DKK1 is a predictive biomarker for response to DKN-01: Results of a phase 2 basket study in women with recurrent endometrial carcinoma

PURPOSE

Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is a Wnt signaling modulator promoting tumor growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression by regulating innate immunity. DKK1 is over-expressed in gynecologic cancers and is associated with shortened survival. DKN-01 is a humanized monoclonal antibody with DKK1 neutralizing activity that may provide clinical benefit to patients whose tumors have overexpression of DKK1 or Wnt genetic alterations.

METHODS

We conducted an open-label, Phase 2 basket study with 2-stage design in patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC) and platinum-resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. DKN-01 was administered either as monotherapy or in combination with weekly paclitaxel at investigator's discretion. All patients underwent NGS testing prior to enrollment; tumor tissue was also tested for DKK1 expression by RNAscope pre-treatment and after cycle 1 if available. At least 50% of patients were required to have a Wnt signaling alteration either directly or tangentially. This publication reports results from the EC population overall and by DKK1-expression.

RESULTS

DKN-01 monotherapy and in combination with paclitaxel was more effective in patients with high DKK1-expressing tumors compared to low-expressing tumors. DKN-01 monotherapy demonstrated an objective response rate [ORR] of 25.0% vs. 0%; disease control rate [DCR] of 62.5% vs. 6.7%; median progression-free survival [PFS] was 4.3 vs. 1.8 months, and overall survival [OS] was 11.0 vs. 8.2 months in DKK1-high vs DKK1-low patients. Similarly, DKN-01 in combination with paclitaxel demonstrated greater clinical activity in patients with DKK1-high tumors compared to DKK1-low tumors: DCR was 55% vs. 44%; median PFS was 5.4 vs. 1.8 months; and OS was 19.1 vs. 10.1 months. Wnt activating mutations correlated with higher DKK1 expression. DKN-01 was well tolerated as a monotherapy and in combination with paclitaxel.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, data demonstrates promising clinical activity of a well-tolerated drug, DKN-01, in EC patients with high tumoral DKK1 expression which frequently corresponded to the presence of a Wnt activating mutation. Future development will focus on using DKN-01 in DKK1-high EC patients in combination with immunotherapy.

Development of Delivery Systems for Local Administration of Cytokines/Cytokine Gene-Directed Therapeutics: Modern Oncologic Implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we discuss modern cytokine delivery systems in oncologic care, focusing on modalities being developed in the clinical trials or currently in use. These include pegylation, immune-cytokine drug conjugates, cytokine-expressing plasmid nanoparticles, nonviral cytokine nanoparticles, viral systems, and AcTakines.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cytokine therapy has the potential to contribute to cancer treatment options by modulating the immune system towards an improved antitumor response and has shown promise both independently and in combination with other immunotherapy agents. Despite promising preliminary studies, systemic toxicities and challenges with administration have limited the impact of unmodified cytokine therapy. In the last decade, novel delivery systems have been developed to address these challenges and facilitate cytokine-based oncologic treatments. Novel delivery systems provide potential solutions to decrease dose-limiting side effects, facilitate administration, and increase the therapeutic activity of cytokine treatments in oncology care. The expanding clinical and translational research in these systems provides an opportunity to augment the armamentarium of immune oncology and may represent the next frontier of cytokine-based immuno-oncology.

High-intermediate risk endometrial cancer: moving toward a molecularly based risk assessment profile

In the USA, endometrial cancer (EMCA) incidence is increasing as the risk factors of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension become more prevalent. Although most EMCA is detected at an early stage and surgical intervention is curative, a subset of patients termed 'high-intermediate risk' (H-IR) experience an increased rate of recurrence. Unfortunately, adjuvant therapies in patients with H-IR EMCA have yet to increase overall survival. Historically, stratification of these patients from their low-risk counterparts incorporated clinical and pathologic findings. However, due to developments in molecular testing and genomic sequencing, tumor biomarkers are now being incorporated into the risk-assessment criteria in the hope of finding molecular profile(s) that could highlight treatment regimens that will increase patient survival. Since modern research aims to accurately identify patients with a higher risk of recurrence and develop effective interventions to improve patient survival, these molecular-based analyses could allow for an enhanced understanding of a patient's true risk of recurrence to facilitate the rise of personalized medicine. This review summarizes key clinical trials and recent advances in molecular and genomic profiles that have influenced current treatment regimens for patients with H-IR EMCA and laid the foundation for subsequent research.

