, all 13 para-aortic) were observed in the 265 patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Among stage II patients, no deaths (100% 5-year recurrence-free survival) were observed in the eight patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy compared with 66% 5-year recurrence-free survival in the 34 patients who did not.

CONCLUSION

Although we observed that adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved oncologic outcomes in early-stage high-risk endometrioid endometrial cancer, the associations did not meet conventional levels of statistical significance. Further research is warranted in this relatively uncommon subgroup of patients.

Tie-2, G-CSF, and Leptin as Promising Diagnostic Biomarkers for Endometrial Cancer: A Pilot Study

Preoperative determination of the extent of endometrial cancer (EC) would avoid the complications associated with radical surgery. Screening of patients' plasma biomarkers might enable a more precise diagnosis of EC and a tailored treatment approach. This prospective case-control monocentric pilot study included 76 postmenopausal women (38 endometrioid EC patients and 38 control patients with benign gynecological conditions), and 37 angiogenic factors (AFs) were investigated as potential biomarkers for EC. AF concentrations in preoperative plasma samples were measured using Luminex xMAP™ multiplexing technology. The plasma levels of sTie-2 and G-CSF were significantly lower in EC compared to control patients, whereas the plasma levels of leptin were significantly higher in EC patients. Neuropilin-1 plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with type 2 EC (grade 3) compared to patients with lower grade cancer or controls. Follistatin levels were significantly higher in patients with lymphovascular invasion, and IL-8 plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with metastases. If validated, the plasma concentrations of the indicated AFs could represent an important additional diagnostic tool for the early detection and characterization of EC. This could guide the decision-making on the extent of surgery. Further studies with larger patient numbers are currently ongoing.

Is there a benefit of performing an omentectomy for clinical stage I high-grade endometrial carcinoma?

OBJECTIVES

Routine omentectomy is generally not performed in patients with endometrial cancer unless there is evidence of gross omental metastases. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of omentectomy in the staging of clinical stage I high-grade endometrial carcinoma and its impact on overall survival.

METHODS

Patients in the National Cancer Database who presented between 2010 and 2015 with clinical stage I serous, clear cell, carcinosarcoma, or grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma and underwent hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy were selected. Patients who did and did not receive an omentectomy were identified and clinico-pathological characteristics were compared. Overall survival was evaluated for patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 who had at least one month of follow-up following generation of Kaplan-Meier curves and comparison with the log-rank test. A Cox model was constructed to control for confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 9097 patients were identified, and 36.3% underwent an omentectomy. Patients who underwent omentectomy were more likely to be managed in academic institutions (50% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). They were also more likely to have an open surgery (48.2% vs. 27.2%, p < 0.001) and receive adjuvant chemotherapy (54.7% vs. 38.2%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in overall survival between patients who did and did not undergo omentectomy, p = 0.61; the 3-year OS rates were 82.3% and 82.2%, respectively. After controlling for confounders, the performance of an omentectomy was not associated with better survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.94, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.84, 1.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine omentectomy may not be associated with a survival benefit for patients with clinical stage I high-grade endometrial carcinoma.

Long-term quality of life and sexual function of elderly people with endometrial or ovarian cancer

Background

With the growing number of older endometrial cancer (EC) and ovarian cancer (OC) survivors, data on long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) became an important issue in the management of older patients. So, the aim of this study was to describe and compare according to age long-term HRQoL, sexual function, and social deprivation of adults with either EC or OC.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was set up using data from the Côte d’Or gynecological cancer registry. A series of questionnaires assessing HRQoL (SF-12), sexual function (FSFI), anxiety/depression (HADS), social support (SSQ6) and deprivation (EPICES) were offered to women with EC or OC diagnosed between 2006 and 2013. HRQoL, sexual function, anxiety/depression, social support and deprivation scores were generated and compared according to age (< 70 years and ≥ 70 years).

