A novel prediction score for predicting the baseline risk of recurrence of stage I-II endometrial carcinoma

New online dynamic nomograms to predict recurrence-free and overall survival after resection of endometrial cancer: a single-institution retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

The significant global burden of endometrial cancer (EC) and the challenges associated with predicting EC recurrence indicate the need for a dynamic prediction model. This study aimed to propose nomograms based on clinicopathological variables to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) after surgical resection for EC.

METHODS

This single-institution retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent surgical resection for EC. Web-based nomograms were developed to predict RFS and OS following resection for EC, and their discriminative and calibration abilities were assessed.

RESULTS

This study included 289 patients (median age, 56 years). At a median follow-up of 51.1 (range, 4.1-128.3) months, 13.5% (39/289) of patients showed relapse or died, and 10.7% (31/289) had non-endometrioid tumors (median size: 2.8 cm). Positive peritoneal cytology result (hazard ratio [HR], 35.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1095.64; P = 0.0428), age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (AACCI) (HR, 52.08; 95% CI, 12.35-219.61; P < 0.001), and FIGO (Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage IV (HR, 138.33; 95% CI, 17.38-1101.05; P < 0.001) were predictors of RFS. Similarly, depth of myometrial invasion ≥ 1/2 (HR, 1; 95% CI, 0.46-2.19; P = 0.995), AACCI (HR, 93.63; 95% CI, 14.87-589.44; P < 0.001), and FIGO stage IV (HR, 608.26; 95% CI, 73.41-5039.66; P < 0.001) were predictors of OS. The nomograms showed good predictive capability, positive discriminative ability, and calibration (RFS: 0.895 and OS: 0.891).

CONCLUSION

The nomograms performed well in internal validation when patients were stratified into prognostic groups, offering a personalized approach for risk stratification and treatment decision-making.

The prognostic value of co-expression of stemness markers CD44 and CD133 in endometrial cancer

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between stemness markers (CD44 and CD133) and clinical pathological features, and to further explore the prognostic value of co-expression of CD44 & CD133 in endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

Clinical data of stage I-III EC patients who underwent initial surgical treatment at two large tertiary medical centers from 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively collected. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to show the consistency of the expression between CD44 and CD133. The correlation between co-expression of CD44 & CD133 and prognosis of EC patients was explored using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Then, the prognosis models for early-stage (stage I-II) EC patients were constructed. Finally, stratified analysis was performed for EC patients in high-intermediate-risk and high-risk groups, Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the survival differences between patients with and without adjuvant therapy in different co-expression states (low expression, mixed expression, high expression) of CD44 & CD133.

Results

A total of 1168 EC patients were included in this study. The consistency of the expression between CD44 and CD133 was 70.5%, the kappa coefficient was 0.384. High expression of CD44 & CD133 was associated with early FIGO stage (P=0.017), superficial myometrial invasion (P=0.017), and negative lymphatic vessel space invasion (P=0.017). Cox regression analysis showed that the co-expression of CD44 & CD133 was significantly correlated with the prognosis of early-stage (stage I-II) patients (P=0.001 for recurrence and P=0.005 for death). Based on this, the nomogram models were successfully constructed to predict the prognosis of early-stage EC patients. Meanwhile, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with adjuvant therapy had a better overall prognosis than those without adjuvant therapy in high-intermediate-risk and high-risk groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in survival between patients with and without adjuvant therapy in high expression of CD44 & CD133 group (P=0.681 for recurrence, P=0.621 for death).

Conclusion

High expression of CD44 & CD133 was closely related to the adverse prognosis of early-stage EC patients. Meanwhile, patients with high expression of CD44 & CD133 may not be able to achieve significant survival benefits from adjuvant therapy.

Consistency of P53 immunohistochemical expression between preoperative biopsy and final surgical specimens of endometrial cancer

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the consistency of P53 immunohistochemical expression between preoperative biopsy and final pathology in endometrial cancer (EC), and to predict the prognosis of patients based on the 4-tier P53 expression and classic clinicopathological parameters.

Methods

The medical data of patients with stage I-III EC who received preoperative biopsy and initial surgical treatment in two medical centers was retrospectively collected. The consistency of P53 immunohistochemistry expression between preoperative biopsy and final pathology was compared using Cohen's kappa coefficient and Sankey diagram, then 4-tier P53 expression was defined (P53wt/P53wt, P53abn/P53wt, P53wt/P53abn, and P53abn/P53abn). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between 4-tier P53 expression and the prognosis of patients. On this basis, the nomogram models were established to predict the prognosis of patients by combining 4-layer P53 expression and classic clinicopathological parameters, then risk stratification was performed on patients.