Sequential modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway enhances tumor-intrinsic MHC I expression and tumor clearance

BACKGROUND

Progress in immunotherapy use for gynecologic malignancies is hampered by poor tumor antigenicity and weak T cell infiltration of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation demonstrated patient benefit in clinical trials as well as enhanced immune cell recruitment in preclinical studies. The purpose of this study was to characterize the pathways by which Wnt/β-catenin modulation facilitates a more immunotherapy-favorable TME.

METHODS

Human tumor samples and in vivo patient-derived xenograft and syngeneic murine models were administered Wnt/β-catenin modulating agents DKN-01 and CGX-1321 individually or in sequence. Analytical methods included immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine/chemokine array, and RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

DKK1 blockade via DKN-01 increased HLA/MHC expression in human and murine tissues, correlating with heightened expression of known MHC I regulators: NFkB, IL-1, LPS, and IFNy. PORCN inhibition via CGX-1321 increased production of T cell chemoattractant CXCL10, providing a mechanism for observed increases in intra-tumoral T cells. Diverse leukocyte recruitment was noted with elevations in B cells and macrophages, with increased tumor expression of population-specific chemokines. Sequential DKK1 blockade and PORCN inhibition decreased tumor burden as evidenced by reduced omental weights.

CONCLUSIONS

Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation increases MHC I expression and promotes tumor leukocytic infiltration, facilitating a pro-immune TME associated with decreased tumor burden. This intervention overcomes common tumor immune-evasion mechanisms and may render ovarian tumors susceptible to immunotherapy.

Identifying a molecular profile to predict the risk of recurrence in high-intermediate risk endometrial cancer

Background

Patients with high‐intermediate risk endometrial cancer (H‐IR EMCA) have an elevated risk of recurrence compared to low‐risk counterparts. Many H‐IR EMCA patients are treated with radiation or chemotherapy, but their overall survival is not significantly impacted by treatment. The objective of this study was to compare molecular profiles of H‐IR EMCA patients with disease recurrence to those without to identify characteristics that could better predict patient outcomes.

Methods

Tissue was acquired from H‐IR EMCA patients with disease recurrence (n=15) and without disease recurrence (n=15) who had not received adjuvant therapy and performed DNA and RNA analyses.

Results

In recurrent population, 5 patients had matchingrecurrent and initial tumor tissues. Of note, 5/7 (71%) African Americanpatients had disease recurrence compared to 10/23 (43%) White patients. Inaddition, several new mutations were found in individual patient’s recurrentcompared to initial tumors.

Conclusions

Currently the treatment ofendometrial cancer is rapidly changing with molecular profiling becoming partof the standard of care. Additionally, it and is being incorporated intoclinical trials in this group of patients. The specific gene mutations and RNAexpression signatures that were observed in our small cohort need to bevalidated in larger cohorts to determine their impact.

Prehabilitation for medically frail patients undergoing surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Objective

To assess the potential cost-effectiveness of prehabilitation in medically frail patients undergoing surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods

We created a cost-effectiveness model evaluating the impact of prehabilitation on a cohort of medically frail women undergoing primary surgical intervention for EOC. Cost was assessed from the healthcare system perspective via (1) inpatient charges from 2018–2019 institutional Diagnostic Related Grouping data for surgeries with and without major complications; (2) nursing facility costs from published market surveys. Major complication and non-home discharge rates were estimated from the literature. Based on published pilot studies, prehabilitation was determined to decrease these rates. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for cost per life year saved utilized a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/life year. Modeling was performed with TreeAge software.

