L1CAM further stratifies endometrial carcinoma patients with no specific molecular risk profile

How Can "No Specific Molecular Profile" Heterogeneity be Reduced in Molecularly Classified Endometrial Cancer?: Prognostic Significance of L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule

This study aims to investigate the role of L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) in the prognostic assessment of endometrial cancers that have been depicted as having no specific molecular profile (NSMP) in molecular classification. This is a retrospective review of 150 patients who received the diagnosis of endometrial cancer and underwent surgery at the study center between January 2008 and January 2022. When evaluating L1CAM immunohistochemical staining, scoring was done according to the percentage of positivity in tumor cells. Accordingly, score 0 = 0%, score 1=1% to 10%, score 2 = >10% to 50% and score 3 = >50%. If the staining in tumor cells was ≥10% (scores 2 and 3), it was considered positive. The patients with L1CAM positivity had significantly more frequent lymphovascular space invasion and lymph node metastasis than patients with L1CAM negativity (P = 0.013 and P = 0.007). L1CAM expression was strongly associated with mutant p53 (P = 0.003). Recurrence was significantly higher (P = 0.001) and overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly lower in patients with L1CAM positivity (P = 0.001 for both). Seventy-nine patients (52.7%) were put into NSMP group. About 84.8% of them (n = 67) were L1CAM negative and 15.2% of them (n = 12) were L1CAM-positive. Recurrence was significantly higher (P = 0.001) and overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly lower in patients with NSMP who were positive for L1CAM (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively). This study demonstrates that L1CAM expression status may add prognostic information to endometrial cancer, particularly in the NSMP subgroup. Considering the prognostic importance of L1CAM, its use as a marker may make significant contributions to reducing prognostic heterogeneity, especially in the NSMP subgroup.

The impact of estrogen receptor and L1 cell adhesion molecule expression on endometrial cancer outcome correlates with clinicopathological risk group and molecular subgroup

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk stratification of clinicopathologically and molecularly classified endometrial cancer based on estrogen receptor (ER) and L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) expression.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent primary treatment at a single tertiary center. Carcinomas were classified into 5 clinicopathological risk groups, as per European guidelines. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase-ϵ sequencing were conducted for molecular classification and determination of ER and L1CAM expression.

RESULTS

Data from 1044 patients were analyzed. The median follow-up was 67.5 months. In univariable analyses, ER expression correlated with improved disease-specific survival (DSS) in the "no specific molecular profile" (NSMP) (P < 0.001) and mismatch repair deficient (MMRd) (P = 0.002) subgroups. Negative L1CAM expression was associated with enhanced DSS in the NSMP subgroup alone (P < 0.001). ER (hazard ratio [HR] 0.18), but not L1CAM, exhibited prognostic significance within NSMP when controlling for parameters available at the time of diagnosis (tumor histotype, grade, age). ER and L1CAM were not independently associated with DSS within NSMP when controlling for parameters available after surgery (clinicopathological risk groups, age, adjuvant therapy). However, in high-risk-advanced-metastatic cases, both ER (HR 0.26) and L1CAM (HR 3.9) independently correlated with DSS. Similarly, within MMRd, ER was associated with improved DSS in high-risk-advanced-metastatic carcinomas (HR 0.42).

CONCLUSION

The prognostic significance of ER and L1CAM varies across clinicopathological risk groups and molecular subgroups of endometrial cancer. Notably, risk assessment for high-risk-advanced-metastatic NSMP and MMRd subtype carcinomas can be refined by ER status.

Unsolved Issues in the Integrated Histo-Molecular Classification of Endometrial Carcinoma and Therapeutic Implications

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most frequent gynecological cancer, with an increasing incidence and mortality in recent times. The last decade has represented a true revolution with the development of the integrated histo-molecular classification of EC, which allows for the stratification of patients with morphologically indistinguishable disease into groups with different prognoses. Particularly, the POLE-mutated subgroup exhibits outstanding survival. Nevertheless, the indiscriminate application of molecular classification appears premature. Its prognostic significance has been proven mainly in endometrioid EC, the most common histotype, but it has yet to be convincingly confirmed in the other minor histotypes, which indeed account for a relevant proportion of EC mortality. Moreover, its daily use both requires a mindful pathologist who is able to correctly evaluate and unambiguously report immunohistochemical staining used as a surrogated diagnostic tool and is hampered by the unavailability of POLE mutation analysis. Further molecular characterization of ECs is needed to allow for the identification of better-tailored therapies in different settings, as well as the safe avoidance of surgery for fertility preservation. Hopefully, the numerous ongoing clinical trials in the adjuvant and metastatic settings of EC will likely produce evidence to refine the histo-molecular classification and therapeutic guidelines. Our review aims to retrace the origin and evolution of the molecular classification for EC, reveal its strengths and limitations, show clinical relevance, and uncover the desired future developments.

Molecular profile in endometrial carcinoma: can we predict the lymph node status? A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Molecular classification of endometrial cancer (EC) has become a promising information to tailor preoperatively the surgical treatment. We aimed to evaluate the rate of lymph node metastases (LNM) in patients with EC according to molecular profile.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to PRISMA guidelines by searching in two major electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus), including original articles reporting lymph node metastases according to the molecular classification of EC as categorized in the ESGO-ESMO-ESP guidelines.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies enrolling 3056 patients were included. Pooled prevalence LNM when considering only patients undergoing lymph node assessment was 4% for POLE-mutated (95%CI: 0-12%), 22% for no specific molecular profile (95% CI: 9-39%), 23% for Mismatch repair-deficiency (95%CI: 10-40%) and 31% for p53-abnormal (95%CI: 24-39%).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of LNM seems to be influenced by molecular classification. P53-abnormal group presents the highest rate of nodal involvement, and POLE-mutated the lowest.

The tumour-derived extracellular vesicle proteome varies by endometrial cancer histology and is confounded by an obesogenic environment

Endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer worldwide, is closely linked to obesity and metabolic diseases, particularly in younger women. New circulating biomarkers have the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment selections, which could significantly improve outcomes. Our approach focuses on extracellular vesicle (EV) biomarker discovery by directly profiling the proteome of EVs enriched from frozen biobanked endometrial tumours. We analysed nine tissue samples to compare three clinical subgroups-low BMI (Body Mass Index) Endometrioid, high BMI Endometrioid, and Serous (any BMI)-identifying proteins related to histological subtype, BMI, and shared secreted proteins. Using collagenase digestion and size exclusion chromatography, we successfully enriched generous quantities of EVs (range 204.8-1291.0 µg protein: 1.38 × 1011-1.10 × 1012 particles), characterised by their size (∼150 nm), expression of EV markers (CD63/81), and proposed endometrial cancer markers (L1CAM, ANXA2). Mass spectrometry-based proteomic profiling identified 2075 proteins present in at least one of the 18 samples. Compared to cell lysates, EVs were successfully depleted for mitochondrial and blood proteins and enriched for common EV markers and large secreted proteins. Further analysis highlighted significant differences in EV protein profiles between the high BMI subgroup and others, underlining the impact of comorbidities on the EV secretome. Interestingly, proteins differentially abundant in tissue subgroups were largely not also differential in matched EVs. This research identified secreted proteins known to be involved in endometrial cancer pathophysiology and proposed novel diagnostic biomarkers (EIF6, MUC16, PROM1, SLC26A2).

Potential of molecular classification to guide fertility-sparing management among young patients with endometrial cancer

The traditional histological classification system for endometrial carcinoma falls short in addressing the disease's molecular heterogeneity, prompting the need for alternative stratification methods. Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) has emerged as a clinically efficient tool to categorize endometrial cancers according to mismatch repair deficiency, POLE exonuclease domain mutations, and p53 expression. However, the application of this classification to fertility-sparing treatments remains unexplored, and current guidelines lack specificity in how it should be used. In this review, we summarize the available literature and establish the framework for future investigations focused on molecular profiling-based risk assessment of endometrial cancer, with the goal of utilizing precision medicine to optimally counsel patients seeking fertility-sparing treatment. While the available evidence is limited and of low quality, it does provide insights and frames future perspectives for managing fertility-sparing approaches on the basis of molecular subtypes. Evidence suggests that mismatch repair-deficient tumors are likely to recur despite progestin therapy, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments, with targeted therapies being a new landscape that still needs to be explored. Tumors with POLE mutations exhibit a favorable prognosis, but the safety of hysteroscopic resection alone requires further investigation. p53 abnormal tumors have an unfavorable prognosis, raising questions about their suitability for fertility-sparing treatment. Lastly, the no specific molecular profile (or p53 wild-type) tumors, while having a relatively good prognosis, are heterogeneous and require more precise biomarkers to effectively guide therapy for those with poorer prognoses. Addressing these research gaps will lead to more precise guidelines to ensure optimal selection for fertility-sparing treatment.

