Treatment for advanced and recurrent endometrial carcinoma: combined modalities

Survival Difference of Endometrial Cancer Patients with Peritoneal Metastasis Receiving Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with and without Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although several studies have been completed to investigate the effect of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in endometrial cancer with peritoneal metastasis (ECPM), a direct comparison was not performed previously. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the suspected additional survival benefits of CRS plus HIPEC over CRS only. Twenty-one and ten studies with a total number of 1116 and 152 cases investigating CRS only and CRS plus HIPEC were identified, respectively. When all articles were analyzed, the 1-year survival rate was 17.60% higher for CRS plus HIPEC (82.28% vs. 64.68%; p = 0.0102). The same tendency was observed for the 2-year (56.07% vs. 36.95%; difference: 19.12%; p = 0.0014), but not for the 5-year (21.88% vs. 16.45%; difference: 5.43%; p = 0.3918) survival rates. The same clinical significance, but statistically less strong observations, could be made if only the studies published after 2010 were investigated (1-year survival rate: 12.08% and p = 0.0648; 2-year survival rate: 10.90% and p = 0.0988). CRS remains one of the core elements of ECPM treatment, but the addition of HIPEC to CRS can increase the positive clinical outcome, especially in the first 2 years.

Correlation between steroid receptor expression and response to progestational therapy in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or cancer

Background

Conservative management of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) or endometrial cancer (EMCA) often relies on the treatment of synthetic progestins, which show varied success and response rates. We evaluate the correlation between steroid receptor expression and response to progestin therapy in patients with AEH and EMCA.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study collected data for patients with AEH or EMCA who had an endometrial sample after receiving conservative therapy utilizing either Megestrol acetate or Levonorgestrel Intrauterine device (IUD). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on pre- and post- treatment biopsy samples to assess androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) expression. IHC scores (1-12) were calculated based on staining intensity and percentage of positive cells.

Results and analysis

We identified 15 patients with AEH and EMCA between 2015 and 2023 with the majority of African American ethnicity (53 %). Fourteen patients (93 %) received Megestrol acetate, and 1 patient received Levonorgestrel IUD alone. Three patients ultimately underwent hysterectomy. Seven (46.6 %) endometrial samples had strong positivity for AR, PR and ER expression on pre-treatment biopsies, and only 3 (20 %) of them maintained strong positivity for the 3 receptors in the post-treatment. Patients who successfully responded to the treatment demonstrated a significantly greater decrease in IHC scores after the treatment compared to those who did not respond (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Steroid receptor expression could be used as a possible biomarker for response to progestin therapy in patients undergoing conservative management for AEH and EMCA.

Epigenetically upregulated NSUN2 confers ferroptosis resistance in endometrial cancer via m5C modification of SLC7A11 mRNA

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prevalent gynecological malignancy worldwide, and 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification of mRNA is a crucial epigenetic modification associated with the development and occurrence of several cancers. However, the precise function of m5C modification in EC remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the expression and clinical significance of the primary m5C modification writer, NSUN2, in EC. Our findings indicated that NSUN2 exhibited a substantial up-regulation in EC as a result of an epigenetic augmentation in H3K4me3 levels within the promoter region, which was triggered by the down-regulation of KDM5A. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function experiments revealed the role of NSUN2 in enhancing m5C modification of mRNA, thereby promoting EC cell proliferation. RNA bisulfite sequencing and transcriptomic sequencing were employed to elucidate the involvement of NSUN2 in the regulation of ferroptosis. Subsequent in vitro experiments confirmed that the knockdown of NSUN2 significantly up-regulated the levels of lipid peroxides and lipid ROS in EC cells, thereby augmenting the susceptibility of EC to ferroptosis. Mechanistically, NSUN2 stimulated the m5C modification of SLC7A11 mRNA, and the m5C reader YBX1 exhibited direct recognition and binding to the m5C sites on SLC7A11 mRNA via its internal cold shock domain (CSD), leading to an increase in SLC7A11 mRNA stability and elevated levels of SLC7A11. Additionally, rescue experiments showed that NSUN2 functioned as a suppressor of ferroptosis, which was dependent on SLC7A11. Overall, targeting the NSUN2/SLC7A11 axis inhibited tumor growth by increasing lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis of EC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, our study provides new insight into the role of NSUN2, suggesting that NSUN2 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in patients with EC.

Inhibition of DHODH Enhances Replication-Associated Genomic Instability and Promotes Sensitivity in Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy in the United States. De novo pyrimidine synthesis pathways generate nucleotides that are required for DNA synthesis. Approximately 38% of human endometrial tumors present with an overexpression of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). However, the role of DHODH in cancer cell DNA replication and its impact on modulating a treatment response is currently unknown. Here, we report that endometrial tumors with overexpression of DHODH are associated with a high mutation count and chromosomal instability. Furthermore, tumors with an overexpression of DHODH show significant co-occurrence with mutations in DNA replication polymerases, which result in a histologically high-grade endometrial tumor. An in vitro experiment demonstrated that the inhibition of DHODH in endometrial cancer cell lines significantly induced replication-associated DNA damage and hindered replication fork progression. Furthermore, endometrial cancer cells were sensitive to the DHODH inhibitor either alone or in combination with the Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitor. Our findings may have important clinical implications for utilizing DHODH as a potential target to enhance cytotoxicity in high-grade endometrial tumors.