Results

In a cohort of 4,415 women, prehabilitation would cost $371.1 Million (M) versus $404.9 M for usual care, a cost saving of $33.8 M/year. Cost of care per patient with prehabilitation was $84,053; usual care was $91,713. When analyzed for cost-effectiveness, usual care was dominated by prehabilitation, indicating prehabilitation was associated with both increased effectiveness and decreased cost compared with usual care. Sensitivity analysis showed prehabilitation was more cost effective up to a cost of intervention of $9,418/patient.

Conclusion

Prehabilitation appears to be a cost-saving method to decrease healthcare system costs via two improved outcomes: lower complication rates and decreased care facility requirements. It represents a novel strategy to optimize healthcare efficiency. Prospective studies should be performed to better characterize these interventions in medically frail patients with EOC.

Prehabilitation cost-effectiveness analysis was performed for medically frail epithelial ovarian cancer patients undergoing surgery. It was cost-saving for the healthcare system via lower complication rates and discharge care requirements. Prehabilitation was cost effective up to a cost of $9,418/patient.

Gynecologic oncology patients are ready for telemedicine in routine care: Results from a pre-COVID survey

Objectives

To assess telemedicine readiness of gynecologic oncology patients, particularly those at risk for care access disparities (increased distance to care, rural populations.).

Methods

Patients at all disease/treatment stages completed an anonymous survey during in-person outpatient appointments at an academic comprehensive cancer center from 1/6/2020 to 2/28/2020, conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, before the introduction of telemedicine in this practice.

Results

Of 180 patients approached, 170 completed the survey (94.4%). Mean age was 59.6 years; 73.4% identified as White, 23.7% Black, and 2.9% other race. Ovarian cancer was most common (41.2%), followed by endometrial (27.1%), cervical (20.6%), and vaginal/vulvar (7.1%). Most patients traveled > 50 miles for appointments (63.8%); they were more likely from rural counties with significantly higher travel costs/visit ($60.77 vs $37.98, p = 0.026.) The majority expressed interest in using telemedicine (75.7%) or a smartphone app (87.5%) in their care. The majority of patients with difficulty attending appointments (88.9 vs 70.2%, p = 0.02) or from rural counties (88.7% vs 69.6%, p = 0.03) were interested in telemedicine; those with both characteristics reported 100% interest. The majority in both urban and rural counties had home internet access, and reported similarly high rates of daily use (79% vs 75%). Race and age were not associated with differences in internet access or use or telemedicine interest.

Conclusions

Telemedicine is attractive to the majority of patients and may offer financial/logistical advantages. Patients have high internet use rates and comfort with using technology for healthcare. Telemedicine should be incorporated into standard practice beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce healthcare access disparities.

Perceptions of barriers to patient financial hardship screening differ by provider role within gynecologic oncology outpatient care

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Background: Although approximately half of patients with gynecologic malignancy experience financial hardship (FH) during treatment, best practices to identify and assist patients with FH are lacking. To develop such practices, we assessed oncology provider and staff perspectives about FH screening and provision of assistance. Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted electronically within the Gynecologic Oncology outpatient office at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Potential barriers to patient FH screening and follow-up were assessed within 2 domains: 1) logistic barriers to incorporating FH screening and follow-up into outpatient workflow and 2) perceived patient barriers to FH screening. Responses were elicited on a 5-point Likert scale from ‘very’ to ‘not at all’ significant and dichotomized into significant and not significant barriers. Results: Of 43 providers approached, 37 responded (86% response rate) of which 14 were physicians (MD)/nurse practitioners (NP) and 23 were other staff members (i.e., clinical and research nurses, social workers, pharmacists, care coordinators, lay navigators, and financial counselors). Altogether, 38% worked in their current position for >5 years (n=14), 11% for 3-5 years (n=4), and 51% for <3 years (n=19). For logistic barriers to implementing FH screening and follow-up, the most frequently reported significant barriers included lack of personnel training (69%) and lack of available staff (62%), training regarding follow-up (72%), and case tracking infrastructure (67%). The most frequent significant perceived patient barriers were lack of knowledge of whom to contact (72%), concerns about impact on treatment if FH needs were identified (72%), and lack of patient readiness to discuss financial needs (62%.) Compared to MD/NP, staff members more often indicated the following as significant barriers: difficulty incorporating FH screening into initial visit workflow (31 % vs. 57%, p=0.03), overstretched personnel (29% vs 73%, p=0.005), and patient concerns about influence on treatment (62% vs 86%, p=0.01). Conclusions: Care team members identified barriers to patient FH screening across logistic and patient-centered domains, although MD/NP less so than other staff possibly reflecting different exposures to patient financial needs during clinical encounters or burden of workflow. Implementation of universal FH screening, dedicated personnel, convenient tracking mechanisms, and multi-disciplinary provider and staff training may improve recognition of patient FH and facilitate its integration into oncology care plans.