Molecular characterization as new driver in prognostic signatures and therapeutic strategies for endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) incidence and mortality rates have been increasing, particularly among young females. Although more than 90% of ECs are sporadic, 5-10% are hereditary, a majority of which occurs within Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer syndrome (HNPCC) or Lynch syndrome. The traditional histopathological classification differentiates EC between two main groups: type I (or endometrioid) and type II (including all other histopathological subtypes). However, this classification lacks reproducibility and does not account for the emerging molecular heterogeneity. In 2013, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project proposed EC molecular classification defining four groups with different prognostic and predictive values and the current international guidelines are progressively establishing EC risk stratification and treatment based on both histopathological and molecular criteria. Our manuscript aims to summarize the current state of EC molecular characterizations, including germline alterations at the basis of hereditary EC predisposition, to discuss their clinical utility as prognostic and predictive markers.

Evaluation of prognostic potential of β-catenin and L1CAM expression according to endometrial cancer risk group

OBJECTIVE

We investigate the prognostic role of β-catenin and L1 neuronal cell-adhesion molecule (L1CAM) according to risk groups in endometrial carcinomas (EC).

METHODS

A total of 335 EC patients were classified according to the Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer. We evaluated the expression of ß-catenin and L1CAM using immunohistochemistry, and their association with clinicopathological characteristics and survival.

RESULTS

The expressions of β-catenin and L1CAM were observed in 10.4% of all patients, respectively, and showed mutually exclusive pattern. While β-catenin expression was associated with endometrioid histology (p = 0.035) and low tumor grade (p = 0.045), L1CAM expression was associated with non-endometrioid histology (p < 0.001), high tumor grade (p < 0.001), lymphovascular space invasion (p = 0.006), and advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (p = 0.001). β-catenin expression was most frequent in the no specific molecular (NSMP) group (26/35, 74.3%), followed by the DNA polymerase-ε-mutated (POLE-mut) (6/35, 17.1%), and mismatch repair-deficiency (dMMR) (3/35, 8.6%). L1CAM expression was most frequent in the p53-abnormal group (22/35, 62.9%), followed by the NSMP (6/35, 17.1%), dMMR (4/35, 11.4%), and POLE-mut (3/35, 8.6%). Although both markers did not show statistical significance in multivariate analysis for both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival in entire cohort, β-catenin positivity was identified as the sole factor associated with worse PFS in the high-intermediate risk subgroup (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The expression of nuclear β-catenin may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting recurrence and guiding therapeutic strategies in high-intermediate risk EC patients.

Impact of molecular profile on prognosis and relapse pattern in low and intermediate risk endometrial cancer

INTRODUCTION

The role of molecular classification in patients with low/intermediate risk endometrial cancer (EC) is uncertain. Higher precision in diagnostics will inform the unsettled debate on optimal adjuvant treatment. We aimed to determine the association of molecular profiling with patterns of relapse and survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients referred to The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital from 2006-2017. Patients with low/intermediate risk EC were molecularly classified as pathogenic polymerase epsilon (POLE)-mutated, mismatch repair deficient (MMRd), p53 abnormal, or no specific molecular profile (NSMP). The main outcomes were time to recurrence (TTR) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

RESULTS

Of 626 patients, 610 could be molecularly classified. Fifty-seven patients (9%) had POLE-mutated tumors, 202 (33%) had MMRd tumors, 34 (6%) had p53 abnormal tumors and 317 (52%) had NSMP tumors. After median follow-up time of 8.9 years, there was a statistically significant difference in TTR and CSS by molecular groups. Patients with p53 abnormal tumors had poor prognosis, with 10 of the 12 patients with relapse presenting with para-aortic/distant metastases. Patients with POLE mutations had excellent prognosis. In the NSMP group, L1CAM expression was associated with shorter CSS but not TTR.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in outcome by molecular groups are driven by differences in relapse frequency and -patterns and demand a higher precision in diagnostics, also in patients with low/intermediate risk EC. Tailored adjuvant treatment strategies need to consider systemic treatment for patients with p53 abnormal tumors and de-escalated treatment for patients with POLE mutated tumors.

Molecular profile is a strong predictor of the pattern of recurrence in patients with endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the pattern of first recurrence of disease in patients with endometrial cancer according to molecular classification, and to assess the independent role of molecular profiling in each type of failure.

METHODS

Retrospective single-center study including patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer stage I-IVB (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009) between December 1994 and May 2022, who underwent primary surgical treatment and had a complete molecular profile. First recurrence was classified as isolated or multiple, and as vaginal, pelvic, peritoneal, nodal, and distant according to its location. The log-rank test and univariate and multivariate adjusted Cox regression models were used for comparison between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 658 patients were included. Recurrence was observed in 122 patients (18.5%) with a recurrence rate of 12.4% among mismatch-repair deficient tumors, 14.5% among non-specific molecular profile, 2.1% among POLE-mutated, and 53.7% among p53-abnormal tumors. Recurrences were found to be isolated in 80 (65.6%) and multiple in 42 (34.4%) patients, with no differences in molecular subtype (p=0.92). Patients with p53-abnormal tumors had a recurrence mainly as distant (28.4%) and peritoneal (21.1%) disease, while patients with non-specific molecular profile tumors presented predominantly with distant failures (10.3%), and mismatch-repair deficient tumors with locoregional recurrences (9.4%).On multivariate analysis, p53-abnormal molecular profile was the only independent risk factor for peritoneal failure (OR=8.54, 95% CI 2.0 to 36.3). Vaginal recurrence was independently associated with p53-abnormal molecular profile (OR=6.51, 95% CI 1.1 to 37.4) and lymphovascular space invasion. p53-abnormal and non-specific molecular profiles were independent predictors for distant recurrence (OR=3.13, 95% CI 1.1 to 8.7 and OR=2.35, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.0, respectively), along with lymphovascular space invasion and high-grade tumors. Molecular profile was not independently associated with pelvic and nodal recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometrial cancer featured different patterns of recurrence depending on the molecular profile. p53-abnormal molecular profiling was the only independent risk factor for peritoneal relapse, while non-specific molecular profile showed a strong association with distant failures.

Clinical Behavior and Molecular Landscape of Stage I p53-Abnormal Low-Grade Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinomas

PURPOSE

The clinical significance of the p53-abnormal (p53abn) molecular subtype in stage I low-grade endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) is debated. We aimed to review pathologic and molecular characteristics, and outcomes of stage I low-grade p53abn EEC in a large international cohort.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Previously diagnosed stage I p53abn EC (POLE-wild-type, mismatch repair-proficient) low-grade EEC from Canadian retrospective cohorts and PORTEC-1&2 trials were included. Pathology review was performed by six expert gynecologic pathologists blinded to p53 status. IHC profiling, next-generation sequencing, and shallow whole-genome sequencing was performed. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 55 stage I p53abn low-grade EEC among 3,387 cases (2.5%). On pathology review, 17 cases (31%) were not diagnosed as low-grade EEC by any pathologists, whereas 26 cases (47%) were diagnosed as low-grade EEC by at least three pathologists. The IHC and molecular profile of the latter cases were consistent with low-grade EEC morphology (ER/PR positivity, patchy p16 expression, PIK3CA and PTEN mutations) but they also showed features of p53abn EC (TP53 mutations, many copy-number alterations). These cases had a clinically relevant risk of disease recurrence (5-year recurrence-free survival 77%), with pelvic and/or distant recurrences observed in 12% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A subset of p53abn EC is morphologically low-grade EEC and exhibit genomic instability. Even for stage I disease, p53abn low-grade EEC are at substantial risk of disease recurrence. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of universal p53-testing, even in low-grade EEC, to identify women at increased risk of recurrence.