Results

A total of 1186 patients were ultimately included in this study through inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, the consistency of P53 expression between preoperative biopsy and final pathology was 83.8%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.624. ROC curve suggested that the AUC of 4-tier P53 expression to predict the prognosis of patients was better than AUC of P53 expression in preoperative biopsy or final pathology alone. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that 4-tier P53 expression was an independent influencing factor for recurrence and death. On this basis, the nomogram models based on 4-tier P53 expression and classical clinicopathological factors were successfully established. ROC curve suggested that the AUC (AUC for recurrence and death was 0.856 and 0.838, respectively) of the models was superior to the single 4-tier P53 expression or the single classical clinicopathological parameters, which could provide a better risk stratification for patients.

Conclusion

The expression of P53 immunohistochemistry had relatively good consistency between preoperative biopsy and final pathology of EC. Due to the discrepancy of P53 immunohistochemistry between preoperative biopsy and final pathology, the prognosis of patients can be better evaluated based on the 4-layer P53 expression and classic clinical pathological parameters.

Malignant peritoneal cytologic contamination with robotic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

Malignant peritoneal cytology in endometrial cancer (EC) is not considered an independent adverse prognostic factor for uterine-confined disease and is not a determinant factor in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system. NCCN Guidelines still recommend obtaining cytologies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of peritoneal cytologic contamination following robotic hysterectomy for EC.

METHODS

Peritoneal cytology from the pelvis and diaphragm were obtained at the initiation of surgery, and from the pelvis only at the completion of robotic hysterectomy with sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM). Cytology specimens were evaluated for the presence of malignant cells. Pre- and post-hysterectomy cytology results were compared, and pelvic contamination was defined as conversion from negative to positive cytology following surgery.

RESULTS

244 patients underwent robotic hysterectomy with SLNM for EC. Pelvic contamination was identified in 32 (13.1%) cases. In multivariate analysis, pelvic contamination was associated with >50% myometrial invasion, tumor size >2 cm, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), and lymph node metastasis. There was no association with FIGO stage or histology subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Malignant peritoneal contamination occurred during robotic surgery for EC. Large lesions (>2 cm), deep invasion (>50%), LVSI, and lymph node metastasis were each independently associated with peritoneal contamination. Whether or not peritoneal contamination increases risk for disease recurrence should be studied in larger series, including an evaluation of patterns of recurrence and the potential impact of adjuvant therapies. Until the clinical impact of peritoneal contamination during hysterectomy for EC is better understood, methods to reduce peritoneal contamination are warranted.

The efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy on the survival of early stage endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

No consensus exists on the adjuvant chemotherapy for the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage I-II endometrial cancer with risk factors for recurrence. This study evaluated adjuvant chemotherapy's efficacy in improving these patients' survival.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with FIGO Stage I-II endometrial cancer with recurrence risk factors. The patients received no adjuvant therapy at the National Cancer Center Hospital (NCCH) but received platinum-based chemotherapy at Shiga University of Medical Science (SUMS).

RESULTS

Six hundred thirty-eight patients with endometrial cancer were identified. Of these, 118 met the inclusion criteria, 321 were excluded from NCCH, while 49 met the inclusion criteria, and 150 were excluded from SUMS. Multivariate analyses of age, surgery, para-aortic lymphadenectomy, omentectomy, histological type, myometrial invasion, cervical stromal invasion, and adjuvant therapy revealed that in patients aged > 60 years with type II histology, the outer half of myometrial invasion, cervical stromal invasion, and positive peritoneal cytology had significantly worse recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates, and patients aged > 60 years with type II histology, outer half of myometrial invasion, and positive peritoneal cytology had significantly worse overall survival (OS) rates. Patients that received adjuvant chemotherapy showed equivalent effects on RFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82-5.53) and worse on OS ([HR = 5.20; 95 %CI = 1.26-21.50) than patients who did not.

CONCLUSION

This study did not show that adjuvant chemotherapy for FIGO Stages I-II endometrial cancer with recurrence risk factors has survival benefit. Further large-scale studies are necessary to validate our findings.

Application value of Ki67 and serum CA125 in the deep myometrial invasion of endometrial adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the application value of Ki67 and serum CA125 in diagnosing the deep myometrial invasion of endometrial adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed 80 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma, who underwent procedure from January 2018 to June 2021 at Senior Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital assigned to the Fourth Medical Center. The general clinical data, serum CA125 and Ki67 levels were compared between the superficial muscular infiltration group and the deep myometrial invasion group. We investigated the application value of Ki67 and serum CA125 in diagnosing the deep myometrial invasion of endometrial adenocarcinoma by the ROC curve.

