Research on endometrial carcinoma, also called endometrial cancer or uterine cancer

Endometrial Cancer Treatment and Management

Recent advancements in the treatment of endometrial cancer have focused on combining various therapeutic agents to enhance efficacy and patient outcomes. The ENDOLA phase I/II trial investigated the safety and efficacy of a triplet therapy involving the PARP inhibitor olaparib, metronomic cyclophosphamide, and metformin in women with recurrent advanced or metastatic endometrial cancer. This study highlighted the potential of targeting multiple pathways, particularly the PI3K-AKT-mTor and DNA repair mechanisms, which are frequently altered in endometrial cancers (ref: Piffoux doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56914-7/). Another significant study examined the combination of cabozantinib and nivolumab, demonstrating improved clinical outcomes compared to nivolumab alone in recurrent endometrial cancer, with multidimensional immune monitoring revealing potential biomarkers for treatment response (ref: Roudko doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2024-010541/). Furthermore, a retrospective analysis showed that adding trastuzumab to carboplatin and paclitaxel significantly improved overall survival in patients with HER2-overexpressing uterine serous carcinoma, indicating the importance of targeted therapies in this subset of patients (ref: Lu doi.org/10.1186/s12916-025-03916-3/). The exploration of immunogenicity in endometrial cancer has also gained traction, with studies revealing differences in immune profiles between endometrial and other cancers, such as high-grade serous ovarian cancer and triple-negative breast cancer (ref: Steger doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2025.115320/). Additionally, the impact of the platinum-free interval on treatment response was assessed, showing that a longer interval correlated with better outcomes when retreating with platinum-based chemotherapy (ref: Haight doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2025.02.013/). The management of uterine carcinosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of endometrial cancer, was also evaluated, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment approaches based on tumor characteristics and patient profiles (ref: Smyth doi.org/10.3390/cancers17040635/).

Molecular and Genetic Insights in Endometrial Cancer

The molecular landscape of endometrial cancer is complex, with various genetic and epigenetic alterations contributing to tumorigenesis. A study on Lynch syndrome-associated endometrial cancer revealed mitochondrial defects and metabolic vulnerabilities linked to MSH2 deficiency, highlighting the need for targeted therapies in genetically predisposed populations (ref: Bowen doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.185946/). Additionally, the identification of molecular subtypes of endometrial cancer has become crucial for personalized treatment strategies. A novel hierarchical foundation model was proposed to predict these subtypes, potentially reducing reliance on expensive gene sequencing methods (ref: Cui doi.org/10.1093/bioinformatics/). Single-cell RNA sequencing has further elucidated tumor heterogeneity in aggressive forms of cervical cancer, providing insights into the microenvironment that may influence treatment responses (ref: Xiang doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-07605-y/). Moreover, the immunogenic characteristics of endometrial cancer with POLE mutations were explored, revealing promising avenues for immunotherapy (ref: Huang doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1528532/). The establishment of prognostic signatures based on disulfidptosis and ferroptosis pathways also indicates the potential for novel therapeutic targets in endometrial cancer (ref: Huang doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1492541/). Lastly, the study of tumor cell characteristics, such as isolated tumor cells and their prognostic significance, has underscored the importance of histological context in determining patient outcomes (ref: Matsuo doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2025.02.012/).

Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention

Cervical cancer prevention strategies have evolved significantly, particularly with the introduction of the HPV vaccine, which has shown a dramatic impact on the incidence of cervical precancers. A recent surveillance project reported a 79% decrease in CIN2+ and an 80% decrease in CIN3+ rates among women aged 20-24 from 2008 to 2022, demonstrating the vaccine's effectiveness (ref: Gargano doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7406a4/). Furthermore, a population-based cohort study in Norway indicated that cumulative HPV screening significantly reduced the risk of high-grade cervical lesions in subsequent screening rounds, with a 71% lower risk of CIN3+ in the second round compared to the first (ref: Bjørge doi.org/10.1002/ijc.35359/). The role of high-risk HPV genotypes in cervical cancer screening has also been emphasized, with a study in Ethiopia identifying a low prevalence of HPV-16 and HPV-18 among women with cervical intraepithelial lesions (ref: Kebede doi.org/10.1002/ijc.35335/). Additionally, research into the effects of radiotherapy on cervical cancer patients has revealed distinct patterns of disease relapse, highlighting the need for tailored follow-up strategies (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1002/advs.202412574/). Overall, these findings underscore the importance of vaccination, screening, and personalized treatment approaches in reducing cervical cancer incidence and improving patient outcomes.

Immunotherapy and Biomarkers in Gynecological Cancers

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality in gynecological cancers, particularly in endometrial cancer. A study targeting the splicing factor SNRPB demonstrated its role in promoting endometrial cancer progression, suggesting that inhibiting this factor could be a viable therapeutic strategy (ref: Li doi.org/10.1038/s12276-025-01407-2/). Furthermore, the identification of immunogenic characteristics and neoantigens in endometrial cancer with POLE mutations has opened new avenues for immunotherapy, indicating that these patients may benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ref: Huang doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1528532/). The study of tumor microenvironments has also gained attention, with research showing that CXCL9 and CXCL13 contribute to the formation of immune-activated microenvironments in endometrial cancer, enhancing responses to immunotherapy (ref: Nagase doi.org/10.1111/cas.16371/). Additionally, the efficacy of microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) status as a pan-cancer biomarker for immunotherapy has been reinforced through systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials, highlighting its significance across various cancer types, including endometrial cancer (ref: Landre doi.org/10.1007/s00262-025-03980-x/). These insights into immunotherapy and biomarkers underscore the potential for personalized treatment approaches that leverage the immune system to combat gynecological cancers.