Systematic Next Generation Sequencing is feasible in clinical practice and identifies opportunities for targeted therapy in women with uterine cancer: Results from a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Both incidence and mortality of uterine cancer are on the rise and mortality is higher for African American women. The aim of our study was to evaluate how Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) may facilitate identification of and intervention for treatment disparities when integrated into clinical workflows.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 159 uterine cancer patients with recurrent/progressive and newly diagnosed advanced stage and/or high-risk histology. The most common tumor histological subtypes included EEC (n = 67), SEC (n = 34), UCS (n = 20), and mixed (n = 14). Black patients were most likely to present with aggressive histology: (SEC, 34.0%) and carcinosarcoma (UCS, 14.0%). The four most common mutations across all subtypes were TP53, PIK3CA, PTEN, and ARID1A. There was racial disparity between Black versus non-Black patients who were initiated on targeted therapy (28.2% vs. 38.2%, respectively) and clinical trial (15% vs. 22.6%, respectively). Compared to non-Black patients, Black patients had a significantly higher percentage TP53 mutations (p < 0.05) and a significantly lower percentage ARID1A mutations (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

NGS for uterine malignancies provides actionable information for targetable mutations and/or clinical trial enrollment in most patients; further investigation is necessary to identify potentially modifiable factors contributing to current disparities that may improve targeted therapy uptake and clinical trial participation.

Modification of intrinsic ovarian cancer tumor factors by Wnt-pathway agents influences macrophage recruitment and activity

e14514

Background: The Wnt/B-catenin pathway is associated with a “cold” phenotype in the gynecologic malignancy tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in immunosuppression. Research is limited regarding this pathway’s effects on TME myeloid cell populations. We aimed to characterize the impact of Wnt pathway modulation on macrophage activity in ovarian cancer. Methods: Syngeneic murine models harboring ID8 parental (ID8par) tumors were treated with DKN-01 and CGX-1321 as single agents or in sequence (DKN-01 followed by CGX-1321.) Flow cytometry analyses were performed on harvested omenta and blood. Ascites from 10 high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer patients were treated with DKN-01 (Wnt activator) or CGX-1321 (Wnt inhibitor) for 48 hours; multiplex cytokine array was performed to determine changes in cytokine/chemokine expression. Lastly, we performed co-culture analyses on the effects of ID8par and ID8p53-/- isolated cell media on murine macrophage (RAW264.7) activity. Results: In the ID8par model, sequential DKN-01/CGX-1321 resulted in the greatest macrophage influx into the TME. CGX-1321 monotherapy increased the M2:M1 macrophage ratio (pro-tumor) while DKN-01 monotherapy resulted in decreased M2:M1 ratio (anti-tumor.) In human ascites, DKN-01 increased macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) expression. Of note, ascites from a patient harboring a p53 mutation demonstrated an increase in M1 polarization cytokines IFNy and TNFa in response to DKN-01; CGX-1321 treatment resulted in increased M2 polarization cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. In co-culture analysis, ID8par isolated media increased RAW264.7 migration and polarization towards an M2 phenotype; ID8p53-/- isolated media polarized towards an M1 phenotype. Conclusions: Macrophage activity influences immune responses and tumor behavior. For example, M2 macrophages are pro-tumor and can enhance tumor growth and immune evasion. In our studies, we demonstrated that macrophage recruitment and polarization (M1 vs M2) are influenced by genetic alterations that can be modified by treatment. The ID8par model positively influenced M2 macrophage activity; ID8p53-/- cells positively influenced M1 macrophage activity. Importantly, DKN-01 treatment reverses the M2-dominant phenotype in ID8par model towards M1. These results suggest that p53 mutation and/or DKN-01 treatment in ovarian cancer influences M1 anti-tumor macrophage activity, and posits a novel targetable pathway. Further studies should investigate Wnt/B-catenin modulation on macrophage activity for immunotherapy in gynecologic malignancies.