The role and participation of immune cells in the endometrial tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment is surrounded by blood vessels and consists of malignant, non-malignant, and immune cells, as well as signalling molecules, which primarily affect the therapeutic response and curative effects of drugs in clinical studies. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells participate in tumor progression, impact anticancer therapy, and eventually lead to the development of immune tolerance. Immunotherapy is evolving as a promising therapeutic intervention to stimulate and activate the immune system to suppress cancer cell growth. Endometrial cancer (EC) is an immunogenic disease, and in recent years, immunotherapy has shown benefit in the treatment of recurrent and advanced EC. This review discusses the key molecular pathways associated with the intra-tumoral immune response and the involvement of circulatory signalling molecules. Specific immunologic signatures in EC which offer targets for immunomodulating agents, are also discussed. We have summarized the available literature in support of using immunotherapy in EC. Lastly, we have also discussed ongoing clinical trials that may offer additional promising immunotherapy options in the future. The manuscript also explored innovative approaches for screening and identifying effective drugs, and to reduce the financial burdens for the development of personalized treatment strategies. Collectively, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the role of immune cells and the tumor microenvironment in the development, progression, and treatment of EC.

Major determinants of survival in recurrent endometrial cancer-the role of secondary cytoreductive surgery: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the study was to assess the influence of different clinical and therapeutic variables on the oncological outcomes of patients with endometrial cancer relapse. In particular, we evaluated the impact of cytoreductive surgery with the achievement of complete gross resection.

METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted in three centers in Italy and including all patients with first relapse of endometrial cancer from January 2010 to December 2021.

RESULTS

Data from 331 women with recurrent endometrial cancer were analyzed. Secondary cytoreductive surgery was performed in 56.2% of cases (186 patients). Complete gross resection was achieved in 178 patients (95.7%). Complete gross resection conferred a statistically significant survival benefit both for post-relapse survival and post-relapse free survival (3 years post-relapse survival: 75.4% vs 56.4%, p<0.001; 3 years post-relapse free survival: 32.6% vs 26.5%, p=0.027). At multivariate Cox regression analysis, age ≥75 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status ≥2, the advanced-metastatic risk group, complete gross resection, and multiple site relapses were identified as independent significant predictors for post-relapse survival; regarding post-relapse free survival, only age ≥75, the high and advanced-metastatic risk groups, and complete gross resection confirmed their statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary cytoreductive surgery with achievement of complete gross resection was confirmed to be an independent positive predictor for survival in patients with recurrent endometrial cancer and should be considered a valid primary treatment in the therapeutic decision-making process.

Development and Perspectives: Multifunctional Nucleic Acid Nanomedicines for Treatment of Gynecological Cancers

Gynecological malignancies are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Due to delayed presentation, gynecological cancer patients are often referred late in the disease's course, resulting in poor outcomes. A considerable number of patients ultimately succumb to chemotherapy-resistant disease, which reoccurs at advanced stages despite treatment interventions. Although efforts have been devoted to developing therapies that demonstrate reduced resistance to chemotherapy and enhanced toxicity profiles, current clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory due to treatment resistance and unfavorable off-target effects. Consequently, innovative biological and nanotherapeutic approaches are imperative to strengthen and optimize the therapeutic arsenal for gynecological cancers. Advancements in nanotechnology-based therapies for gynecological malignancies offer significant advantages, including reduced toxicity, expanded drug circulation, and optimized therapeutic dosing, ultimately leading to enhanced treatment effectiveness. Recent advances in nucleic acid therapeutics using microRNA, small interfering RNA, and messenger RNA provide novel approaches for cancer therapeutics. Effective single-agent and combinatorial nucleic acid therapeutics for gynecological malignancies have the potential to transform cancer treatment by giving safer, more tailored approaches than conventional therapies. This review highlights current preclinical studies that effectively exploit these approaches for the treatment of gynecological malignant tumors and malignant ascites.

Alternative ANKHD1 transcript promotes proliferation and inhibits migration in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma

Alternative splicing (AS) is common in gene expression, and abnormal splicing often results in several cancers. Overall survival-associated splicing events (OS-SEs) have been used to predict prognosis in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and function of OS-SEs in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). Based on TCGA and TCGASpliceSeq databases, gene expression and the AS data of UCEC samples were retrieved. An alternate terminator of ANKHD1 transcripts named ANKHD1-BP3 was found to be significantly related to metastasis and OS in UCEC and significantly associated with HSPB1. The upregulated expression of HSPB1 induced downregulation of ANKHD1-BP3 and promoted tumor metastasis. These findings indicate that HSPB1, a splicing factor, regulates the expression of ANKHD1-BP3 to promote metastasis in UCEC.

Recurrent Endometrial Cancer: Which Is the Best Treatment? Systematic Review of the Literature

Simple Summary

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological tumour in developed countries. The aim of this systematic review is to compare different therapeutic strategies in the treatment of endometrial cancer recurrence to evaluate their prognostic and curative effects. The treatment of choice should be assessed according to the relapse location and to the presence of single or multiple lesions. A crucial role is also played by the type of adjuvant treatment received at the time of the first diagnosis. The molecular pattern will also be investigated in future studies. This will make it possible to personalise treatments.

Abstract

Background: Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological tumour in developed countries. The overall rate of relapse has remained unchanged in recent decades. Recurrences occur in approximately 20% of endometrioid and 50% of non-endometrioid cases. The aim of this systematic review is to compare different therapeutic strategies in the treatment of endometrial cancer recurrence to evaluate their prognostic and curative effects based on site and type of recurrence. Methods: This systematic review of literature was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020154042). PubMed, Embase, Chocrane and Cinahl databases were searched from January 1995 to September 2021. Five retrospective studies were selected. Results: A total of 3571 studies were included in the initial search. Applying the screening criteria, 299 articles were considered eligible for full-text reading, of which, after applying the exclusion criteria, 4 studies were selected for the final analysis and included in the systematic review. No studies were included for a quantitative analysis. We divided the results according to the location of the recurrence: locoregional recurrence, abdominal recurrence and extra abdominal recurrence. Conclusion: the treatment of choice should be assessed according to the relapse location and to the presence of single or multiple lesions. A crucial role in the decision-making algorithm is also the type of adjuvant treatment received at the time of the first diagnosis.

