Recent studies have highlighted various risk factors and epidemiological trends associated with endometrial cancer. One significant investigation examined the impact of outdoor air pollution on uterine cancer incidence, revealing that exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was linked to increased risk among participants in the Sister Study (ref: Brown doi.org/10.1093/jnci/). Another study focused on the total effective xenoestrogen burden in serum samples, finding a complex relationship between xenoestrogen exposure and endometrial cancer risk, characterized by an inverted-U risk trend across exposure categories (ref: Costas doi.org/10.1289/EHP13202/). Additionally, a genome-wide association study identified genetic factors influencing estrone concentrations, which were associated with endometrial cancer risk in postmenopausal women, emphasizing the role of hormonal regulation in cancer etiology (ref: Yu doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104997/). Furthermore, a global analysis indicated that gender inequality correlates with the incidence and mortality rates of various women's cancers, including endometrial cancer, suggesting that socio-economic factors may also play a critical role in cancer outcomes (ref: Kavousi doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101613/). Collectively, these studies underscore the multifaceted nature of endometrial cancer risk, integrating environmental, genetic, and socio-economic dimensions.

The molecular landscape of endometrial cancer has been further elucidated through recent genetic and epigenetic studies. A notable study identified a common allele associated with increased Wnt4 expression, linking it to reproductive cancers and endometriosis, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and disease manifestation (ref: Pavlićev doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45338-4/). Another investigation integrated genetic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic data to uncover causal variants associated with uterine fibroids, which are significant risk factors for endometrial cancer, thereby providing insights into the genetic underpinnings of these conditions (ref: Buyukcelebi doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45382-0/). Additionally, research into mismatch repair gene alterations revealed that specific genetic profiles can influence patient responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, with implications for treatment strategies in endometrial cancer (ref: Khushman doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-23-3004/). The expression of BHLHE40 was found to be downregulated in higher-grade endometrial cancers, suggesting its potential role in tumor aggressiveness and energy metabolism regulation (ref: Asanoma doi.org/10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105695/). These findings collectively advance our understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving endometrial cancer and highlight potential therapeutic targets.

Recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer have been documented, particularly regarding the management of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN). A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) versus oral progestins demonstrated a significantly higher complete response rate within 12 months for IUD treatment (95% vs. 82%) (ref: Suzuki doi.org/10.1093/jnci/). Furthermore, a national audit in the UK assessed adherence to guidelines for managing endometrial hyperplasia, revealing that a substantial proportion of women still underwent hysterectomy as first-line treatment, indicating a need for improved adherence to updated management protocols (ref: Henderson doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004346/). Additionally, a phase I study of the PD-1 inhibitor retifanlimab in patients with advanced solid tumors, including endometrial cancer, provided insights into its safety and efficacy, paving the way for future immunotherapy approaches (ref: Lakhani doi.org/10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102254/). The prognostic potential of biomarkers such as β-catenin and L1CAM was also explored, with findings suggesting their differential expression across risk groups in endometrial carcinomas, which could inform treatment decisions (ref: Yoon doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.044/). These studies reflect a growing emphasis on personalized treatment strategies and adherence to clinical guidelines in the management of endometrial cancer.

The interplay between hormonal and environmental factors in the context of endometrial cancer has garnered significant attention in recent research. A study investigating the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cancer incidence among postmenopausal women with a history of endometriosis found low overall cancer rates in both HRT and control groups, suggesting that HRT may not significantly elevate cancer risk in this population (ref: Lee doi.org/10.3390/cancers16040809/). Additionally, research exploring the genetic associations of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with extraintestinal cancers revealed potential causal relationships, particularly with pancreatic cancer, indicating that systemic inflammation may influence cancer risk (ref: Yu doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339207/). Furthermore, studies on the role of extracellular vesicles derived from uterine leiomyosarcoma cells highlighted their potential in inducing cancer-associated fibroblast formation, suggesting that tumor microenvironments may be influenced by hormonal and environmental factors (ref: Nagao doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167103/). Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of considering both hormonal and environmental influences in understanding endometrial cancer risk and progression.