RESULTS

80 patients were retrospectively analyzed, and 53 cases were superficial muscular infiltration, 27 cases were deep myometrial invasion. There was significant difference in age, tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, Ki67, serum CA125, p53 status, serum CA125 and Ki67 levels between the two groups (p < 0.05). As high as 35% of Ki67 was the optimal cutoff value for predicting DMI in endometrial adenocarcinoma, and the area under ROC curve was 0.691, the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis were 88.9% and 56.6%. As high as 43.645 U/ml of serum CA125 was the optimal cutoff value for predicting DMI in endometrial adenocarcinoma, and the area under ROC curve was 0.668, the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis were 40.7% and 92.5%. After combined detection of both, the area under ROC curve was 0.719, and its sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis were 96.3% and 43.4%.

CONCLUSION

Serum CA125 and Ki67 may be used to evaluate DMI in patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma, and the diagnostic value of combination is higher, which provide reference for clinical treatment.

Prognostic Value of the Cutoffs for HALP in Endometrial Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Using preoperative hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) scores, a cutoff value of HALP in endometrial cancer was identified, and the significance of HALP value in endometrial cancer prognosis was evaluated to guide the management of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 626 patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between June 2015 and June 2020. A Cox regression model was used to analyze the correlation between HALP endometrial cancer recurrence and death, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of HALP for predicting the lymph node metastasis (LNM), recurrence, and death of endometrial cancer. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis revealed that HALP was associated with a lower risk of recurrence and death of endometrial cancer. Multivariate analysis indicated that HALP was an independent protective factor for predicting recurrence and death in endometrial cancer. The thresholds of HALP for predicting LNM, recurrence, and death in endometrial cancer patients are around 33.8. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the recurrence-free and the overall survival rates were significantly lower in the low-HALP group than that in the high-HALP group ( P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative HALP values in patients with endometrial cancer are important in predicting LNM, recurrence, and death of patients. HALP scores combined with traditional pathologic factors can better guide the prognostic management of patients.

The Potential Value of Ki-67 in Prognostic Classification in Early Low-Risk Endometrial Cancer

PURPOSE

This study aims to determine the optimal cut-off value of Ki-67 to better predict the recurrence of early low-risk endometrial cancer (EC).

METHODS

Seven hundred and forty-eight patients diagnosed with low-risk EC from West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and Youden index were used to calculate the optimal cut-off value of Ki-67 expression. The clinicopathological indexes between two groups divided by cut-off value of Ki-67 were compared. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate risk factors connected to the recurrence of early low-risk EC. The survival analysis was shown in Kaplan-Meier curve.

RESULT

Thirty-three patients were detected with tumor recurrence after primary surgery (4.4%); 33% was the optimal cut-off value of the Ki-67 index. A high Ki-67 was significantly associated with age (P = .002), myometrial invasion (P < .001), and the expression of P53 (P = .007). The multivariate regression analysis verified that Ki67 ≥ 33% was an independent prognostic factor for predicting recurrence. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and the overall survival (OS) in high Ki-67 group was significantly lower than that in low Ki-67 group (P < .001 and P = .029, respectively). The prognostic values of ER, PR, and P53 in combination with Ki-67 were superior to each single predictor.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal cut-off value of Ki-67 for predicting recurrence is 33%, which quantitatively defines the specific value of Ki-67 that causes high-risk recurrence in early low-risk EC.

Development and validation of a nomogram involving immunohistochemical markers for prediction of recurrence in early low-risk endometrial cancer

Background

The purpose of this study was to construct a nomogram based on classical parameters and immunohistochemical markers to predict the recurrence of early low-risk endometrial cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 998 patients with early low-risk endometrial cancer who underwent primary surgical treatment were enrolled (668 in the training cohort, 330 in the validation cohort). Prognostic factors identified by univariate and multivariate analysis in the training cohort were used to construct the nomogram. Prediction performance of the nomogram was evaluated using the calibration curve, concordance index (C-index), and the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve. The cumulative incidence curve was used to describe the prognosis of patients in high-risk and low-risk groups divided by the optimal risk threshold of the model.

Results

In the training cohort, grade ( P = 0.040), estrogen receptor ( P < 0.001), progesterone receptor ( P = 0.001), P53 ( P = 0.004), and Ki67 ( P = 0.002) were identified as independent risk factors of recurrence of early low-risk endometrial cancer, and were used to establish the nomogram. The calibration curve showed that the fitting degree of the model was good. The C-indexes of training and validation cohorts were 0.862 and 0. 827, respectively. Based on the optimal risk threshold of the nomogram, patients were split into a high-risk group and a low-risk group. The cumulative incidence curves showed that the prognosis of the high-risk group was far worse than that of the low-risk group ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This nomogram, with a combination of classical parameters and immunohistochemical markers, can effectively predict recurrence in early low-risk endometrial cancer patients.