Machine learning endometrial cancer risk prediction model: integrating guidelines of European Society for Medical Oncology with the tumor immune framework

OBJECTIVE

Current prognostic factors for endometrial cancer are not sufficient to predict recurrence in early stages. Treatment choices are based on the prognostic factors included in the risk classes defined by the ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO (European Society for Medical Oncology-European Society of Gynaecological Oncology-European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology) consensus conference with the new biomolecular classification based on POLE, TP53, and microsatellite instability status. However, a minority of early stage cases relapse regardless of their low risk profiles. Integration of the immune context status to existing molecular based models has not been fully evaluated. This study aims to investigate whether the integration of the immune landscape in the tumor microenvironment could improve clinical risk prediction models and allow better profiling of early stages.

METHODS

Leveraging the potential of in silico deconvolution tools, we estimated the relative abundances of immune populations in public data and then applied feature selection methods to generate a machine learning based model for disease free survival probability prediction.

RESULTS

We included information on International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, POLEmut status, interferon γ signature, and relative abundances of monocytes, natural killer cells, and CD4+T cells to build a relapse prediction model and obtained a balanced accuracy of 69%. We further identified two novel early stage profiles that undergo different pathways of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

This study presents an extension of current prognostic factors for endometrial cancer by exploiting machine learning models and deconvolution techniques on available public biomolecular data. Prospective clinical trials are advisable to validate the early stage stratification.

Evolving treatment paradigms in metastatic or recurrent low-grade endometrial cancer: When is hormonal-based therapy the preferred option?

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries, with increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide. While most cases are successfully treated with surgery, first-line treatment options for metastatic or recurrent endometrial cancer involve significant toxicities. Imprecise classification of heterogeneous subgroups further complicates treatment decisions and interpretation of clinical trial results. Recent advances in molecular classification are guiding treatment decisions for metastatic or recurrent endometrial cancers. Integrating molecular characteristics with traditional clinicopathology can both reduce overtreatment or undertreatment and help guide the appropriate choice of therapies and effective design of future studies. Here we discuss the treatment of metastatic or recurrent low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterine corpus, which is distinct from high-grade tumors histologically, molecularly, and in treatment response.

Verification of the prognostic precision of the new 2023 FIGO staging system in endometrial cancer patients - An international pooled analysis of three ESGO accredited centres

BACKGROUND

Recently, the new 2023 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system for endometrial cancer (EC) critically integrating new pathological and molecular features was published. The present study evaluated the clinical impact of the new 2023 FIGO staging system by comparing it to the previous 2009 system.

METHODS

This is an international, pooled retrospective study of 519 EC patients who underwent primary treatment (and molecular characterisation) at three European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) accredited centres in Austria/Italy. Patients were categorised according to the 2009 and the 2023 FIGO staging systems. Stage shifts were analysed and (sub)stage specific 5-year progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were calculated and compared. Different statistical tests were applied to evaluate the prognostic precision of the two FIGO staging systems and to compare them to each other.

RESULTS

(Sub)stage shifts occurred in 143/519 (27.6%) patients: 123 upshifts (23.7%) and 20 (3.9%) downshifts. 2023 FIGO staging system identified a stage I cohort with a notably higher 5-year PFS rate compared to 2009 (93.0% versus 87.4%, respectively). For stage II disease, the 5-year PFS rate was similar in the 2023 and the 2009 FIGO staging systems (70.2% versus 71.2%, respectively). The two new molecularly defined 2023 FIGO substages IAmPOLEmut and IICmp53abn displayed distinct, particularly favourable and adverse oncologic outcomes within early stage disease, respectively. A remarkably lower 5-year PFS rate for stage III patients was revealed in the 2023 FIGO staging system compared to 2009 (44.4% versus 54.1%, respectively). All applied statistical tests confirmed a more accurate prediction of PFS and OS by the 2023 FIGO staging system compared to 2009.

CONCLUSION

The new 2023 FIGO stating system led to a substantial stage shift in about one quarter of patients leading to a higher prognostic precision. In early stage disease, the new substages added further prognostic granularity and identified treatment relevant subgroups.

[Molecular classification of endometrial carcinoma-a short summary for clinical use]

BACKGROUND

Histopathological examination is still the backbone for the diagnosis and treatment decision making in endometrial carcinoma (EC). The binary classification of EC into type 1 (mostly endometrioid) and type 2 (mostly serous), although still helpful, showed overlapping clinical, morphological and molecular features and was not very prognostic discriminatory for all subtypes of EC.

METHODS

Analysing the most recent studies dealing with the molecular classification of EC and the recommendations of the German S3-guidelines for EC.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Based on the comprehensive molecular study of The Cancer Genome Atlas Project (TCGA) four distinct molecular subtypes have been identified: EC with POLE mutation (POLEmut), with loss of mismatch repair proteins (MMR deficiency; dMMR), or with TP53 mutation (p53mut) and without any of these alterations, termed NSMP (no specific molecular profile). The molecular classification of EC presents a morphomolecular approach, based on histopathological evaluation (tumor diagnosis, subtyping, grading), immunohistochemistry (MMR, p53) and molecular analyses for POLE. The incorporation of this molecular classification is recommended for clinical use by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as many national guidelines and international societies. Due to the heterogeneity of NSMP-EC, which is the largest molecular group, additional research is indicated to further characterise these tumors.

Enhanced Risk Stratification in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: Integrating POLE through Droplet Digital PCR and L1CAM

AIM

In order to enhance risk stratification in early-stage endometrial cancer (EC), we conducted molecular classification using surrogate markers, including the POLE droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and L1CAM immunohistochemistry (IHC).

METHOD

We analyzed archival tumor tissue from 183 early-stage EC patients. POLE pathogenic mutations of P286R, V411L, S297F, A456P, and S459F within exons 9, 13, and 14 were detected using a ddPCR, while the mismatch repair (MMR) status was determined by MMR protein IHC and MSI tests. Additionally, we conducted IHC for p53 and L1CAM.

RESULTS

The 183 ECs were categorized into four subgroups: POLE-mutated (15.9%), MMR-deficient (29.0%), p53-abnormal (8.7%), and non-specific molecular profile (NSMP, 46.4%). We further subcategorized the NSMP subgroup into NSMP-L1CAMneg (41.5%) and NSMP-L1CAMpos (4.9%), which we refer to as the molecular L1CAM classification. The molecular L1CAM classification was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001, each).

CONCLUSION

Integrating molecular L1CAM classification can enhance risk stratification in early-stage EC, providing valuable prognostic information to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. POLE ddPCR might be a cost-effective and easy-to-perform test as an alternative to POLE NGS.

A patient-derived organoid-based study identified an ASO targeting SNORD14E for endometrial cancer through reducing aberrant FOXM1 Expression and β-catenin nuclear accumulation

BACKGROUND

Most of the endometrial cancer (EC) patients are diagnosis in early stage with a good prognosis while the patients with locally advanced recurrent or metastatic result in a poor prognosis. Adjuvant therapy could benefit the prognosis of patients with high-risk factors. Unfortunately, the molecular classification of great prognostic value has not yet reached an agreement and need to be further refined. The present study aims to identify new targets that have prognostic value in EC based on the method of EC patient-derived organ-like organs (PDOs), and further investigate their efficacy and mechanism.

METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to determine SNORD14E expression. The effects of SNORD14E were investigated using CCK8, Transwell, wound-healing assays, and a xenograft model experiment; apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting SNORD14E was designed and patient-derived organoids (PDO) models in EC patients was established. A xenograft mouse and PDO model were employed to evaluate the effects of ASO targeting SNORD14E. RNA-seq, Nm-seq, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) experiments were employed to confirm the alternative splicing (AS) and modification induced by SNORD14E. A minigene reporter gene assay was conducted to confirm AS and splicing factors on a variable exon. Actinomycin-d (Act-D) and Reverse Transcription at Low deoxy-ribonucleoside triphosphate concentrations followed by PCR (RTL-P) were utilized to confirm the effects of 2'-O methylation modification on FOXM1.

RESULTS

We found that SNORD14E was overexpressed in EC tissues and patients with high expressed SNORD14E were distributed in the TCGA biomolecular classification subgroups without difference. Further, SNORD14E could reduce disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) of EC patients. SNORD14E promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibited the apoptosis of EC cells in vitro. ASOs targeting SNORD14E inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion while promoted cell apoptosis. ASOs targeting SNORD14E inhibited tumor growth in the xenograft mouse model. TCGA-UCEC database showed that the proportion of patients with high expression of SNORD14E in middle-high risk and high-risk patients recommended by EMSO-ESGO-ESTRO guidelines for adjuvant therapy is more than 50%. Next, we enrolled 8 cases of high-risk and high-risk EC patients according to EMSO-ESGO-ESTRO guidelines and successfully constructed EC-PDOs. ASOs targeting SNORD14E inhibited the EC-PDO growth. Mechanistically, SNORD14E could recognize the mRNA of FOXM1 and recruit SRSF1 to promote the shearing of the variable exon VIIa of FOXM1, resulting in the overexpression of the FOXM1 malignant subtypes FOXM1b and FOXM1c. In addition, SNORD14E modified FOXM1 mRNA with 2`-O-methylation, which prolonged the half-life of FOXM1 mRNA. The nucleus accumulation of β-catenin caused by aberrant FOXM1 expression led to EC progression.