Health Disparities and Socioeconomic Factors in Cancer Outcomes

Health disparities in cancer outcomes remain a significant concern, particularly among African American and Black populations, who face a disproportionate cancer burden. Recent statistics indicate that in 2025, approximately 248,470 new cancer cases and 73,240 cancer deaths are expected among Black individuals in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions (ref: Saka doi.org/10.3322/caac.21874/). Furthermore, a study on treatment delays in locally advanced cervical cancer revealed that patients with Medicaid insurance were more likely to experience delays in treatment initiation, emphasizing the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to timely care (ref: Liang doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2025.02.032/). Additionally, a genome-wide association study on female genital tract polyps has provided insights into the biological mechanisms underlying cancer development, which may inform future prevention strategies (ref: Pathare doi.org/10.1093/humrep/). The estimation of cancer incidence attributable to physical inactivity has also shed light on the preventable nature of certain cancers, with findings suggesting that increased physical activity could have prevented over 30,000 cancer cases in the United States in 2015 (ref: Lynch doi.org/10.1002/cncr.35725/). These findings underscore the importance of addressing health disparities and implementing community-based interventions to improve cancer outcomes among vulnerable populations.

Clinical Guidelines and Consensus in Gynecologic Oncology

The development of clinical guidelines in gynecologic oncology is essential for standardizing care and improving patient outcomes. Recent consensus guidelines have been established for managing cancer and overgrowth manifestations in individuals with PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS), aiming to enhance surveillance and treatment strategies for affected individuals (ref: Dhawan doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-24-3819/). These guidelines reflect the latest research and expert opinions, providing a valuable resource for healthcare providers. Moreover, the impact of physical inactivity on cancer incidence has been quantified, revealing that a significant proportion of cancers could be attributed to low physical activity levels. This finding emphasizes the need for public health initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity as a preventive measure (ref: Lynch doi.org/10.1002/cncr.35725/). Additionally, the safety and feasibility of combining pembrolizumab with pelvic chemoradiation in locally advanced cervical cancer have been evaluated, supporting the integration of immunotherapy into standard treatment protocols (ref: Duska doi.org/10.1002/cncr.35757/). These developments in clinical guidelines and consensus highlight the ongoing efforts to improve care in gynecologic oncology through evidence-based practices.

Surgical Approaches and Techniques in Gynecologic Oncology

Surgical techniques in gynecologic oncology have evolved significantly, with robotic-assisted laparoscopy becoming a preferred method for managing endometrial cancer due to its favorable perioperative outcomes. A propensity-matched analysis demonstrated that robotic surgery is safe and effective for treating atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer, particularly in severely obese patients (ref: Arcieri doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030482/). Furthermore, a comparative study of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery versus conventional laparoscopy found no significant differences in disease-free survival or overall survival, suggesting that minimally invasive surgery is a viable option for endometrial cancer management (ref: Delso doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030435/). In addition to surgical techniques, the prognostic implications of pre-operative factors such as progesterone receptor and p53 expression have been investigated in grade 2 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. This study supports the need for a modified binary grading system that considers these factors to better stratify patients based on their prognosis (ref: Meijs-Hermanns doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgc.2025.101682/). These advancements in surgical approaches and the integration of molecular markers into clinical practice underscore the importance of personalized treatment strategies in gynecologic oncology.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Gynecological Cancers

Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors associated with gynecological cancers is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. Recent research has highlighted the significant impact of physical inactivity on cancer incidence, estimating that approximately 30,951 cancers could have been prevented in the United States in 2015 if adults had increased their physical activity levels (ref: Lynch doi.org/10.1002/cncr.35725/). This underscores the importance of promoting physical activity as a public health measure to reduce cancer risk. Additionally, the identification of genetic risk loci for female genital tract polyps through a large-scale genome-wide association study has provided insights into the biological mechanisms underlying their development, which may overlap with endometrial cancer (ref: Pathare doi.org/10.1093/humrep/). These findings emphasize the need for continued research into the epidemiology of gynecological cancers to inform screening and prevention efforts, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden of these diseases.

Key Highlights

  • The ENDOLA trial demonstrated the efficacy of a triplet therapy for recurrent endometrial cancer, highlighting the importance of targeting multiple pathways (ref: Piffoux doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56914-7/).
  • A significant reduction in cervical precancer rates was observed following HPV vaccination, with a 79% decrease in CIN2+ rates among young women (ref: Gargano doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7406a4/).
  • The combination of cabozantinib and nivolumab showed improved outcomes in recurrent endometrial cancer compared to nivolumab alone (ref: Roudko doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2024-010541/).
  • Health disparities in cancer outcomes are pronounced among African American and Black populations, with significant projected cancer cases and deaths in 2025 (ref: Saka doi.org/10.3322/caac.21874/).
  • Robotic-assisted laparoscopy has been shown to be safe and effective for treating endometrial cancer, with comparable outcomes to conventional laparoscopy (ref: Delso doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030435/).
  • The identification of immunogenic characteristics in endometrial cancer with POLE mutations suggests potential for enhanced immunotherapy responses (ref: Huang doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1528532/).
  • A study found that isolated tumor cells had different prognostic implications based on histology in endometrial cancer, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment approaches (ref: Matsuo doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2025.02.012/).
  • The establishment of clinical guidelines for managing PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome aims to improve care for affected individuals (ref: Dhawan doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-24-3819/).

Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summarization. Please refer to the cited articles before making any clinical or scientific decisions.