Assessing Preclinical Research Models for Immunotherapy for Gynecologic Malignancies

Gynecologic malignancies are increasing in incidence, with a plateau in clinical outcomes necessitating novel treatment options. Immunotherapy and modulation of the tumor microenvironment are rapidly developing fields of interest in gynecologic oncology translational research; examples include the PD-1 (programmed cell death 1) and CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) axes and the Wnt pathway. However, clinical successes with these agents have been modest and lag behind immunotherapy successes in other malignancies. A thorough contextualization of preclinical models utilized in gynecologic oncology immunotherapy research is necessary in order to effectively and efficiently develop translational medicine. These include murine models, in vitro assays, and three-dimensional human-tissue-based systems. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of preclinical models for immunotherapy in gynecologic malignancies, including benefits and limitations of each, in order to inform study design and translational research models. Improved model design and implementation will optimize preclinical research efficiency and increase the translational value to positive findings, facilitating novel treatments that improve patient outcomes.

Abstract A134: Minority women with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer are not less likely to receive guideline-concordant treatment than White women

Background: Black women with endometrial cancer (EC) experience significant disparities in treatment and survival. They undergo diagnostic evaluation, primary surgical management, and non-surgical treatment at statistically lower rates than non-Hispanic White (NHW) women. Black women are also more likely to present with advanced stage disease and aggressive tumor histology, including non-endometrioid EC subtypes, resulting in a 93% greater overall mortality rate than Whites. Research in other cancers show that Black patients receive guideline-concordant care less often than NHW women. To date, no study has assessed the relationship between race and receipt of comprehensive guideline-concordant therapy, nor have studies examined the impact of guideline- concordant treatment and survival according to race among women with EC. We investigated these associations among women diagnosed with non-endometrioid EC in the National Cancer Database. Methods: Our analysis included 21,696 NHW, 6,859 non-Hispanic Black (NHB), 1,752 Hispanic, and 922 Asian/Pacific Islander (AS/PI) women diagnosed with non-endometrioid EC between 2004 and 2014. We used year-specific National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines to classify treatment as guideline-concordant vs. not concordant. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between race and receipt of guideline-concordant treatment in models adjusted for age at diagnosis, stage, histology, comorbidity score, insurance type, and facility type. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for relationships between receipt of guideline-concordant treatment and overall survival stratified by race. Results: In the overall study population, 38.2% of women with non-endometrioid EC received NCCN guideline-concordant treatment. Compared to NHW women, NHB women (OR=1.05, 95% CI=0.99 to 1.11), Hispanic women (OR=1.10, 95% CI=0.99 to 1.23) and AS/PI women (OR=1.11, 95% CI=0.97 to 1.28) did not have significantly different odds of receiving guideline-concordant treatment in multivariable-adjusted models. Receipt of guideline-concordant treatment was significantly associated with improved survival among NHW (HR=0.84, 95% CI=0.80 to 0.87), NHB (HR=0.86, 95% CI=0.80 to 0.92), and Hispanic women (HR=0.85, 95% CI=0.72 to 1.00) but not among AS/PI women (HR=0.88, 95% CI=0.71 to 1.10). Conclusions: Almost two-thirds of women with non-endometrioid EC may not receive guideline-concordant treatment. We observed no difference in receipt of concordant care between racial groups. When received, guideline-concordant treatment was associated with improved survival in almost all racial groups. Therefore, instituting interventions to improve adherence to guideline-concordant treatment may contribute to reducing racial disparities in survival for women with non-endometrioid EC.