CONCLUSIONS

ASO targeting SNORD14E can be an effective treatment for EC.

Mesonephric-like Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Corpus: Genomic and Immunohistochemical Profiling with Comprehensive Clinicopathological Analysis of 17 Consecutive Cases from a Single Institution

Data on genetic and immunophenotypical characteristics of uterine mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma (MLA) remain limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of uterine MLA. We performed targeted sequencing, array comparative genomic hybridization, and immunostaining in 17, 13, and 17 uterine MLA cases, respectively. Nine patients developed lung metastases. Eleven patients experienced disease recurrences. The most frequently mutated gene was Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS; 13/17). Both the primary and matched metastatic tumors harbored identical KRAS (3/4) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (1/4) mutations, and did not harbor any additional mutations. A total of 2 of the 17 cases harbored tumor protein 53 (TP53) frameshift insertion and deletion, respectively. Chromosomal gains were detected in 1q (13/13), 10 (13/13), 20 (10/13), 2 (9/13), and 12 (6/13). Programmed cell death-ligand 1 overexpression or mismatch repair deficiency was not observed in any of the cases. Initial serosal extension and lung metastasis independently predicted recurrence-free survival with hazard ratios of 6.30 and 7.31, respectively. Our observations consolidated the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of uterine MLA. Both clinicians and pathologists should consider these features to make an accurate diagnosis of uterine MLA and to ensure appropriate therapeutic management of this rare entity.

Upgrading Treatment and Molecular Diagnosis in Endometrial Cancer-Driving New Tools for Endometrial Preservation?

One emerging problem for onco-gynecologists is the incidence of premenopausal patients under 40 years of age diagnosed with stage I Endometrial Cancer (EC) who want to preserve their fertility. Our review aims to define a primary risk assessment that can help fertility experts and onco-gynecologists tailor personalized treatment and fertility-preserving strategies for fertile patients wishing to have children. We confirm that risk factors such as myometrial invasion and The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging should be integrated into the novel molecular classification provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We also corroborate the influence of classical risk factors such as obesity, Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and diabetes mellitus to assess fertility outcomes. The fertility preservation options are inadequately discussed with women with a diagnosis of gynecological cancer. A multidisciplinary team of gynecologists, oncologists, and fertility specialists could increase patient satisfaction and improve fertility outcomes. The incidence and death rates of endometrial cancer are rising globally. International guidelines recommend radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as the standard of care for this cancer; however, fertility-sparing alternatives should be tailored to motivated women of reproductive age, establishing an appropriate cost-benefit balance between childbearing desire and cancer risk. New molecular classifications such as that of TCGA provide a robust supplementary risk assessment tool that can tailor the treatment options to the patient's needs, curtail over- and under-treatment, and contribute to the spread of fertility-preserving strategies.

Clinicopathological characteristics of endometrial carcinomas according to DNA mismatch repair protein status

DNA mismatch repair protein deficiency (MMRd) in endometrial carcinoma is associated with the risk of Lynch syndrome and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. It is also related to microsatellite instability and corresponds to a molecular subtype of endometrial tumor with an unclear prognosis. Here, we evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of 312 consecutive endometrial carcinoma cases submitted to complete surgical staging at a single institution. We compared MMRd and mismatch repair protein-proficient (MMRp) tumors and examined the effects of the MMR protein loss type (MLH1/PMS2 vs. MSH2/MSH6) and influence of L1CAM and p53 expression. The median follow-up period was 54.5 (range, 0-120.5) months. No difference was observed between MMRd [n = 166 (37.2%)] and MMRp [n = 196 (62.8%)] cases in terms of age, body mass index, FIGO stage, tumor grade, tumor size, depth of myometrial infiltration, or lymph node metastasis. More MMRd than MMRp tumors had endometrioid histology (87.9% vs. 75.5%) and despite MMRd had more lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI; 27.2% vs. 16.9%), they presented fewer recurrences and no difference in lymph node metastasis and disease-related death. Relative to those with MLH1/MSH6 loss, tumors with MSH2/MSH6 loss were diagnosed at earlier FIGO stages, were smaller, and had less ≥50% myometrial invasion, LVSI and lymph node metastasis. Outcomes, however, did not differ between these groups. L1CAM positivity and mutation-type p53 expression were more common in MMRp than in MMRd tumors and did not differ between the MLH1/PMS2 and MSH2/MSH6 loss groups. In the entire cohort, L1CAM and mutation p53 expression were associated with worse prognosis, but only non-endometrioid histology, FIGO stage III/IV, and deep myometrial infiltration were significant predictors. In the subgroup of endometrioid carcinomas, only FIGO stage III/IV was associated with poor outcomes. The risk of lymph node metastasis was associated with tumor size, non-endometrioid histology, and multifocal LVSI. For MMRd tumors, only tumor size and myometrial invasion depth were predictive of lymph node involvement. In our cohort, MMRd tumors were associated with greater recurrence-free, but not overall, survival. The precise identification of MMRd status, present in a substantial proportion of endometrial cancer cases, is a challenge to be overcome for proper patient management. MMRd status serves as a marker for Lynch syndrome, and a significant number of these tumors are high risk and candidate to immunotherapy.

Prognostic significance of L1CAM expression in addition to ProMisE in endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic significance of L1 cell-adhesion molecule (L1CAM), β-catenin, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in endometrial cancer (EC) patients, with a focus on p53 wild-type subgroup, for additional risk stratification.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included EC patients classified according to Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) who underwent primary surgical treatment at the single center between January 2014 and December 2018. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for four mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, p53, L1CAM, β-catenin, and PD-L1. DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE) mutation was detected by hot spot sequencing via droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. Survival outcome of each subgroup of L1CAM, β-catenin, and PD-L1 was measured according to their expression.

RESULTS

A total of 162 EC patients were included. Endometrioid histologic type and early-stage disease were 140 (86.4%) and 109 (67.3%), respectively. ProMisE classification assigned 48 (29.6%), 16 (9.9%), 72 (44.4%), and 26 (16.0%) patients to MMR-deficient, POLE-mutated, p53 wild-type, and p53 abnormal subgroups, respectively. L1CAM was identified as an independent poor prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.207; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.432-7.187; P = 0.005), whereas β-catenin and PD-L1 positivity were not associated with recurrence (P = 0.462 and P = 0.152, respectively). In p53 wild-type subgroup, L1CAM positivity was associated with worse PFS (aHR, 4.906; 95% CI, 1.685-14.287; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

L1CAM positivity was associated with poor prognosis in EC and further stratified the risk of recurrence in p53 wild-type subgroup, whereas β-catenin and PD-L1 were not informative for risk stratification.

L1-CAM in Mucinous Ovarian Carcinomas and Borderline Tumors: Impact on Tumor Recurrence and Potential Role in Tumor Progression

Mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare histotype of primary ovarian carcinoma. Frequent pathogenic molecular alterations include mutations in KRAS , TP53 , and overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, but without having prognostic relevance. As L1-CAM (cell adhesion molecule) has previously shown prognostic relevance in other epithelial tumors of the female genital tract, we analyzed whether L1-CAM expression affected MOC prognosis. In addition, we investigated L1-CAM expression in mucinous borderline tumors (MBOTs) with and without adjacent MOC to identify its potential role in the pathogenesis of MOC. We examined a well-characterized collective of 39 MOCs by immunohistochemistry and compared their expression with clinicopathologic data. L1-CAM positivity was defined as any (even single-cell) positivity. Furthermore, we compared the L1-CAM expression in 20 MBOT regions adjacent to a MOC with that of 15 pure MBOTs. L1-CAM expression in MOC was significantly associated with recurrence, independent of tumor stage. Overall, 7/20 positive cases recurred versus 0/19 L1-CAM-negative cases ( P =0.032), showing a significant difference in time to progression. Furthermore, the presence of at least 1 defined molecular alteration (L1-CAM, aberrant p53, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) was found more frequently in the MBOT regions adjacent to a MOC (14/20) than in pure MBOTs (3/15) ( P =0.024). Expression of the tumor marker L1-CAM is frequent (51%) in MOC and is associated with tumor recurrence. The lack of L1-CAM may serve to characterize cases with a low risk of recurrence. Furthermore, the presence of specific molecular alterations in MBOTs is associated with adjacent carcinomas and may define potential pathways in tumor progression.