Gynecologic Cancer, Cancer Stem Cells, and Possible Targeted Therapies

Gynecologic cancer is one of the main causes of death in women. In this type of cancer, several molecules (oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes) contribute to the tumorigenic process, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Based on recent evidence, the detection of molecular changes in these genes could have clinical importance for the early detection and evaluation of tumor grade, as well as the selection of targeted treatment. Researchers have recently focused on cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the treatment of gynecologic cancer because of their ability to induce progression and recurrence of malignancy. This has highlighted the importance of a better understanding of the molecular basis of CSCs. The purpose of this review is to focus on the molecular mechanism of gynecologic cancer and the role of CSCs to discover more specific therapeutic approaches to gynecologic cancer treatment.

Successful management of pelvic recurrence of MSI-High endometrial cancer by total pelvic exenteration followed by administration of pembrolizumab:A case report

Surgery can be curative treatment for pelvic locoregional recurrence of endometrial cancer; however, a cure is contingent on complete resection. Here, we report the case of a patient in whom recurrent endometrial tumor remained in the pelvis after resection; long-term control was achieved with postoperative administration of pembrolizumab.The patient had recurrent endometrial cancer of stage IA and was treated with chemotherapy and radiation, but tumor persisted in the pelvic cavity. We therefore attempted total pelvic exenteration, but the tumor was adherent to the pelvic wall and complete resection could not be achieved. However, postoperative administration of pembrolizumab controlled the residual tumor for more than two years without regrowth. We believe that since the resected tumor was MSI-High, the residual tumor responded well to pembrolizumab. It is not known whether cytoreductive surgery contributes to a long-term response to pembrolizumab, but at least in our patient, pembrolizumab appeared to be a very effective drug therapy for MSI-High endometrial cancer that was refractory to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Anticancer peptide Q7 suppresses the growth and migration of human endometrial cancer by inhibiting DHCR24 expression and modulating the AKT-mediated pathway

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignancy affecting women in developed countries. Resection uterus or lesion area is usually the first option for a simple and efficient therapy. Therefore, it is necessary to find a new therapeutic drug to reduce surgery areas to preserve fertility. Anticancer peptides (ACP) are bioactive amino acids with lower toxicity and higher specificity than chemical drugs. This study is to address an ACP, herein named Q7, which could downregulate 24-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase (DHCR24) to disrupt lipid rafts formation, and sequentially affect the AKT signal pathway of HEC-1-A cells to suppress their tumorigenicity such as proliferation and migration. Moreover, lipo-PEI-PEG-complex (LPPC) was used to enhance Q7 anticancer activity in vitro and efficiently show its effects on HEC-1-A cells. Furthermore, LPPC-Q7 exhibited a synergistic effect in combination with doxorubicin or paclitaxel. To summarize, Q7 was firstly proved to exhibit an anticancer effect on endometrial cancer cells and combined with LPPC efficiently improved the cytotoxicity of Q7.

Cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab compared with chemotherapy in the US for women with previously treated deficient mismatch repair or high microsatellite instability unresectable or metastatic endometrial cancer

AIMS

There is limited published evidence for the cost-effectiveness of treatments for unresectable or metastatic endometrial cancer (mEC). The objective of this analysis was to assess the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy for previously treated unresectable or mEC, in women whose tumors have deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) or high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). The analysis was carried out from a US healthcare payer perspective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A lifetime partitioned survival model comprising three health states (progression-free, progressed disease and death) was constructed. Chemotherapy was represented by single-agent paclitaxel or doxorubicin. Overall survival, progression-free survival and time on treatment data for pembrolizumab were obtained from a Phase II clinical study that included women with previously treated dMMR/MSI-H unresectable or mEC (KEYNOTE-158, NCT02628067). Survival data for chemotherapy were obtained from a published Phase III study for previously treated advanced endometrial cancer. Costs included were drug acquisition and administration, health-state, end-of-life, and adverse event management. Costs were presented in 2019 US$. Outcomes were calculated as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), using EQ-5D data from KEYNOTE-158. Model results were tested extensively in deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that pembrolizumab is a highly cost-effective treatment option when compared with chemotherapy, with estimated deterministic and probabilistic incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of $58,165 and $57,668 per QALY gained, respectively. Pembrolizumab was associated with a large QALY and life-year gain per person versus chemotherapy over the model time horizon (deterministic 4.68 life year gain, 3.80 QALYs), with the majority of QALYs accrued in the progression-free health state.

LIMITATIONS

The key limitation of the analysis was the lack of comparative effectiveness data for pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Pembrolizumab is a highly cost-effective treatment option when compared with chemotherapy for women with previously treated dMMR/MSI-H unresectable or mEC. Results were robust to the changes in parameters and assumptions explored.

Gynecologic cancers and non-coding RNAs: Epigenetic regulators with emerging roles

Gynecologic cancers involve the female genital organs, such as the vulva, vagina, cervix, endometrium, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The occurrence and frequency of gynecologic cancer depends on personal lifestyle, history of exposure to viruses or carcinogens, genetics, body shape, and geographical habitat. For a long time, research into the molecular biology of cancer was broadly restricted to protein-coding genes. Recently it has been realized that non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), including long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs), microRNAs, circular RNAs and piRNAs (PIWI-interacting RNAs), can all play a role in the regulation of cellular function within gynecological cancer. It is now known that ncRNAs are able to play dual roles, i.e. can exert both oncogenic or tumor suppressive functions in gynecological cancer. Moreover, several clinical trials are underway looking at the biomarker and therapeutic roles of ncRNAs. These efforts may provide a new horizon for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancer. Herein, we summarize some of the ncRNAs that have been shown to be important in gynecological cancers.