Citation Format: Jhalak Dholakia, Elyse Reamer, Ritu Salani, Ashley Felix. Minority women with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer are not less likely to receive guideline-concordant treatment than White women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A134.

Abstract B101: Race is associated with receipt of guideline-concordant treatment among women with endometrioid endometrial cancer: A National Cancer Database study

Background: Among women with endometrial cancer (EC), African American women have a 93% higher likelihood of dying compared to white women. This disparity is driven, in part, by the more frequent diagnosis of late stage and non-endometrioid tumors among African American women. However, even among women diagnosed with indolent forms of EC, including early stage or endometrioid histology, African American women are more likely to die. Differential receipt of guideline-based treatment might underlie worse survival among African American women. EC treatment guidelines are based on several randomized clinical trials, which provide consistently strong evidence on treatment regimens for women with early stage, endometrioid EC. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we assessed the hypothesis that among women with less aggressive forms of EC, minority women would have lower odds of receiving guideline-concordant treatment than white women. In addition, we examined whether a survival benefit exists for EC patients who receive guideline-concordant treatment. Methods: We defined receipt of guideline-concordant EC treatment using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, which stratify treatment decisions based on tumor characteristics. We used multivariable logistic regression models to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between race, categorized as non-Hispanic white (NHW), non-Hispanic black (NHB), Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander (API), and receipt of guideline-concordant treatment. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for relationships between receipt of guideline-concordant treatment and overall survival. Results: A total of 89,976 women diagnosed with stages 1A through 3C, endometrioid EC between the years 2004 and 2014 were included, among whom, 71.5% (n=64,316) received treatment in line with NCCN guidelines. In multivariable adjusted models, NHB (OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.86 – 0.97) and Hispanic women (OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.86 – 0.99) had lower odds of receiving concordant treatment compared to NHW women. Receipt of guideline-concordant treatment did not differ between API and NHW women. During the study period, NHB women had the highest proportion of deaths (28.7%) followed by NHW (22.0%), Hispanic (16.0%), and API women (14.2%). In models adjusted for patient, clinical, and facility characteristics, women not receiving guideline-concordant care were 8% more likely to die (HR=1.08, 95% CI=1.05 – 1.12). Conclusions: Receipt of guideline-concordant treatment differed according to race, with minorities less likely than NHW women to receive guideline-directed therapy. Further, in the overall study population, overall survival was better among those receiving guideline-concordant care. Future studies should evaluate reasons underlying disparate EC treatment.

Citation Format: Mara K. Kaspers, Elyse Reamer, Jhalak Dholakia, Ritu Salani, Ashley S. Felix. Race is associated with receipt of guideline-concordant treatment among women with endometrioid endometrial cancer: A National Cancer Database study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B101.

Guideline-concordant treatment is associated with improved survival among women with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

Among women diagnosed with non-endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EC), we investigated associations between race/ethnicity and receipt of guideline-concordant treatment (GCT), as well as relationships between GCT and survival.

METHODS

We used the National Cancer Database and identified 21,177 non-Hispanic White (NHW), 6657 non-Hispanic Black (NHB), 1689 Hispanic, and 903 Asian/Pacific Islander (AS/PI) women diagnosed with non-endometrioid EC between 2004 and 2014. Year-specific National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines were used to classify GCT. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between race/ethnicity and GCT receipt. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for relationships between GCT and overall survival in the total study population and stratified by race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

Overall, 43.8% of women with non-endometrioid EC received GCT. Compared to NHW women, NHB (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.95-1.07), Hispanic (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.91-1.12) and AS/PI women (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.96-1.26) did not have significantly different odds of receiving GCT. GCT was significantly associated with improved survival among NHW (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.80-0.87), NHB (HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.80-0.91), and Hispanic women (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72-0.98) but not among AS/PI women (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.78-1.19).

CONCLUSIONS

While more than half of women with non-endometrioid EC did not receive GCT, no difference in GCT receipt by race/ethnicity was observed. When received, GCT was associated with improved survival in almost all racial groups. Interventions to improve GCT adherence may improve survival for most women with non-endometrioid EC.