Endometrial cancer diagnostic and prognostic algorithms based on proteomics, metabolomics, and clinical data: a systematic review

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in developed countries. Over 382,000 new cases were diagnosed worldwide in 2018, and its incidence and mortality are constantly rising due to longer life expectancy and life style factors including obesity. Two major improvements are needed in the management of patients with endometrial cancer, i.e., the development of non/minimally invasive tools for diagnostics and prognostics, which are currently missing. Diagnostic tools are needed to manage the increasing number of women at risk of developing the disease. Prognostic tools are necessary to stratify patients according to their risk of recurrence pre-preoperatively, to advise and plan the most appropriate treatment and avoid over/under-treatment. Biomarkers derived from proteomics and metabolomics, especially when derived from non/minimally-invasively collected body fluids, can serve to develop such prognostic and diagnostic tools, and the purpose of the present review is to explore the current research in this topic. We first provide a brief description of the technologies, the computational pipelines for data analyses and then we provide a systematic review of all published studies using proteomics and/or metabolomics for diagnostic and prognostic biomarker discovery in endometrial cancer. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future studies are also given.

Clinical significance of L1CAM expression and its biological role in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) has been implicated in the progression and metastasis of numerous cancers. However, the role of L1CAM in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not well characterized. In the present study, the expression of L1CAM was examined in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) tissue samples by immunohistochemistry, the clinicopathological significance of L1CAM expression was evaluated by chi‑squared test, and the overall survival (OS) rate was analyzed using Kaplan‑Meier method according to the expression of L1CAM. In addition, it was aimed to elucidate the biological role of L1CAM and the underlying molecular mechanisms by which L1CAM functions in OSCC cells in relation to epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) and PI3K/AKT/ERK signaling pathways. Thus, the functions of L1CAM on the OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and the activation of EMT and PI3K/AKT/ERK signaling pathways were investigated in vitro. Positive L1CAM expression was found in 32.5% of OTSCC cases and was significantly correlated with high histologic grade, greater depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion, advanced stage, and survival status. Patients with positive L1CAM expression had significantly lower OS rate. Particularly in patients with early OTSCC, L1CAM expression was strongly associated with worse prognosis. Overexpression of the recombinant human L1CAM protein significantly increased cell proliferation, migration and invasion. By contrast, L1CAM knockdown using small interfering RNA significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT. Moreover, phosphorylated (p)‑PI3K, p‑AKT and p‑ERK expression levels were significantly reduced by L1CAM knockdown. Taken together, the findings of the present study suggested that L1CAM could be a potential prognostic marker and a promising therapeutic target in OSCC.

Fertility Preservation in Endometrial Cancer-Treatment and Molecular Aspects

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide; incidences are rising, with 417,367 new cases registered in 2020. Of these, the proportion of women that are of reproductive age is around 4-14% and the number is increasing. Thus, in addition to oncological therapy and safety, the preservation of fertility plays a central role in therapeutic strategies. Molecular genetic patient data provide a robust supplementary benefit that improves primary risk assessment and can help design personalized treatment options to curtail over- and undertreatment and contribute to fertility preserving strategies. The aim of our review is to provide an overview of the latest significant recommendations in the diagnosis and therapy of endometrial cancer during reproductive age. In this paper the most recent groundbreaking molecular discoveries in endometrial cancer are highlighted and discussed as an opportunity to enhance the prognostic and therapy options in this special patient collective.

Prognostic refinement of NSMP high-risk endometrial cancers using oestrogen receptor immunohistochemistry

BACKGROUND

Risk-assessment of endometrial cancer (EC) is based on clinicopathological factors and molecular subgroup. It is unclear whether adding hormone receptor expression, L1CAM expression or CTNNB1 status yields prognostic refinement.

METHODS

Paraffin-embedded tumour samples of women with high-risk EC (HR-EC) from the PORTEC-3 trial (n = 424), and a Dutch prospective clinical cohort called MST (n = 256), were used. All cases were molecularly classified. Expression of L1CAM, ER and PR were analysed by whole-slide immunohistochemistry and CTNNB1 mutations were assessed with a next-generation sequencing. Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank tests and Cox's proportional hazard models were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 648 HR-EC were included. No independent prognostic value of ER, PR, L1CAM, and CTNNB1 was found, while age, stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy had an independent impact on risk of recurrence. Subgroup-analysis showed that only in NSMP HR-EC, ER-positivity was independently associated with a reduced risk of recurrence (HR 0.33, 95%CI 0.15-0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed the prognostic impact of the molecular classification, age, stage, and adjuvant CTRT in a large cohort of high-risk EC. ER-positivity is a strong favourable prognostic factor in NSMP HR-EC and identifies a homogeneous subgroup of NSMP tumours. Assessment of ER status in high-risk NSMP EC is feasible in clinical practice and could improve risk stratification and treatment.

Clinicopathologic Evaluation of CTNNB1 Mutations in High-Intermediate Risk Endometrial Endometrioid Carcinoma

CTNNB1 mutations convey increased risk of recurrence in low-risk endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC). Results from previous high-intermediate risk (HIR) cohorts are mixed. The aims of this study were to correlate CTNNB1 mutational status with clinical outcomes and to evaluate the relationship between CTNNB1 mutations and the 4 prognostic subgroups defined by The Cancer Genome Atlas in HIR EEC. CTNNB1 mutational status was determined by Sanger sequencing of exon 3 of the CTNNB1 gene. Mismatch repair, POLE , p53, and L1 cell-adhesion molecule (L1CAM) status were also evaluated. Descriptive statistics and survival analyses were performed. Eighty-eight cases of HIR EEC were identified, of which 22 (25%) were CTNNB1 mutant ( CTNNB1 -mut) and 66 (75%) were wild-type ( CTNNB1 -WT). Median follow-up was 60 mo. Recurrence occurred in 13/88 (15%) patients. Recurrence rates were not significantly different between patients with CTNNB1- mut and CTNNB1- WT tumors (14% vs. 15%, P =0.86). Recurrence-free survival and overall survival were not significantly different (recurrence-free survival hazard ratio: 0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.27-3.52, P =0.96; overall survival hazard ratio: 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.03-1.71, P =0.15). Mismatch repair deficiency was more prevalent in CTNNB1 -WT compared with CTNNB1 -mut tumors (46% vs. 14%, P =0.01); prevalence of POLE mutations and aberrant p53 were not significantly different. In contrast to patients with low-risk EEC, no differences in recurrence or survival were found in patients with HIR EEC with CTNNB1- mut compared with CTNNB1 -WT tumors.

Exploring biomarkers and prognostic factors in uterine carcinosarcoma: An insight into L1CAM, CDX2, p53, and MSI status

BACKGROUND

Uterine Carcinosarcomas (UCS) are a rare type of cancer composed of an admixture of high-grade carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. Clinicopathological prognostic factors in UCS are well established, but studies that approach the impact of biomarkers in this unusual disease are scarce. The study objective was to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic impact of a panel of prominent biomarkers in uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) using an immunohistochemical characterization with four biomarkers.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

The internal database of a single Brazilian institution was carefully explored to select women diagnosed with UCS who were submitted to surgery and postoperative chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel between January 2012 and December 2017. Tissue microarrays containing UCS samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for L1CAM, CDX2, p53 and microsatellite instability markers. A total of 57 cases were included. The mean age was 65.3 years (standard deviation, SD 7.0). L1CAM was negative (score 0, no staining) in 27 (47.4%) patients. Of L1CAM-positive, 10 (17.5%) showed weak (score 1, <10%), 6 (10.5%) showed moderate (score 2, between 10-50%), and 14 (24.6%) showed strong L1CAM staining (score 3, ≧50%). dMMR occurred in 3 (5.3%) cases. The p53 was aberrantly expressed in 15 (26.3%) tumors. CDX2 was positive in 3 (5.3%) patients. The three-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate in the general population of the study was 21.2% (95% CI: 11.7-38.1) and the three-year overall survival (OS) rate was 29.4% (95% CI: 18.1-47.6). By multivariate analysis, the presence of metastases and CDX2-positive were significantly associated with poorer PFS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) and OS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The strong influence of CDX2 on prognosis requires further investigation. Biological or molecular variability may have impaired the assessment of the impact of the other markers on survival.