Health disparities in endometrial cancer outcomes have been a focal point of recent investigations, revealing significant racial and socio-economic influences on survival rates. A systematic review highlighted the persistent racial disparities in endometrial cancer incidence and outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address these inequalities (ref: Hicks doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.054/). Another study examined survival disparities among cervical cancer patients, finding that demographic and clinical factors largely explained differences in outcomes between non-Hispanic Black and White patients, suggesting that modifiable factors could play a crucial role in improving survival rates (ref: Kucera doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.02.005/). Additionally, research on Hispanic/Latinx populations indicated disparities in guideline-concordant care, with significant differences in treatment initiation times based on ethnicity, further illustrating the impact of socio-economic factors on cancer care (ref: Dinicu doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.043/). The adherence to treatment and follow-up for precancerous cervical lesions in Ethiopia also revealed challenges in care access and quality, underscoring the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and education (ref: Stroetmann doi.org/10.1093/oncolo/). These studies collectively highlight the critical need for addressing health disparities to enhance quality of life and outcomes for women affected by endometrial cancer.

The role of immunotherapy in the treatment of endometrial cancer has been increasingly explored, particularly with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors. A meta-analysis assessing the clinical benefits of PD-1 inhibitors in advanced cervical cancer patients indicated a higher overall response rate in squamous cell carcinoma patients compared to other histologies, suggesting that histological subtype may influence treatment efficacy (ref: Wang doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1305810/). The first-in-human phase I study of the PD-1 inhibitor retifanlimab demonstrated promising safety and efficacy profiles in patients with advanced solid tumors, including endometrial cancer, paving the way for further clinical applications (ref: Lakhani doi.org/10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102254/). Additionally, research into the prognostic implications of mismatch repair gene alterations revealed their significant association with immune infiltration and responsiveness to immunotherapy, indicating that genetic profiling may guide treatment decisions in endometrial cancer (ref: Zhou doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302797/). The expression of biomarkers such as β-catenin and L1CAM was also investigated for their prognostic potential in endometrial cancer risk groups, further emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches in immunotherapy (ref: Yoon doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.044/). These findings underscore the evolving landscape of immunotherapy in endometrial cancer treatment, highlighting the need for continued research in this area.

Recent studies have provided insights into surgical approaches and their outcomes in endometrial cancer management. A study examining laparoscopic myomectomy identified risk factors associated with blood transfusion requirements, leading to the development of stratification tools to predict transfusion needs based on preoperative and intraoperative factors (ref: Hamilton doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2024.02.010/). Another investigation into robotic surgery outcomes for endometrial cancer patients across different body mass index (BMI) categories revealed similar postoperative complication rates, suggesting that robotic surgery may be a viable option regardless of BMI (ref: Kadoch doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.051/). Furthermore, a multi-center cohort study comparing robotic versus vaginal radical trachelectomy for early-stage cervical cancer found no significant differences in oncologic outcomes, indicating that surgical approach may not impact survival in this context (ref: Nica doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.02.018/). Additionally, research on the prevalence of trauma history among patients receiving vaginal brachytherapy for endometrial cancer highlighted the need for psychological support in this patient population (ref: Saripalli doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.02.007/). Collectively, these studies emphasize the importance of surgical technique and patient-centered care in optimizing outcomes for women with endometrial cancer.

The relationship between cervical cancer and endometrial cancer has been a subject of recent research, particularly regarding prevalence and risk factors. A comprehensive population-based study reported the prevalence of various cancers in Europe, highlighting that endometrial cancer ranks among the most common malignancies affecting women, with significant implications for public health (ref: De Angelis doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(23)00646-0/). Another study focused on human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes and their association with the persistence and progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, indicating that HPV-16 positivity correlates with higher risks of disease progression, which may have implications for cervical cancer screening and prevention strategies (ref: Damgaard doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2024.01.029/). Additionally, the phase I study of the PD-1 inhibitor retifanlimab included patients with both cervical and endometrial cancers, underscoring the potential for shared therapeutic approaches in treating these malignancies (ref: Lakhani doi.org/10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102254/). These findings highlight the interconnectedness of cervical and endometrial cancers, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.