Prognostic significance of VEGF and components of the plasminogen activator system in endometrial cancer

Objective

The plasminogen activator system (PAS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are important in the carcinogenesis and play a key role in cancer invasion and mediating metastasis of carcinomas. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation of serum levels of VEGF and components of the PAS with clinicopathological risk factors and outcome in patients with endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

Preoperative blood was collected from 173 patients treated for EC between 1999 and 2009. Serum concentrations of VEGF, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) and -2 (PAI-2) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Results

Serum levels of VEGF and components of the PAS were significantly associated with stage of the disease, tumor histology, tumor grade, myometrial invasion (MI), presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) and lymph node metastases (LNM). Preoperative serum levels of PAI-1 and -2 and tPA were higher in patients who experienced a recurrence than in patients who remained disease free (p < 0.01). PAI-1 and -2 and tPA were significantly independent prognostic factors for DFS with a HR of 3.85 (95% CI 1.84–8.07), 3.90 (95% CI 1.75–8.66) and 2.53 (95% CI 1.16–5.55), respectively. PAI-1 and tPA turned out to be independent prognostic factors for OS, with a HR of 2.09 (95% CI 1.08–4.05) and 2.16 (95% CI 1.06–4.44), respectively.

Conclusion

Serum levels of VEGF and components of the PAS at primary diagnosis were associated with well-known clinicopathological risk factors such as; FIGO stage, tumor histology, tumor grade, MI, LVSI and LNM. High concentrations of PAI-1 and-2 and tPA are independent factors for poor prognosis in patients with endometrial cancer.

MicroRNA-135a promotes proliferation, migration, invasion and induces chemoresistance of endometrial cancer cells

Aims

MicroRNAs play essential roles in tumorigenesis and progression in various cancers including endometrial cancer. Here we assessed the role of miR-135a on proliferation, chemosensitivity, migration and invasion of endometrial cancer cells.

Methods

WST-1 assay was performed to examine the proliferation of HEC-1-B and ISHIKAWA endometrial cancer cells with altered expression of miR-135a, with or without cisplatin treatment. Transwell migration and matrigel invasion assays were used to assess the migration and invasion of endometrial cancer cells. The Caspase-Glo3/7 assay was used to examine the effect of miR-135a on cisplatin-induced apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to validate the putative binding site.

Results

Upregulation of miR-135a improved the proliferation, and promoted migration and invasion of endometrial cancer cells. Furthermore, miR-135a decreased the sensitivity of HEC-1-B and ISHIKAWA cells after cisplatin treatment. The cisplatin-induced apoptosis in endometrial cancer cells was inhibited by miR-135a by regulation of BAX and Bcl-2 expression. Meanwhile, miR-135a could regulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) by altering the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, snail and Vimentin in endometrial cancer cells. Further study showed that the expression levels of PTEN and p-AKT in endometrial cancer cells were changed after aberrant expression of miR-135a.

Conclusion

MiR-135a played important roles in tumorigenesis and disease progression of endometrial cancer by regulating proliferation and chemosensitivy of endometrial cancer cells by targeting AKT signaling pathway. Our study indicates that miR-135a might act as a potential biomarker to predict chemotherapy response and prognosis in endometrial cancer.

YAP promotes the malignancy of endometrial cancer cells via regulation of IL-6 and IL-11

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence shows that Hippo signal pathways can regulate the progression of various cancer. While the roles of Yes-associated protein (YAP), the key transducer of Hippo signals, in the development of endometrial cancer (EC) are rarely investigated.

METHODS

The expression of YAP in endometrial cancer cells and tissues was measured. Its roles in proliferation and expression of interleukins (ILs) were investigated by use of its specific siRNA or inhibitor (verteporfin, VP).

RESULTS

YAP was upregulated in endometrial cancer cells and tissues. Knockdown of YAP or VP can suppress the proliferation while increase its chemo-sensitivity of EC cells. We found that targeted inhibition of YAP can decrease the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-11 in EC cells. Recombinant IL-6 or IL-11 can attenuate si-YAP suppressed proliferation of EC cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay suggested that YAP can directly bind with the promoter of IL-6 and induce its transcription. As to IL-11, inhibitor of NF-κB (BAY 11-7082) can significantly down regulate the mRNA expression of IL-11. Over expression of p65 abolished si-YAP suppressed transcription of IL-11. It suggested that NF-κB was involved in the YAP regulated expression of IL-11.

CONCLUSIONS

YAP can regulate the proliferation and progression of EC cells. It suggested that targeted inhibition of YAP might be a potent potential approach for EC therapy.

Estrogen-related receptor alpha induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition through cancer-stromal interactions in endometrial cancer

Estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα), which shares structural similarities with estrogen receptors, is associated with tumor progression in endometrial cancer, but little is known about the detailed underlying mechanism. We investigated whether ERRα, in cooperation with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), could participate in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in endometrial cancer through cancer-stromal interactions. Two endometrial cancer cell lines, Ishikawa and HEC-1A, transfected with ERRα/PGC-1α expression plasmids or silenced for ERRα expression, were co-cultured with telomerase-transformed human endometrial stromal cells (T-HESCs). We found that EMT-associated factors including vimentin, Snail, and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 were upregulated in cancer cells overexpressing ERRα/PGC-1α and that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) was induced in T-HESCs in the same conditions. In contrast, ERRα knockdown suppressed EMT-associated factors in cancer cells and TGF-β in T-HESCs. ERRα/PGC-1α overexpression increased the expression of EMT-associated factors after TGF-β exposure; however, it decreased E-cadherin at protein level. ERRα knockdown suppressed EMT-associated factors in the presence of TGF-β, whereas E-cadherin remained unchanged. Matrigel invasion assays revealed that ERRα knockdown attenuated the stimulation of migration and invasion by TGF-β. These findings suggest that ERRα is a potential target for inhibiting TGF-β-induced EMT through cancer-stromal interactions in endometrial cancer.

Diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/MRI in recurrent pelvis malignancies of female patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET/MRI for suspected recurrence of pelvis malignancies of female patients using a meta-analysis. We performed a systematical literature search for relevant studies in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and several Chinese databases. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) was used to assess the quality of all included studies. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated per patient and per lesion. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves were also constructed. All procedures involving human participants in this study were performed in conformity with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments. Finally, seven articles comprising 257 patients and 695 lesions were included in this meta-analysis. On patient-based analysis, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio of F-FDG PET/MRI in detecting recurrence of pelvis malignancies were 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93-0.99], 0.95 (95% CI: 0.87-0.99), 9.85 (95% CI: 4.62-21.00), 0.07 (95% CI: 0.04-0.13), and 201.41 (95% CI: 62.89-645.03), respectively. On lesion-based analysis, the corresponding estimates were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97-1.00), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89-0.97), 17.11 (95% CI: 4.46-65.60), 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01-0.05), and 1125.24 (95% CI: 211.46-5987.79), respectively. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that F-FDG PET/MRI has excellent diagnostic performance in restaging female patients with suspected recurrence of gynecological pelvic malignancies.

A Proposal for a Classification for Recurrent Endometrial Cancer: Analysis of a French Multicenter Database From the FRANCOGYN Study Group

OBJECTIVE

Endometrial cancer (EC) recurrences are relatively common with no standardized way of describing them. We propose a new classification for them called locoregional, nodal, metastasis, carcinomatosis recurrences (rLMNC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data of 1230 women with EC who were initially treated by primary surgery were included in this French multicenter retrospective study. Recurrences were classified based on dissemination pathways: (1) locoregional recurrence (rL); (2) nodal recurrence (rN) for lymphatic pathway; (3) distant organ recurrence (rM) for hematogenous pathway; and (4) carcinomatosis recurrence (rC) for peritoneal pathway. These pathways were further divided into subgroups. We compared recurrence free survival and overall survival (OS) between the 4 groups (rL/rN/rM/rC).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 35.6 months (range, 1.70-167.60). One hundred ninety-eight women (18.2%) experienced a recurrence: 150 (75.8%) experienced a single-pathway recurrence and 48 (24.2%) a multiple-pathway recurrence. The 5-year OS was 34.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.02%-43.1%), and the median time to first recurrence was 18.9 months (range, 0-152 months). The median survival after recurrence was 14.8 months (95% CI, 11.7-18.8). Among women with single pathway of recurrence, a difference in 5-year OS (P < 0.001) and survival after recurrence (P < 0.01) was found between the 4 rLNMC groups. The carcinomatosis group had the worst prognosis compared with other single recurrence pathways. Women with multiple recurrences had poorer 5-year OS (P < 0.001) and survival after recurrence (P < 0.01) than those with single metastasis recurrence, other than women with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This easy-to-use and intuitive classification may be helpful to define EC recurrence risk groups and develop guidelines for the management of recurrence. Its prognosis value could also be a tool to select homogenous populations for further trials.

Locoregional control and survival after lymph node SBRT in oligometastatic disease

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as an effective option in oligo-metastatic cancer patients affected by lymph node metastases, but its use might be questioned due to risk of regional and distant dissemination through the lymph node chain. The primary aim of our study was to assess the loco-regional control following SBRT in this setting. Ninety-one patients undergoing SBRT for at least one lymph node metastasis from miscellaneous primary tumors were retrospectively evaluated for patterns of failure and toxicity. locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) at 4 years were 79 and 44%. Repeated use of local therapy after progression resulted in a median interval of 17 months until allocation to systemic therapy or supportive care. Forty-three percent of patients were alive at 4 years. Local failure, occurring in 15% of patients, was the only predictor of poor survival (HR: 3.06). Tumor diameter ≥ 30 mm and urothelial primary tumor predicted for impaired local control (HR: 4.59 and 5.43, respectively). Metastases from pulmonary cancer showed a significant earlier distant dissemination (HR: 3.53). Only acute and late grade 1–2 toxicities were reported except for 1 case of G3 dysphagia. Loco-regional failure risk is low (18%) and justifies the use of local therapies for patients with oligometastatic disease. Durable disease remission can be achieved by iterative use of local approaches. Local control is correlated to improved OS. Diameter and primary tumor type may affect response to SBRT and risk for early metastatic dissemination.

Endometrial Cancers Harboring Mutated Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 Protein Are Successfully Treated With a New Small Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in an Orthotopic Mouse Model

OBJECTIVES

AL3818 (anlotinib) is a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2/KDR, and VEGFR3), stem cell factor receptor (C-kit), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFβ), and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3). This study evaluates the efficacy of AL3818 studying tumor regression in an orthotopic murine endometrial cancer model.

METHODS

We tested the cytotoxicity of AL3818 on a panel of 7 human endometrial cancer cell lines expressing either wild-type or mutant FGFR2 and also assessed the in vivo antitumor efficacy in a murine, orthotopic AN3CA endometrial cancer model. AL3818 was administered daily per os either alone or in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, which represent the current standard of adjuvant care for endometrial cancer.

RESULTS

AL3818 significantly reduces AN3CA cell number in vitro, characterized by high expression of a mutated FGFR2 protein. Daily oral administration of AL3818 (5 mg/kg) resulted in a complete response in 55% of animals treated and in a reduced tumor volume, as well as decreased tumor weights of AN3CA tumors by 94% and 96%, respectively, following a 29-day treatment cycle. Whereas carboplatin and paclitaxel failed to alter tumor growth, the combination with AL3818 did not seem to exhibit a superior effect when compared with AL3818 treatment alone.