Analysis of immunohistochemical characteristics and recurrence after complete remission with fertility preservation treatment in patients with endometrial carcinoma and endometrial atypical hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between immunohistochemical characteristics and recurrence after complete remission (CR) with fertility preservation treatment in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) and endometrial atypical hyperplasia (AH).

METHODS

The clinical data and immunohistochemical results of 53 patients with EC and 68 patients with AH admitted to Peking University People's Hospital from January 2010 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether recurrence after complete remission (CR): group 1: recurrence after CR; group 2: no recurrence after CR, for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

(1) The expression rate of ER in group 1 was lower than that in group 2, (P < 0.05). The expression rate of Ki-67 in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2, (P < 0.01). The expression rates of PR, P16, P53, and PTEN were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05); (2) combination index ER/ Ki-67 row ROC curve analysis, there was a significant difference (P < 0.01), the best cut-off value was 3.55, sensitivity 0.730, specificity 1.000, Youden index 0.730. The 3-year RFS of high rate patients was 100%, and that of low rate patients was 42.3%, P < 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression rate of Ki-67 is of great significance in predicting the recurrence of EC after fertility preservation therapy. The best cut-off value of combination index ER/ Ki-67 (3.55) was better than a single immunohistochemical marker in predicting recurrence of EC after fertility preservation treatment.

Prognosis and adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with positive peritoneal cytology in stage IA endometrial cancer

This study evaluated the influence of positive peritoneal cytology (PPC) on the prognosis of patients with stage IA endometrial cancer, and the usefulness of adjuvant chemotherapy in their treatment. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with stage IA endometrial cancer admitted in our hospital between 2005 and 2015. Among 989 patients who underwent peritoneal cytology, 135 (13.7%) had PPC. Multivariate analysis extracted several independent risk factors for recurrence in stage IA patients, including those with PPC. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not cause a significant difference in the 5-year relapse-free survival rate in patients with PPC (p = 0.78). Similarly, the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate with or without chemotherapy was not different among type II cancer patients (p = 0.11). However, the baseline risk of 5-year relapse-free survival without chemotherapy in patients with PPC and type II was very low (66.7%). While PPC was an independent risk factor for recurrence in stage IA endometrial cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy did not influence the survival rate in patients with PPC. While it is controversial whether adjuvant chemotherapy should be administered in stage IA uterine cancer with only PPC as a prognostic factor, it should be considered for early-stage patients who have multiple risk factors for recurrence.

A prediction model based on clinical and histological features for predicting recurrence in patients with stage I-II endometrial cancer after surgical treatment

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to develop a prediction model combining clinical and histological features to predict recurrence in patients with stage I-II endometrial cancer (EC) after surgical treatment.

METHODS

A total of 746 stage I-II EC patients who had received primary surgical treatment at Taizhou People's Hospital between 2014 and 2018 were included and randomly divided as a Training cohort (n = 520) and a Validation cohort (n = 226) at a 7:3 ratio. Clinical features including age, body mass index, comorbidities, lymphadenectomy, and adjuvant treatment, and histological features including histologic type, myometrial invasion, cervical stromal invasion, and expression levels of Ki67, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), whey acidic protein 4-disulphide core domain 2 (WFDC2), and p53 were used to develop a prediction model for EC recurrence in the Training cohort using a multivariable Cox regression model. Model discrimination and calibration were further evaluated in the Validation cohort.

RESULTS

EC recurrence was observed in 60 (11.54%) patients in the Training cohort with a median length of follow-up of 39 months. Age, adjuvant treatment, histologic type, cervical stromal invasion, and expression levels of Ki67, ER, PR, and WFDC2 were factors significantly associated with EC recurrence based on univariable Cox regression analysis. After a model selection by AIC in a stepwise algorithm, the final model incorporated the above predictors showed a C-index of 0.85 and fair calibration in the Training cohort. In the Validation cohort, the model still showed good discrimination power (C-index 0.80) but moderate calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed prediction model combining clinical and histological features can help to predict the EC recurrence in patients with stage I-II EC after surgical treatment.