Results

A total of 145 women with EC (N = 103) and OC (N = 42) participated in this study. Fifty-six percent and 38% of EC and OC survivors respectively were aged 70 and over. Treatment did not differ according to age either in OC or EC. The deprivation level did not differ between older and younger survivors with OC while older survivors with EC were more precarious. The physical HRQoL was more altered in older EC survivors. This deterioration concerned only physical functioning (MD = 24, p = 0.012) for OC survivors while it concerned physical functioning (MD = 30, p < 0.0001), role physical (MD = 22, p = 0.001) and bodily pain (MD = 21, p = 0.001) for EC survivors. Global health (MD = 11, p = 0.011) and role emotional (MD = 12, p = 0.018) were also deteriorated in elderly EC survivors. Sexual function was deteriorated regardless of age and cancer location with a more pronounced deterioration in elderly EC survivors for desire (p = 0.005), arousal (p = 0.015) and orgasm (p = 0.007). Social support, anxiety and depression were not affected by age regardless of location.

Conclusion

An average 6 years after diagnosis, the impact of cancer on HRQoL is greatest in elderly survivors with either EC or OC.

PET Parameters are Useful in Predicting Endometrial Cancer Risk Classes and Prognosis

AIM

 We investigate the role of preoperative PET parameters to determine risk classes and prognosis of endometrial cancer (EC).

METHODS

 We enrolled 81 patients with EC who underwent preoperative F-18 FDG PET/CT. PET parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, TLG), grade, histology and size of the primary tumor, stage of the disease, the degree of myometrial invasion (MI), and the presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), cervical invasion (CI), distant metastasis (DM) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) were recorded. The relationship between PET parameters, clinicopathological risk factors and overall survival (OS) was evaluated.

RESULTS

 The present study included 81 patients with EC (mean age 60). Of the total sample, 21 patients were considered low risk (endometrioid histology, stage 1A, grade 1 or 2, tumor diameter < 4 cm, and LVI negative) and 60 were deemed high risk. All of the PET parameters were higher in the presence of a high-risk state, greater tumor size, deep MI, LVI and stage 1B-4B. MTV and TLG values were higher in the patients with non-endometrioid histology, CI, grade 3 and LNM. The optimum cut-off levels for differentiating between the high and low risk patients were: 11.1 for SUVmax (AUC = 0.757), 6 for SUVmean (AUC = 0.750), 6.6 for MTV(AUC = 0.838) and 56.2 for TLG(AUC = 0.835). MTV and TLG values were found as independent prognostic factors for OS, whereas SUVmax and SUVmean values were not predictive.

CONCLUSIONS

 The PET parameters are useful in noninvasively differentiating between risk groups of EC. Furthermore, volumetric PET parameters can be predictive for OS of EC.

Feasibility of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging in distinguishing adenocarcinoma originated from uterine corpus or cervix

PURPOSE

To prospectively assess the incremental value of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) DWI in determining whether the adenocarcinoma originated from the uterine corpus or cervix.

METHODS

Eighty consecutive uterine adenocarcinomas from the cervix or endometrium confirmed by histopathology underwent IVIM DWI acquisition on a 3.0T MR scanner before treatment. Five morphologic features were analyzed using Fisher exact test; IVIM DWI-derived parameters, including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true coefficient diffusivity (D), perfusion-related diffusivity (D^*), and perfusion fraction (f) were compared using two-sample independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop different diagnosis model. The ROCs of these variables and diagnostic models were compared to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency.

RESULTS

Among single morphologic features, tumor location yielded the highest AUC of 0.891 in distinguishing endometrial adenocarcinoma (EAC) from cervical adenocarcinoma (CAC). Among single IVIM DWI-derived parameters, f values showed the best diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.837) at the optimal cut-off value of 0.261. Additionally, the combined diagnostic model, which consisted of tumor location, ADC and f showed the largest AUC of 0.967 with the highest sensitivity of 88.14%, highest specificity of 100.00%, and highest accuracy of 91.25%.

CONCLUSION

IVIM DWI-derived parameters add additional diagnostic value to conventional morphologic features. A combined diagnosis model is a promising imaging tool for predicting the origin of uterine adenocarcinoma, further contributing to therapeutic decision-making.