CONCLUSIONS

AL3818 shows superior efficacy for the treatment of endometrial cancer irresponsive to conventional carboplatin and paclitaxel combination and warrants further investigation.

Comprehensive genomic profiling aids in treatment of a metastatic endometrial cancer

FGFR-TACC fusions, including FGFR3-TACC3, have been identified as potential oncogenic drivers and actionable alterations in a number of different cancer types. The clinical relevance of FGFR3-TACC3 fusions in endometrial cancer has not yet been described. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded metastatic endometrial carcinoma from the spleen and peritoneum were sent for comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) using the FoundationOne platform as part of a prospective tumor genomic profiling protocol. We report the identification of an FGFR3-TACC3 fusion in a case of metastatic endometrioid endometrial cancer. Other potentially actionable alterations detected in this specimen included PIK3CA T1025S and an uncharacterized rearrangement involving TSC2 The patient initially received an FGFR inhibitor as an investigational agent and experienced stable disease with complete resolution of a pelvic nodule; however, treatment had to be discontinued because of intolerable side effects. A PET/CT scan nearly 3 mo after discontinuation showed disease progression. She subsequently received the mTOR inhibitor, temsirolimus, later accompanied by letrozole, and achieved stable disease. Clinical benefit was attributed to the mTOR inhibitor as tumor stained negative for estrogen receptor. Temsirolimus was discontinued after >17 mo because of disease progression. FGFR inhibitors may have clinical benefit in the treatment of endometrial carcinoma with FGFR3-TACC3 fusions. Additionally, clinical benefit from an mTOR inhibitor may reflect a response to targeting the alteration in PIK3CA or TSC2 More research is needed to understand the activity of FGFR3-TACC3 fusions on tumors and to discover additional therapeutic options for endometrial carcinoma patients with this gene fusion.

A Phase 2, Randomized, Open-Label Study of Irosustat Versus Megestrol Acetate in Advanced Endometrial Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Advanced/metastatic or recurrent endometrial cancer has a poor prognosis. Malignant endometrial tissue has high steroid sulphatase (STS) activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate STS as a therapeutic target in patients with endometrial cancer.

METHODS

This was a phase 2, multicenter, international, open-label, randomized (1:1), 2-arm study of the STS inhibitor oral irosustat 40 mg/d versus oral megestrol acetate 160 mg/d in women with advanced/metastatic or recurrent estrogen receptor-positive endometrial cancer. The primary end point was the proportion of patients without progression or death 6 months after start of treatment. Secondary end points included progression-free survival, time to progression, overall survival, and safety.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were treated (36 with irosustat, 35 with megestrol acetate). The study was prematurely stopped after futility analysis. Overall, 36.1% and 54.1% of patients receiving irosustat or megestrol acetate had not progressed or died at 6 months, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between irosustat and megestrol acetate in response and overall survival rates. Irosustat patients had a median progression-free survival of 16 weeks (90% confidence interval, 9.0-31.4) versus 40 weeks (90% confidence interval, 16.3-64.0) in megestrol acetate patients. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 20 (55.6%) and 13 (37.1%) patients receiving irosustat or megestrol, respectively. Most adverse events in both groups were grade 1 or 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Although irosustat monotherapy did not attain a level of activity sufficient for further development in patients with advanced/recurrent endometrial cancer, this study confirms the activity of hormonal treatment (megestrol acetate) for this indication.

Pterostilbene, a natural phenolic compound, synergizes the antineoplastic effects of megestrol acetate in endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States and its incidence and mortality has been rising over the past decade. Few treatment options are available for patients with advanced and recurring endometrial cancers. Novel therapies, which are frequently toxic, are difficult to establish in this patient population which tends to be older and plagued by comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Therefore, novel, non-toxic therapies are urgently needed. Megestrol acetate is a frequently used drug in endometrial cancer patients. However, its response rate is only 20–30%. To enhance the activity of megestrol acetate in endometrial cancer patients, we explored the potential of combining natural supplements with megestrol acetate and found that the addition of the natural phenolic compound, pterostilbene, to megestrol acetate resulted in a synergistic inhibition of cancer cell growth in vitro and an enhanced reduction of tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. In addition, dual treatment led to attenuation of signaling pathways, as well as cell cycle and survival pathways. Our results demonstrated for the first time that the anti-tumor activity of megestrol acetate can be enhanced by combining with pterostilbene, providing an insight into the potential application of pterostilbene and megestrol acetate combination for the treatment of endometrial cancer.

Survival benefit of pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in high-grade endometrial carcinoma: a retrospective population-based cohort analysis

OBJECTIVE

The standard therapy for high-grade endometrial cancer is surgery but the therapeutic effects of pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection (LND) are poorly investigated. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated overall survival, recurrence rates and recurrence-free survival among patients with high-grade type I and II endometrial carcinoma who underwent LND.

METHODS

This study included 284 patients who are recorded in the German Tumor Centre Regensburg form 1998 to 2015 and were selected by cancer grading, the absence of secondary tumors, primary surgery including hysterectomy and available follow-up. 244 of the 284 patients in this cohort were unequivocally classified as R0 after resection.

RESULTS

A significantly increased overall survival was observed for systematic LND of 25 or more paraaortic and pelvic lymph nodes versus patients who did not undergo such intervention (p < 0.001) or had elective LND of 1-24 lymph nodes both in univariable (p = 0.016) and multivariable (p = 0.014) analysis. A similar observation was made for recurrence-free survival of patients in the cohort who underwent complete tumor resection (R0). In addition, a reduced cumulative recurrence rate was observed for patients with systematic LND.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidence that the systematic removal of 25 or more pelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes reduces the recurrence rate and that it is beneficial for the long-term overall and recurrence-free survival of patients with high-grade endometrial cancer.