Analysis of Prognostic Factors and Treatment Modes of Patients with Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma

Objective

Recurrence of endometrial cancer after initial treatment can be complex and difficult to treat. The current main treatment modalities for patients with recurrent endometrial cancer (REC) include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, which vary according to the individual patient. However, REC is often associated with a poor prognosis, and it is therefore important to investigate the risk factors affecting REC prognosis and to explore appropriate treatment modalities to improve the prognosis and treatment strategies for patients with REC.

Methods

Totally, 100 patients with REC admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to January 2018 were chosen to be research objects. Their pathological data were analyzed, including age, disease-free interval (DFI), recurrence site, and treatment plan after relapse (definitive local therapy (DLT) and palliative chemotherapy (PC)). According to these parameters, univariate and multivariate factors affecting the prognosis of REC patients and the curative effect of PC were analyzed, and the 3-year overall survival (OS) curve and progression-free survival (PFS) curve were drawn.

Results

After 3 years of follow-up, 30 patients had a poor prognosis and 70 had a good prognosis, according to which a single multifactorial analysis was performed for different prognoses, where the results of the single-factor analysis showed significant differences between patients with different prognoses in terms of pathomorphology, pathological grading, TFI, and treatment modality after relapse. Further multifactorial analysis showed that TFI and treatment modality after recurrence were independent factors affecting poor prognosis in REC patients. The 3-year OS and 3-year PFS of REC patients were 74.00% and 70.00%, respectively. Patients whose DFI was less than 12 months or treated with PC after relapse were notably associated with lower levels of 3-year OS and 3-year PFS. In addition, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, DFI, and chemotherapy plan after primary surgery were independent risk factors that affected the PC efficacy of REC patients.

Conclusion

DFI and treatment mode after relapse are independent factors affecting the prognosis of REC patients. DLT can obviously improve the prognosis of REC patients. For patients who can only choose PC, chemoradiotherapy and DFI after primary surgery are helpful to predict the chemotherapy effect, and the combination of paclitaxel and platinum drugs should be the first choice for chemotherapy.

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.

[Using Immunohistochemical Markers and Clinicopathological Factors to Predict the Prognostic Survival of Different Types of Endometrial Cancer Recurrence]

OBJECTIVE

To probe for factors that can be used effectively to predict the prognostic survival of patients with endometrial cancer recurrence.

METHODS

The clinicopathological data of 473 patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅲ endometrial cancer who underwent standard surgical treatment from October 2013 to May 2019 were retrospectively collected, and post-operative recurrence of the patients were followed up. Overall recurrence includes local recurrence and poor prognosis recurrence. The endpoint indicators of this study are the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with overall recurrence, local recurrence, and poor prognosis recurrence (PPR). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to evaluate the OS and RFS of patients. Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify factors affecting the prognostic survival of patients with endometrial cancer recurrence.

RESULTS

Among the 473 patients, 406 did not experience recurrence. A total of 67 patients, accounting for 14.2%, had recurrence. Among them, 27 had local recurrence, accounting for 5.7%, while 40 had poor prognosis recurrence, accounting for 8.5%. The median follow-up time of patients with recurrence was 38 months. The survival curve showed that the RFS and OS of the patients in the recurrence-free group remained unchanged, while the patients in the recurrence group, regardless of whether they had overall recurrence, local recurrence or PPR, experienced a decrease in RFS and OS( P<0.001). The overall 3-year OS rate of patients with recurrence was 44.8%, the median survival time was 29 months, and the median recurrence time was 17 months. The 3-year OS rate of patients in the recurrence-free group was 98.8%, and the median survival time was 40 months; the 3-year OS rate of patients with local recurrence was 59.3%, the median survival time was 27 months, and the median recurrence time was 15 months. The 3-year OS rate of patients with PPR was only 35.0%, the median survival time was 22 months, and the median recurrence time was 10 months. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that, for overall recurrence patients, FIGO stage Ⅲ (hazard ratio ( HR)=3.432, P=0.005), increased expression of K-i67 ( HR=1.015, P=0.025), and decreased expression of estrogen receptor (ER) ( HR=0.985, P=0.005) are independent factors for the decline in RFS, FIGO stage Ⅲ ( HR=4.918, P=0.005) and the decreased expression of progesterone receptor (PR) ( HR=0.977, P=0.003) are independent factors for the decrease in OS. For patients with local recurrence, special pathological types ( HR=2.545, P=0.049) and increased expression of Ki-67 ( HR=1.024, P=0.033) are independent factors influencing the decrease in RFS, while decreased expression of PR ( HR=0.973, P=0.009) is an independent risk factor for decreased OS. For patients with PPR, FIGO stage Ⅲ ( HR=5.977, P=0.002) and decreased ER expression ( HR=0.984, P=0.023) are independent risk factors for the decline in RFS, while FIGO stage Ⅲ ( HR=10.098, P=0.001) is an independent factor influencing the decline of OS.