HE4 Tissue Expression as A Putative Prognostic Marker in Low-Risk/Low-Grade Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer: A Review

Low-grade stage I endometrioid endometrial carcinomas should have an excellent prognosis, but a small subset of these cancers can relapse. The search for putative immunohistochemical prognostic markers for relapse in low-risk/low-grade endometrioid endometrial cancers remains open. Among the candidate molecules that may implicate the roles of immunohistochemical risk markers, we focused our attention on human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) after a review of the literature. Few authors have devoted themselves to this topic, and none have found a correlation between the tissue expression of HE4 and the molecular classification of endometrial cancer. Five different variants of HE4 mRNA and multiple protein isoforms of HE4 were identified many years ago, but current HE4 assays only measure the total HE4 expression and do not distinguish the different proteins encoded by different mRNA variants. It is important to have an approach to distinguish specific variants in the future.

Integrated Biomarker Analysis Reveals L1CAM as a Potential Stratification Marker for No Specific Molecular Profile High-Risk Endometrial Carcinoma

Histopathologic assessment of high-risk endometrial cancer (EC) suffers from intersubject variability and poor reproducibility. The pragmatic classification in four molecular subgroups helps to overcome these limits, showing a significant prognostic value. The "no specific molecular profile" (NSMP) is the most heterogeneous EC subgroup, requiring further characterization to better guide its clinical management. DNA sequencing of POLE exonuclease domain and immunohistochemistry for PMS2, MSH6, and p53 were performed in order to stratify a cohort of 94 high-risk EC patients in the four molecular subgroups. Moreover, a panel of seven additional biomarkers was tested. Patients were found to be 16% POLE-mutated, 36% mismatch repair-deficient, 27% p53-abnormal, and 21% NSMP. In the multivariable model, molecular groups confirmed their significant association with disease-specific survival and progression-free survival, with p53-abnormal and NSMP endometrial cancer characterized by poor outcomes. Among the additional evaluated biomarkers, L1CAM was the only one with a significant prognostic value within the NSMP subgroup. NSMP/L1CAM-positive patients experienced the worst outcome and were "early-relapsing" after platinum-based chemotherapy, with a significantly shorter platinum-free interval compared to L1CAM-negative patients. L1CAM appears to be a promising candidate as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in the high-risk NSMP subgroup, which is actually known to lack specific molecular markers.

p53, Pirh2, and L1CAM as Promising Prognostic Biomarkers of Endometrial Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical and Genetic Study

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic cancer and the current methods for the prediction of its prognosis and treatment response are unfortunately suboptimal. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of p53, Pirh2, and L1CAM in 60 cases of EC using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction. TP53 missense mutations result in nuclear accumulation of p53 protein that can be detected as overexpression by IHC. This is in the form of diffuse strong nuclear positivity involving at least at least >50% of the tumor cells as a whole or if >50% of the tumor cells of a discrete geographical areas. Abnormal p53 IHC expression was expressed in 33.3% of the cases and significantly associated with the tumor grade, myometrial invasion (MI), lymphovascular invasion (LVSI), nodal metastasis, and FIGO stage, and the advanced European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) risk groups (P<0.001 for each). High IHC Pirh2 expression was noted in 58.3% of the cases, and significantly associated with MI, LVSI, nodal metastasis, FIGO stage, and high-risk group (P<0.001, P=0.011, P=0.010, P=0.024, P=0.005, respectively). There was a significant upregulation of Pirh2 mRNA expression in EC specimens as compared with the control adjacent tissues (P=0.001). Upregulated Pirh2 mRNA expression had a significant association with Pirh2 immunostaining, tumor grade, tumor stage, MI, lymph node involvement, LVSI, and relapse (P<0.001 for each). Positive L1CAM immunoexpression was noted in 26.7% and was significantly associated with grade, MI, LVSI, nodal metastasis, FIGO stage, and high-risk group (P=0.003, P=0.023, P=0.003, P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.002, respectively). Analysis of follow-up period revealed that EC with abnormal p53 IHC expression, high pirh2 and positive L1CAM expression exhibited a potent relation with tumor relapse, shorter overall survival and disease-specific survival (P<0.001 for each). Mutant p53, high Pirh2, and L1CAM-positive EC are highly aggressive tumors with a shortened survival rate, dismal outcome, and high risk of relapse after the standard protocol of therapy.

Genomic landscape of endometrial carcinomas of no specific molecular profile

Endometrial carcinomas (ECs) classified by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) as copy number-low (also referred to as "no specific molecular profile" [NSMP]) have a prognosis intermediate between POLE-mutated and copy number-high ECs. NSMP-ECs are a heterogeneous group, however, comprising both relatively indolent and aggressive ECs. We identified a total of 472 NSMP-ECs among 1,239 ECs that underwent clinical sequencing of 410-468 cancer-related genes. Somatic mutation and copy number alteration data were subjected to unsupervised hierarchical clustering, which identified three genomic clusters. Random sampling with stratification was used to choose ~80 endometrioid ECs from each cluster, resulting in a study size of 240 endometrioid ECs as well as an additional 44 non-endometrioid NSMP-ECs. Cluster 1 (C1, n = 80) consisted primarily of NSMP-ECs with PTEN and PIK3R1 mutations, Cluster 2 (C2, n = 81) of tumors with PTEN and PIK3CA mutations and Cluster 3 (C3, n = 79) of NSMP-ECs with chromosome 1q high-level gain and lack of PTEN mutations. The majority (72.7%) of non-endometrioid NSMP-ECs mapped to C3. NSMP-ECs from C3 were more likely to be FIGO grade 3 (30%), estrogen receptor-negative/weak (54.5%) and FIGO stages III or IV. In multivariate analysis, molecular clusters were associated with worse overall survival outcomes with C3 tumors having the worst (hazard ratio: 4) and C1 tumors having the best outcome. In conclusion, NSMP-ECs are a heterogenous group of tumors and comprise both aggressive and clinically low-risk ECs that can be identified based on mutation and copy number data.

Endometrioid endometrial carcinoma of no-specific-molecular-profile with multiple bone metastases and muscle involvement: Case report and review of the literature

Bone metastasis and muscular involvement in endometrial carcinoma are rare, and information on molecular profiles of endometrial carcinoma with bone metastasis is scarce. We present a case of an 83-year old woman with a poorly differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma of no-specific-molecular-profile with para-aortic lymph node involvement, who underwent surgery, received adjuvant chemotherapy and vaginal brachytherapy but declined external beam radiotherapy. Fifteen months after the initial diagnosis she presented with pain in her right leg. Imaging showed an osteolytic lesion in the right femur with soft-tissue involvement. She underwent an open biopsy and protective osteosynthesis. Histologically, infiltrates of both bone and muscle were consistent with metastasis derived from endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. She received concomitant palliative chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy to the right femur. Eleven months later, she presented with an acute hemiparesis caused by a right-sided subacute, superior frontal gyrus infarct, which also showed aggressive bone metastasis of the left sphenoid bone. She subsequently died 2 weeks later. This is a rare case of multiple bone metastases and muscle involvement in endometrial carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported such case in endometrial carcinoma showing no-specific-molecular-profile.

The prognosis of endometrial cancers stratified with conventional risk factors and modified molecular classification

This study aimed to validate the Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer, a modified version of The Cancer Genome Atlas, using data from 184 patients with endometrial cancer (median age: 57.5 years; median follow‐up period: 109 months) who had undergone radical surgery (including systemic lymphadenectomy) and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy (patients with intermediate or high recurrence risk) from 2003 to 2015. Tissue microarrays were prepared from surgical specimens and classified using the conventional clinical risk classifier. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect mismatch repair proteins, L1 cell adhesion molecule, and p53. Direct sequencing was used to identify hotspot mutations in the polymerase‐epsilon gene. Forty‐five patients were identified as having high L1 cell adhesion molecule expression, 41 as low risk, 34 as mismatch repair‐deficient, 13 as polymerase‐epsilon gene‐mutated, five as having abnormal p53, and 46 as other. Patients were stratified into significantly different prognostic groups (p < 0.0001): favorable (low risk and polymerase‐epsilon gene‐mutated), intermediate (mismatch repair‐deficient and other), and unfavorable (high L1 cell adhesion molecule expression and abnormal p53) with 5‐year disease‐specific survival rates of 100%, 93.8%, and 75.1%, respectively (Kaplan–Meier method). The combination of conventional recurrent risk classification, sequencing for polymerase‐epsilon gene mutations and immunohistochemistry for L1 cell adhesion molecule, p53, and mismatch repair proteins can be used to determine the prognoses of patients with endometrial cancer.