Nomegestrol Acetate Suppresses Human Endometrial Cancer RL95-2 Cells Proliferation In Vitro and In Vivo Possibly Related to Upregulating Expression of SUFU and Wnt7a

Nomegestrol acetate (NOMAC) has been successfully used for the treatment of some gynecological disorders, and as a combined oral contraceptive with approval in many countries. In this study, we investigated the effects of NOMAC on human endometrial cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The proliferation of human endometrial cancer cells (RL95-2 and KLE) were assessed using CCK-8 and EdU incorporation assays. Whole-genome cDNA microarray analysis was used to identify the effects of NOMAC on gene expression profiles in RL95-2 cells. RL95-2 xenograft nude mice were treated with NOMAC (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA; 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days. The results showed that NOMAC significantly inhibited the growth of RL95-2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, but not in KLE cells. Further investigation demonstrated that NOMAC produced a stronger inhibition of tumor growth (inhibition rates for 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg NOMAC were 24.74%, 47.04%, and 58.06%, respectively) than did MPA (inhibition rates for 100 and 200 mg/kg MPA were 41.06% and 27.01%, respectively) in the nude mice bearing the cell line of RL95-2. NOMAC altered the expression of several genes related to cancer cell proliferation, including SUFU and Wnt7a. The upregulation of SUFU and Wnt7a was confirmed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting in RL95-2 cells and RL95-2 xenograft tumor tissues, but not in KLE cells. These data indicate that NOMAC can inhibit the proliferation of RL95-2 cell in vitro and suppress the growth of xenografts in the nude mice bearing the cell line of RL95-2 in vivo. This effect could be related to the upregulating expression of SUFU and Wnt7a.

Sox2-dependent inhibition of p21 is associated with poor prognosis of endometrial cancer

Sex‐determining region Y‐box 2 (SOX2) is an essential factor involved in the self‐renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells and has functions in cell survival and progression in many types of cancers. Here, we found that several endometrial cancer cell lines expressed SOX2, which was required for cell growth. Additionally, SOX2 overexpression regulated the expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), and SOX2 specifically bound to p21 promoter DNA in endometrial cancer cell lines expressing SOX2. Expressions of SOX2 in endometrial cancer patients were significantly correlated with histological grade and poor prognosis. Moreover, low p21 together with high SOX2 expressions in advanced endometrial cancer patients were associated with the most unfavorable outcomes of patients. These results indicated that simultaneous measurement of SOX2 and p21 expression in endometrial cancer patients may be a useful biomarker for patient prognosis.

The Impact of Lymphovascular Space Invasion on Recurrence and Survival in Iranian Patients With Early Stage Endometrial Cancer

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of lymphovascular space involvement (LVSI) on recurrence and survival in early stage of endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

Patients with EC referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran were examined and enrolled over a 10-year period (2004 - 2015). The effect of LVSI on recurrence and overall survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test methods.

Results

A total of 160 patients with early stage EC were identified. Out of 160 women with EC, 135 (84.4%) underwent primary surgery. One hundred and twenty-one (76.2%) patients were not found to have LVSI, whereas 38 (23.8%) were found to have LVSI. Of the 38 patients with LVSI, 21 (55.3%) had endometrioid cell type tumor, 10 (26.3%) had serous, one (2.6%) had clear cell and six (15.8%) had adeno-squamous cell type tumor.

Conclusion

The presence of LVSI represents a factor strongly associated with high risk of recurrence and poor survival in early stage EC. Patients with lower International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) stages may be at increased risk of recurrence and a poor overall survival if the pathological findings confirm the presence of LVSI. Thus, LVSI should be added to the traditional factors used to decide whether patients with early stage EC are at high risk of recurrence and adjuvant therapy planning.

Tumor progression, metastasis, and modulators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma: an update

Endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC), also known as type 1 endometrial cancer (EC), accounts for over 70-80% of all cases that are usually associated with estrogen stimulation and often develops in a background of atypical endometrial hyperplasia. The increased incidence of EC is mainly confined to this type of cancer. Most EEC patients present at an early stage and generally have a favorable prognosis; however, up to 30% of EEC present as high risk tumors, which have invaded deep into the myometrium at diagnosis and progressively lead to local or extra pelvic metastasis. The poor survival of advanced EC is related to the lack of effective therapies, which can be attributed to poor understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of disease toward invasion and metastasis. Multiple lines of evidence illustrate that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like events are central to tumor progression and malignant transformation, endowing the incipient cancer cell with invasive and metastatic properties. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on molecular events associated with EMT in progression, invasion, and metastasis of EEC. Further, the role of epigenetic modifications and microRNA regulation, tumor microenvironment, and microcystic elongated and fragmented glands like invasion pattern have been discussed. We believe this article may perhaps stimulate further research in this field that may aid in identifying high risk patients within this clinically challenging patient group and also lead to the recognition of novel targets for the prevention of metastasis - the most fatal consequence of endometrial carcinogenesis.

Glucose promotes cell proliferation, glucose uptake and invasion in endometrial cancer cells via AMPK/mTOR/S6 and MAPK signaling

OBJECTIVES

Obesity and diabetes are well-known risk factors for the development of endometrial cancer. A high rate of aerobic glycolysis represents a key mechanism by which endometrial cancer cells consume glucose as its primary energy source. The up-regulated glycolytic pathway is a common therapeutic target whose inhibition has implications for anti-tumor activity in cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate the effect of various concentrations of glucose on cell proliferation in endometrial cancer.