CONCLUSION

FIGO stage Ⅲ, increased Ki-67 expression, and decreased ER expression can increase patients' risk of postoperative recurrence, and FIGO stage Ⅲ and decreased expression of PR can increase the risk of death in patients with recurrence.

Trends in peritoneal cytology evaluation at hysterectomy for endometrial cancer in the United States

OBJECTIVE

The collection of a peritoneal cytologic sample at the time of surgery for endometrial cancer has traditionally been an important part of surgical staging. In 2009, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics revised the cancer staging schema for endometrial cancer and removed peritoneal cytology from the staging criteria. The current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics organization, however, recommend evaluation of peritoneal cytology at the time of hysterectomy. This study examined population-based trends, characteristics, and outcomes of peritoneal cytologic sampling for endometrial cancer surgery following the 2009 staging revision in the United States.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study querying the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program to examine women with stage I-III endometrial cancer who underwent hysterectomy from 2010 to 2017. Trends, characteristics, and survival associated with peritoneal cytologic evaluation at the time of hysterectomy were assessed in multivariable analysis and with propensity score weighting.

RESULTS

Among 62,809 women who underwent hysterectomy, 43,873 (69.9%) had peritoneal cytologic evaluation at surgery and 18,936 (30.1%) did not. Utilization of peritoneal cytologic evaluation decreased from 75.5% to 64.9% during the study period (P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, more recent year of surgery was independently associated with a decreased likelihood of performance of peritoneal cytology (adjusted-odds ratio of peritoneal cytology evaluation in 2017 versus 2010 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.60). Peritoneal cytologic evaluation at the time of hysterectomy was associated with improved all-cause mortality (hazard ratio in the whole cohort 0.94, 95%CI 0.89-0.99; and hazard ratio in endometrioid histology 0.90, 95%CI 0.84-0.97).

CONCLUSION

Performance of peritoneal cytologic sampling has gradually decreased following the 2009 staging revision in the United States. Our study suggests that peritoneal cytology evaluation at hysterectomy may be associated with improved survival in certain tumor groups.

A Nomogram Model Involving Immunohistochemical Markers for Predicting the Recurrence of Stage I-II Endometrial Cancer

Background

The purpose of this study was to establish a nomogram combining classical parameters and immunohistochemical markers to predict the recurrence of patients with stage I-II endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

419 patients with stage I-II endometrial cancer who received primary surgical treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were involved in this study as a training cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis of screening prognostic factors were performed in the training cohort to develop a nomogram model, which was further validated in 248 patients (validation cohort) from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. The calibration curve was used for internal and external verification of the model, and the C-index was used for comparison among different models.

Results

There were 51 recurrent cases in the training cohort while 31 cases in the validation cohort. Univariate analysis showed that age, histological type, histological grade, myometrial invasion, cervical stromal invasion, postoperative adjuvant treatment, and four immunohistochemical makers (Ki67, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, P53) were the related factors for recurrence of EC. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that histological type (P = 0.029), myometrial invasion (P = 0.003), cervical stromal invasion (P = 0.001), Ki67 (P < 0.001), ER (P = 0.009) and P53 expression (P = 0.041) were statistically correlated with recurrence of EC. Recurrence-free survival was better predicted by the proposed nomogram with a C-index of 0.832 (95% CI, 0.752–0.912) in the training cohort, and the validation set confirmed the finding with a C-index of 0.861 (95% CI, 0.755–0.967).

Conclusion

The nomogram model combining classical parameters and immunohistochemical markers can better predict the recurrence in patients with FIGO stage I-II EC.

Postoperative Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII): A Superior Prognostic Factor of Endometrial Cancer

Objective: This study evaluates the preoperative and postoperative systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) capacity to predict the prognosis of patients with endometrial carcinoma after the operation and build a nomogram model to assist clinical practice. Methods: The retrospective study included 362 consecutive patients with surgically resected endometrial cancer between January 2010 and June 2015 at The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College. Blood routine was examined within 1 week before surgery to calculate SII, NLR, PLR, and MLR and 3 days after surgery to measure SII. The Pearson's χ²-test or Fisher's exact test was used to explore their relationship to clinical variables. The univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed by Cox regression to identify the independent prognostic indicators. The Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test was used to generate the overall survival (OS) curves. R software was used to generate the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and then it got the optimum cutoff value through the maximum Youden index. A nomogram model was formed with systemic immune inflammation and clinical factors. Results: The preoperative SII was related to age (p = 0.009), FIGO stage (p = 0.02) and menopause (p = 0.014). The postoperative SII was associated with menopause (p = 0.014). Univariate analysis indicated that FIGO stage, lymphatic invasion, depth of myometrial invasion, postoperative chemotherapy, postoperative radiotherapy, preoperative SII, NLR, PLR, MLR, CRP, CA125, and postoperative SII were predictors of OS (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that lymphatic invasion and postoperative SII were independent prognostic factors of OS (p < 0.05). The nomogram model was visualized precisely to reflect the prognosis with a C-index value of 0.866 in this model. Conclusion: The postoperative SII is the independent prognostic factor in patients with endometrial carcinoma after the operation and contributes to poor outcomes. However, after surgery, the preoperative SII and preoperative NLR, PLR, and MLR are not associated with OS endometrial carcinoma. Making good use of the nomogram model would contribute to better subsequent therapy.