Endometrial Cancer: An Update on Prognostic Pathologic Features and Clinically Relevant Biomarkers

The prognosis of endometrial cancers has historically been determined by the evaluation of histologic typing, grading, and staging. Recently, molecular classification, pioneered by the 4 prognostic categories from The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, has been shown to independently predict the outcome, correlate with biomarker expression, and predict response to adjuvant chemotherapy. In modern-day pathology practice, it has become necessary to integrate the time-honored prognostic pathologic features with molecular classification to optimize patient management. In this review, the significance of the molecular classification of endometrioid carcinomas, the application of practical diagnostic surrogate algorithms, and interpretation of test results will be addressed. Histologic features and theragnostic biomarkers will also be discussed in relation to the molecular subtypes of endometrial cancers.

Molecular classification of endometrial carcinoma: a clinically oriented review

The Cancer Genome Atlas research network performed a genome-wide analysis of endometrial carcinomas in 2013 and classified tumours into four distinct subgroups: polymerase-ϵ ultramutated, microsatellite unstable hypermutated, copy-number low and copy-number high. These molecular alterations are mostly mutually exclusive as only about 3% of tumours exhibit more than one molecular signature. Apart from the polymerase-ϵ ultramutated subgroup, molecular classification can be reproduced by using surrogate markers. This has facilitated the implementation of molecular diagnostics into routine patient care. Molecular subgroups are associated with different prognoses; thus, improved risk assessment is their most obvious clinical application. However, based on their unique molecular architectures, molecular subgroups should not be regarded simply as risk groups but rather as distinct diseases. This has prompted us and others to examine the role of molecular subgroups in modifying the prognostic effect of traditional risk factors, including clinical factors, uterine factors and tissue biomarkers, and in predicting the response to adjuvant therapies. In the following review, we summarise the current knowledge of molecularly classified endometrial carcinoma and present, based on our own experience, a proposal for implementing molecular classification into daily practice in pathology laboratories.

Further refining 2020 ESGO/ESTRO/ESP molecular risk classes in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer: A propensity score-matched analysis

Background

The integration of molecular features with clinicopathological findings in endometrial cancer classification seems to be able to significantly refine risk assessment. Nevertheless, clinical management remains challenging, and different therapeutic options are available for each class. Further prognostic characterization of the subgroups within each risk class could be helpful in the decision‐making process.

Methods

This study evaluated the role of the 2020 European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO)/European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)/European Society of Pathology (ESP) risk assessment system and the three prognostic profiles adopted in the PORTEC‐4a trial in predicting disease‐free and overall survival in a retrospective study cohort of patients with early‐stage endometrial cancer. Patients were selected according to a 1:2 propensity score matching analysis. Moreover, the sequencing of 29 genes was undertaken for tumor samples.

Results

The study included 137 patients. No differences in disease‐free or overall survival at 5 years were observed among the 2020 ESGO/ESTRO/ESP risk classes without molecular features (p = .766 and p = .176, respectively). Once molecular features were integrated, the probability of overall survival was significantly different (p = .011). When the three prognostic profiles were applied, the probability of recurrence had a p value of .097, and significant differences were observed in overall survival (p = .004). Among patients experiencing recurrence, 17.6% showed mutations in BRCA1/2, RAD50, BRIP1, and XRCC2, whereas 22.5% had PD‐L1–positive expression and an MUTYH mutation.

Conclusions

Further stratification within each risk class according to the most relevant prognostic features could better define the prognosis of patients with early‐stage endometrial cancer. Nearly half of the patients who experienced recurrence showed a targetable molecular alteration for which dedicated trials should be encouraged.

The 2020 molecular integrated risk assessment is of crucial importance for better defining the prognosis of patients with early‐stage endometrial cancer. Nevertheless, further stratification within each risk class according to the most relevant prognostic features could better define the biological behavior of the disease and thus allow better tailoring of adjuvant treatment.

Biomarkers Associated with Lymph Nodal Metastasis in Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma

Simple Summary

In endometrial cancer, lymph node invasion assessed through surgical lymphadenectomy or sentinel lymph node biopsy is a determinant factor for the prognosis and planification of adjuvant treatment. Those surgical procedures are associated with short- and long-term complications. Recent advances in molecular characterization of endometrial cancer have provided important insights into the biological nature of tumors but have not improved the pre-operative prediction of LND. This study is a description of the transcriptomic landscape associated with lymph node metastases in endometroid endometrial carcinomas. A 54-genes expression signature was generated at analysis of the primary tumor. Differential gene expression was found between patients with and without lymph node metastasis, with an 87% accuracy. Our findings provide a basis for the development of a gene expression-based signature that can be used to pre-operatively select patients for whom surgical assessment of lymph node status is of little value, and, consequently, an unfavorable risk–benefit balance.

Abstract

Introduction. Lymph node metastasis is determinant in the prognosis and treatment of endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) but the risk–benefit balance of surgical lymph node staging remains controversial. Objective. Describe the pathways associated with lymph node metastases in EEC detected by whole RNA sequencing. Methods. RNA-sequencing was performed on a retrospective series of 30 non-metastatic EEC. N+ and N− patients were matched for tumoral size, tumoral grade and myometrial invasion. Results. Twenty-eight EECs were analyzable (16 N+ and 12 N−). Bioinformatics Unsupervised analysis revealed three patterns of expression, enriched in N+, mix of N+/N− and enriched in N−, respectively. The cluster with only N+ patient overexpressed extra cellular matrix, epithelial to mesenchymal and smooth muscle contraction pathways with respect to the N− profile. Differential expression analysis between N+ and N− was used to generate a 54-genes signature with an 87% accuracy. Conclusion. RNA-expression analysis provides a basis to develop a gene expression-based signature that could pre-operatively predict lymph node invasion.

Endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in high income countries and its incidence is rising globally. Although an ageing population and fewer benign hysterectomies have contributed to this trend, the growing prevalence of obesity is the major underlying cause. Obesity poses challenges for diagnosis and treatment and more research is needed to offer primary prevention to high-risk women and to optimise endometrial cancer survivorship. Early presentation with postmenopausal bleeding ensures most endometrial cancers are cured by hysterectomy but those with advanced disease have a poor prognosis. Minimally invasive surgical staging and sentinel-lymph-node biopsy provides a low morbidity alternative to historical surgical management without compromising oncological outcomes. Adjuvant radiotherapy reduces loco-regional recurrence in intermediate-risk and high-risk cases. Advances in our understanding of the molecular biology of endometrial cancer have paved the way for targeted chemotherapeutic strategies, and clinical trials will establish their benefit in adjuvant, advanced, and recurrent disease settings in the coming years.

Current Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers for Endometrial Cancer in Clinical Practice: Recommendations/Proposal from the Italian Study Group

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common gynecological malignant disease in high-income countries, such as European countries and the USA. The 2020 edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of the Female Genital Tract underlines the important clinical implications of the proposed new histomolecular classification system for ECs. In view of the substantial genetic and morphological heterogeneity in ECs, both classical pthological parameters and molecular classifiers have to be integrated in the pathology report. This review will focus on the most commonly adopted immunohistochemical and molecular biomarkers in daily clinical characterization of EC, referring to the most recent published recommendations, guidelines, and expert opinions.

Vaginal brachytherapy management of stage I and II endometrial cancer

Adjuvant radiotherapy is an important component of post-operative therapy for patients with early-stage endometrial cancer. In the past decades, many trials have been conducted to determine the optimal adjuvant treatment strategy, pelvic external beam radiotherapy or vaginal brachytherapy. As a result, vaginal brachytherapy became the treatment of choice for patients with early-stage endometrial cancer at high-intermediate risk, based on clinicopathological risk factors. Vaginal brachytherapy maximizes local control and has only mild side effects with limited impact on quality of life, in comparison with pelvic external beam radiotherapy. The most frequently used treatment schedule is the one which was used in the PORTEC-2 trial (21 Gy in three fractions specified at 5 mm depth) and, whenever available, image-guided brachytherapy should be used. However, the most convenient and effective treatment schedule remains to be established. More recently, the discovery and integration of four molecular classes in the risk assessment of endometrial cancer patients has created new opportunities to prevent over- and undertreatment. The 2021 endometrial cancer guideline of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) now proposes an integrated risk stratification, in which both clinicopathologic and molecular factors are combined, to direct adjuvant therapy. This rationale is now investigated in multiple prospective trials. This review provides an overview of the rationale and currently recommended and new strategies for vaginal brachytherapy in patients with stage I and II endometrial cancer.

Biomolecular and Genetic Prognostic Factors That Can Facilitate Fertility-Sparing Treatment (FST) Decision Making in Early Stage Endometrial Cancer (ES-EC): A Systematic Review

Endometrial cancer occurs in up to 29% of women before 40 years of age. Seventy percent of these patients are nulliparous at the time. Decision making regarding fertility preservation in early stage endometrial cancer (ES-EC) is, therefore, a big challenge since the decision between the risk of cancer progression and a chance to parenthood needs to be made. Sixty-two percent of women with complete remission of ES-EC after fertility-sparing treatment (FST) report to have a pregnancy wish which, if not for FST, they would not be able to fulfil. The aim of this review was to identify and summarise the currently established biomolecular and genetic prognostic factors that can facilitate decision making for FST in ES-EC. A comprehensive search strategy was carried out across four databases; Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed; they were searched between March 1946 and 22nd December 2022. Thirty-four studies were included in this study which was conducted in line with the PRISMA criteria checklist. The final 34 articles encompassed 9165 patients. The studies were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). PTEN and POLE alterations we found to be good prognostic factors of ES-EC, favouring FST. MSI, CTNNB1, and K-RAS alterations were found to be fair prognostic factors of ES-EC, favouring FST but carrying a risk of recurrence. PIK3CA, HER2, ARID1A, P53, L1CAM, and FGFR2 were found to be poor prognostic factors of ES-EC and therefore do not favour FST. Clinical trials with bigger cohorts are needed to further validate the fair genetic prognostic factors. Using the aforementioned good and poor genetic prognostic factors, we can make more confident decisions on FST in ES-EC.

Prognostic implications of tumor-infiltrating T cells in early-stage endometrial cancer

Patients with endometrial cancer differ in terms of the extent of T-cell infiltration; however, the association between T-cell subpopulations and patient outcomes remains unexplored. We characterized 285 early-stage endometrial carcinoma samples for T-cell infiltrates in a tissue microarray format using multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry. The proportion of T cells and their subpopulations were associated with clinicopathological features and relapse-free survival outcomes. CD3+ CD4+ infiltrates were more abundant in the patients with higher grade or non-endometrioid histology. Cytotoxic T cells (CD25+, PD-1+, and PD-L1+) were strongly associated with longer relapse-free survival. Moreover, CD3+ PD-1+ stromal cells were independent of other immune T-cell populations and clinicopathological factors in predicting relapses. Patients with high stromal T-cell fraction of CD3+ PD-1+ cells were associated with a 5-year relapse-free survival rate of 93.7% compared to 79.0% in patients with low CD3+ PD-1+ fraction. Moreover, in patients classically linked to a favorable outcome (such as endometrioid subtype and low-grade tumors), the stromal CD3+ PD-1+ T-cell fraction remained prognostically significant. This study supports that T-cell infiltrates play a significant prognostic role in early-stage endometrial carcinoma. Specifically, CD3+ PD-1+ stromal cells emerge as a promising novel prognostic biomarker.

Endometrial Cancer: Transitioning from Histology to Genomics

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is traditionally treated with surgery and adjuvant treatment depending on clinicopathological risk factors. The genomic analysis of EC in 2013 and subsequent studies using immunohistochemistry have led to the current EC molecular classification into: polymerase epsilon mutated (POLEmut), p53 abnormal (p53abn), mismatch repair deficient (MMRd), and no specific molecular profile (NSMP). The four groups have prognostic value and represent a promising tool for clinical decision-making regarding adjuvant treatment. Molecular classification was integrated into the recent European Society of Gynecologic Oncology (ESGO) management guidelines. POLEmut EC has favorable outcomes and retrospective studies found that omitting adjuvant treatment is safe in this group; two prospective clinical trials, PORTEC-4 and TAPER, are ongoing to assess this. p53 abn is associated with increased recurrence, decreased survival, and benefitted from chemotherapy in the PORTEC-3 subgroup molecular analysis. The clinical trials PORTEC-4a and CANSTAMP will prospectively assess this. MMRd and NSMP groups have intermediate prognosis and will likely continue to rely closely on clinicopathological features for adjuvant treatment decisions. In addition, the molecular classification has led to exploring novel treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors. Overall, the molecular perspective on EC and associated clinical trials will likely refine EC risk stratification to optimize care and avoid overtreatment.

Clinicopathologic vs. Molecular Integrated Prognostication of Endometrial Carcinoma by European Guidelines

This was a retrospective study of 604 patients with endometrial carcinoma, classified into ESGO-ESTRO-ESP 2021 clinicopathologic and molecular integrated risk groups. The Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) and Leiden classifier were employed for molecular classification. Median follow-up time was 81 months. Clinicopathologic and molecular integrated risk groups were similarly associated with distinct prognoses (p < 0.001). Disease-specific survival was similar for all molecular subgroups within clinicopathologic intermediate-risk, high-risk, and advanced/metastatic groups. In contrast, the p53 abnormal subgroup (hazard ratio 9.1, 95% confidence interval 2.0-41; p = 0.004) and mismatch repair deficient subgroup (hazard ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2-10; p = 0.024) were associated with disease-related death within clinicopathologic low-risk and high-intermediate-risk carcinomas, respectively. A risk-group shift occurred in 6.0% (36/604) and 7.4% (38/515) of patients classified by ProMisE and Leiden, respectively (p = 0.341). Of the 36 patients shifted in the ProMisE cohort, 27 were upshifted and 9 downshifted. Based on the Leiden classifier, polymerase-ϵ sequencing could be omitted in 60% (311/515) of patients without affecting the risk-group assessment. ESGO-ESTRO-ESP 2021 guidelines provide a platform for risk classification in future trials on molecularly directed treatment of endometrial carcinoma.

Development and validation of a RNAseq signature for prognostic stratification in endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite recent advances in endometrial carcinoma (EC) molecular characterization, its prognostication remains challenging. We aimed to assess whether RNAseq could stratify EC patient prognosis beyond current classification systems.

METHODS

A prognostic signature was identified using a LASSO-penalized Cox model trained on TCGA (N = 543 patients). A clinically applicable polyA-RNAseq-based work-flow was developed for validation of the signature in a cohort of stage I-IV patients treated in two Hospitals [2010-2017]. Model performances were evaluated using time-dependent ROC curves (prediction of disease-specific-survival (DSS)). The additional value of the RNAseq signature was evaluated by multivariable Cox model, adjusted on high-risk prognostic group (2021 ESGO-ESTRO-ESP guidelines: non-endometrioid histology or stage III-IVA orTP53-mutated molecular subgroup).

RESULTS

Among 209 patients included in the external validation cohort, 61 (30%), 10 (5%), 52 (25%), and 82 (40%), had mismatch repair-deficient, POLE-mutated, TP53-mutated tumors, and tumors with no specific molecular profile, respectively. The 38-genes signature accurately predicted DSS (AUC = 0.80). Most disease-related deaths occurred in high-risk patients (5-years DSS = 78% (95% CI = [68%-89%]) versus 99% [97%-100%] in patients without high-risk). A composite classifier accounting for the TP53-mutated subgroup and the RNAseq signature identified three classes independently associated with DSS: RNAseq-good prognosis (reference, 5-years DSS = 99%), non-TP53 tumors but with RNAseq-poor prognosis (adjusted-hazard ratio (aHR) = 5.75, 95% CI[1.14-29.0]), and TP53-mutated subgroup (aHR = 5.64 [1.12-28.3]). The model accounting for the high-risk group and the composite classifier predicted DSS with AUC = 0.84, versus AUC = 0.76 without (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

RNA-seq profiling can provide an additional prognostic information to established classification systems, and warrants validation for potential RNAseq-based therapeutic strategies in EC.