METHODS

ECC-1 and Ishikawa cells were treated with low glucose (1mM), normal glucose (5mM) and high glucose (25mM), and cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle, adhesion/invasion, and changes of AMPK/mTOR/S6 and MAPK pathways were evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that high glucose increased cell growth and clonogenicity in two endometrial cancer cell lines in a dose dependent manner. Low glucose induced the activity of cleaved caspase 3 and caused cell cycle G1 arrest. High glucose increased the ability of adhesion and invasion by decreasing E-cadherin and increasing Snail expression. In addition, high glucose increased glucose uptake and glycolytic activity through modulating the AMPK/mTOR/S6 and MAPK pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that glucose stimulated cell proliferation through multiple complex signaling pathways. Targeting glucose metabolism may be a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of endometrial cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in gynaecological cancers - Implications for staging

The management of advanced gynaecological cancers remains a therapeutic challenge. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been used to reduce tumour size, thus facilitating subsequent local treatment in the form of surgery or radiation. For advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, data from several non-randomized and one randomized studies indicate that neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery is a reasonable approach in patients deemed inoperable. Such an approach results in optimum debulking (no visible tumour) in approximately 40% of the patients with reduced operative morbidity. Overall and progression free-survival is comparable to the group treated with primary debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery is associated with improved survival for women with stage IB2-IIA cervix cancer. There is a resurgence of interest for using short-course neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to concurrent chemo-radiation. Currently, this is being tested in randomized trials.

Multiple recurrences of early-stage, endometrioid-type G2 endometrial cancer with a long-time follow-up: A case study

The recurrence after a long-time free period of time, in women primarily operated on for early-stage of endometrial cancer (EC), is a unique phenomenon. Currently, we present the case of a 59-year-old woman with multiple recurrences from the moderately-differentiated, stage Ib, endometrioid-type, uterine cancer. All recurrences were pathologically proven to originate from the primary tumor, and the patient expired 12 years after the primary surgery for disseminated neoplasm. We summarize the current data to give a short overview of the role of late recurrences in women operated on for early-stage EC.

Low levels of circulating estrogen sensitize PTEN-null endometrial tumors to PARP inhibition in vivo

Earlier in vitro work demonstrated that PARP inhibition induces cell death in PTEN-null endometrial cancer cell lines, but the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of these agents against endometrial cancer remains unknown. Here, we test the efficacy of AZD2281 (olaparib), an oral PARP inhibitor, in the therapy of PTEN-null endometrial tumors in a preclinical endometrial cancer mouse model. Primary endometrial tumors were generated by epithelial loss of PTEN using an in vivo model. This model recapitulates epithelial-specific loss of PTEN seen in human tumors, and histologically resembles endometrioid carcinomas, the predominant subtype of human endometrial cancers. Olaparib was administered orally to tumor-bearing mice in two hormonal extremes: high or low estrogen. Olaparib treatment achieved a significant reduction in tumor size in a low estrogenic milieu. In striking contrast, no response to olaparib was seen in tumors exposed to high levels of estrogen. Two key observations were made when estrogen levels were dropped: (i) the serum concentration of olaparib was significantly increased, resulting in sustained PARP inhibition at the tumor bed; and (ii) the homologous recombination pathway was compromised, as evidenced by decreased Rad51 protein expression and function. These two mechanisms may account for the sensitization of PTEN-null tumors to olaparib with estrogen deprivation. Results of this preclinical trial suggest that orally administered PARP inhibitors in a low estrogenic hormonal milieu can effectively target PTEN-null endometrial tumors. Extension of this work to clinical trials could personalize the therapy of women afflicted with advanced endometrial cancer using well-tolerated orally administered therapeutic agents.

Progesterone receptor signaling in the microenvironment of endometrial cancer influences its response to hormonal therapy

Progesterone, an agonist for the progesterone receptor (PR), can be an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment in endometrial cancer. The clinical use of progesterone is limited because of the lack of biomarkers that predict hormone sensitivity. Despite its efficacy in cancer therapy, mechanisms and site of action for progesterone remain unknown. Using an in vivo endometrial cancer mouse model driven by clinically relevant genetic changes but dichotomous responses to hormonal therapy, we show that signaling through stromal PR is necessary and sufficient for progesterone antitumor effects. Endometrial cancers resulting from epithelial loss of PTEN (PTENKO) were hormone sensitive and had abundant expression of stromal PR. Stromal deletion of PR as a single genetic change in these tumors induced progesterone resistance indicating that paracrine signaling through the stroma is essential for the progesterone therapeutic effects. A hormone-refractory endometrial tumor with low levels of stromal PR developed when activation of KRAS was coupled with PTEN-loss (PTENKO/Kras). The innate progesterone resistance in PTENKO/Kras tumors stemmed from methylation of PR in the tumor microenvironment. Add-back of stromal PR expressed from a constitutively active promoter sensitized these tumors to progesterone therapy. Results show that signaling through stromal PR is sufficient for inducing hormone responsiveness. Our findings suggest that epigenetic derepression of stromal PR could be a potential therapeutic target for sensitizing hormone-refractory endometrial tumors to progesterone therapy. On the basis of these results, stromal expression of PR may emerge as a reliable biomarker in predicting response to hormonal therapy.

[Advanced endometrial carcinoma: primary debulking surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy?]

Endometrial cancers with peritoneal spread are stage IVB of FIGO classification. Their pattern is similar to that of ovarian cancer. Optimal debulking surgery and chemotherapy are predictor of better overall and disease free survival. Despite the poor outcome, there is a need for new treatment options. Recommended management for this group of patients should consist of surgical cytoreduction followed by chemotherapy. There may be a role for neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval surgery in selected subgroups of patients.