The optimal cut-off value of immunohistochemical parameter P53 for predicting recurrence of endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore the optimal cut-off value of immunohistochemical parameter P53 for predicting the recurrence of Stage I-III endometrial cancer.

METHODS

A total of 473 patients who were treated between October 2013 and May 2018 were retrospectively studied. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the Youden index were used to calculate the optimal cut-off value of P53. Cox regression analysis was used to detect the association between the threshold of P53 and recurrence of endometrial cancer. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were exhibited by Kaplan-Meier curve.

RESULTS

The study showed that 67% was the optimal cut-off value of P53 to predict the recurrence of endometrial cancer. P53 above 67% was an independent predictor for relapse of endometrial cancer (p < 0.001). The 3-year RFS was 89.7% in the low-value group and 66.6% in the high-value group (p < 0.001), while the 3-year OS was 93.9% and 76.4%, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the 3-year RFS of patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy was 95.7% and 78.2% between the two groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The optimal cut-off value of immunohistochemical parameter P53 for predicting recurrence was confirmed as 67% and a P53 index above 67% was an independent prognostic factor.

Prognostic Value of Ki67 in Patients with Stage 1-2 Endometrial Cancer: Validation of the Cut-off Value of Ki67 as a Predictive Factor

Objective

The purpose of this study was to find a cut-off value of the immunohistochemical parameter Ki67 for stage I-II endometrial cancer.

Materials and Methods

The clinicopathological data of 318 patients with stages I-II endometrial cancer who received primary surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. A cut-off value of Ki67 for predicting recurrence of endometrial cancer was determined by using the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Youden index. The Cox regression was performed to screen factors associated with recurrence of endometrial cancer. Based on the cut-off value of Ki67, the patients were divided into two groups, and the differences of clinicopathological parameters between the two groups were compared.

Results

The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the optimal cut-off value of Ki67 for predicting recurrence of patients with stages I-II endometrial cancer was 38%. The multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the histotypes (P=0.012), myometrial invasion (P=0.014), cervical stromal invasion (P=0.001), Ki67 (P=0.002), estrogen receptor (ER) (P=0.045) and P53 (P=0.032) were significant prognostic predictors for recurrence of endometrial cancer. The recurrence-free survival and the disease-specific survival of patients in the high-Ki67 group (Ki67 ≥38%) were much lower than those in the low-Ki67 group (Ki67 <38%) (P=0.000, P=0.001, respectively). Among the 118 patients with early low-risk endometrial cancer who did not receive adjuvant treatment after surgery, the recurrence-free survival of patients in the high-Ki67 group was also lower than those in the low-Ki67 group (P=0.000).

Conclusion

The Ki67 was demonstrated to be a useful prognostic factor in patients with stages I-II endometrial cancer, and the Ki67 labeling index 38.0% was optimal cut-off value for predicting recurrence.

Predicting Recurrence in Endometrial Cancer Based on a Combination of Classical Parameters and Immunohistochemical Markers

Objective

The aim of this study was to establish a nomogram to predict the recurrence of endometrial cancer (EC) by immunohistochemical markers and clinicopathological parameters and to evaluate the discriminative power of this model.

Methods

The data of 473 patients with stages I–III endometrial cancer who had received primary surgical treatment between October 2013 and May 2018 were randomly split into two sets: a training cohort and a validation cohort at a predefined ratio of 7:3. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis of screening prognostic factors were performed in the training cohort (n=332) to develop a nomogram model for EC-recurrence prediction, which was further evaluated in the validation cohort (n=141).

Results

Univariate analysis found that FIGO stage, histological type, histological grade, myometrial invasion, cervical stromal invasion, postoperative adjuvant treatment, and four immunohistochemical markers (Ki67, ER, PR, and p53) were associated with recurrence in EC. Multivariate analysis showed that FIGO stage, histological type, ER, and p53 were superior parameters to generate the nomogram model for recurrence prediction in EC. Recurrence-free survival was better predicted by the proposed nomogram, with a C-index value of 0.79 (95% CI 0.66–0.92) in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

This nomogram model involving immunohistochemical markers can better predict recurrence in FIGO stages I–III EC.

The combined ratio of estrogen, progesterone, Ki-67, and P53 to predict the recurrence of endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We aimed to explore the capacity of the combined ratio of biomarkers to predict the recurrence of Stage I-III endometrial cancer (EC).

METHODS

A total of 473 patients were enrolled after screening. The cut-off value of the ratio was calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between the combined ratio and the recurrence of EC. The differences of clinicopathological parameters between the two groups divided based on the threshold were compared.

RESULT

The ROC curve showed that 0.92 was the optimal cut-off value of the ratio ([ER + PR]/[P53 + Ki67]). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that only International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (p = .031) and the combined ratio (p = .004) were independent risk factors of recurrence. The 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival of patients in the low-ratio group were 54.1% and 66.8%, respectively; while in the high-ratio group were 94.9% and 97.9%, respectively (p < .001). The 3-year RFS of 194 patients, who did not receive the adjuvant therapy, was 54.7% and 97.2% between two groups (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal cut-off value (0.92) of the combined ratio was demonstrated to be better to predict the recurrence of EC than a single immunohistochemical marker.

Malignant peritoneal cytology and increased mortality risk in stage I non-endometrioid endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To examine the survival of women with stage I non-endometrioid endometrial cancer with malignant peritoneal cytology.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted to examine the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program from 2010 to 2016. Women with stage I serous, clear cell, carcinosarcoma, undifferentiated, and mixed endometrial cancer with known peritoneal cytology results at hysterectomy were examined (N = 4506). Propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance the measured covariates, and survival outcomes were assessed according to peritoneal cytology results.

RESULTS

Malignant peritoneal cytology was reported in 401 (8.9%) women. In multivariable analysis, older age, serous histology, and large tumors were associated with an increased likelihood of malignant peritoneal cytology (all, P < 0.05). In a propensity score weighted model, malignant peritoneal cytology was associated with a nearly two-fold increase in all-cause mortality risk compared to negative peritoneal cytology (5-year rates, 63.4% versus 80.2%, hazard ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.78-2.66). In sensitivity analyses, malignant peritoneal cytology was associated with decreased overall survival in old and young age groups, serous, clear cell, carcinosarcoma, and mixed histology groups, stage T1a disease, and staged and unstaged cases, but not for stage T1b disease. Difference in 5-year overall survival rates between the malignant and negative peritoneal cytology groups was particularly large among those with clear cell histology (24.0%), stage T1a disease (19.4%), aged >78 years (18.2%), and serous tumors (17.6%).

CONCLUSION

Malignant peritoneal cytology can be prevalent in stage I non-endometrioid endometrial cancer. Our study suggests that malignant peritoneal cytology is a prognostic factor for decreased survival in stage I non-endometrioid endometrial cancer.

Malignant peritoneal cytology and decreased survival of women with stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

To examine the association between malignant peritoneal cytology and survival in women with early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program from 2010 to 2016. Women with stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer who had peritoneal cytology testing at hysterectomy were examined (N = 24,800). Characteristics and survival related to malignant peritoneal cytology were assessed. The propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance the measured covariates.

FINDINGS

Malignant peritoneal cytology was reported in 1081 (4.4%) women. In multivariable analysis, stage IB disease and moderately/poorly differentiated tumours were associated with an increased likelihood of malignant peritoneal cytology (both P < 0.05). In a weighted model, malignant peritoneal cytology was associated with decreased cause-specific survival (5-year rates, 92.1% versus 96.8%, hazard ratio [HR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56-2.52) and overall survival (89.4% versus 93.1%, HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.16-1.72). In sensitivity analyses, malignant peritoneal cytology was associated with decreased overall survival in the high-intermediate-risk group (5-year rates, 77.8% versus 83.6%, HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.20-2.06) and decreased cause-specific survival in the low-risk group (95.4% versus 98.0%, HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.01-2.68). In the high-intermediate-risk group with malignant peritoneal cytology, postoperative chemotherapy was associated with improved overall survival compared to whole pelvic radiotherapy (5-year rates, 82.7% versus 64.6%, HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.96). This association was not observed in negative cytology cases (81.5% versus 79.7%, HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.53-1.14).

INTERPRETATION

Malignant peritoneal cytology may be associated with decreased survival in stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer.