Progestins in the fertility-sparing treatment and retreatment of patients with primary and recurrent endometrial cancer

A Case Report of Consecutive Live Birth Twice Through in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer After Endometrial Carcinoma Fertility Preservation Treatment

Preserving fertility is a vital concern for young women diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma. The clinical management of such patients is often disappointing. It is rare to have two consecutive successful pregnancies. We present a child-bearing-age woman who underwent fertility preservation therapy due to endometrial carcinoma. Following fertility preservation therapy, she underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. After receiving her first fresh embryo transfer, she successfully conceived and gave birth to a healthy child. Two years after the first embryo transfer and regular follow-up, she had another frozen embryo transfer of two cleavage embryos and successfully gave birth to another healthy baby. After the delivery of her second child, she underwent surgical treatment for endometrial carcinoma. For endometrial carcinoma patients who intend to preserve fertility, high-quality long-term follow-up and personalized treatment are necessary.

New boundaries for fertility sparing management in endometrial cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The increasing rates of endometrial cancer in premenopausal women that accompanies modern lifestyle options that enhance the prevalence of obesity as well as the trend of delayed childbearing are expected to increase the need for fertility sparing techniques. Currently, the cornerstone of fertility sparing treatment is hormonal handling with progestin treatment and is reserved for women with well differentiated endometrioid lesions that are limited in the myometrial layer.

RECENT FINDINGS

Innovative approaches in the surgical treatment of patients with the use of operative hysteroscopy seem to offer decreased intervals to remission of lesions and longer progression free survival. Recent small case series also dictate that patients with endometrioid lesions of medium differentiation as well as those with superficial myometrial invasion may be adequately treated with the use of operative hysteroscopy. Moreover, the novel classification system may help better understand patients that will likely respond better to hormonal treatment.

SUMMARY

In the near future, further data from clinical trials will be available that will help optimize patient selection as well select surgical and medical options that will help establish a personalized approach of fertility preservation in endometrial cancer patients.

Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy Mediated by a Tumor-Specific Catalyst in Synergy with Mitophagy Inhibition Improves the Efficacy for Endometrial Cancer

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) relies on the tumor microenvironment (e.g., high H2 O2 level) responsive Fenton-like reactions to produce hydroxyl radicals (·OH) against tumors. However, endogenous H2 O2 is insufficient for effective chemodynamic responses. An NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)high catalase (CAT)low therapeutic window for the use of NQO1 bioactive drug β-lapachone (β-Lap) is first identified in endometrial cancer (EC). Accompanied by NADH depletion, NQO1 catalyzes β-Lap to produce excess H2 O2 and initiate oxidative stress, which selectively suppress NQO1high EC cell proliferation, induce DNA double-strand breaks, and promote apoptosis. Moreover, shRNA-mediated NQO1 knockdown or dicoumarol rescues NQO1high EC cells from β-Lap-induced cytotoxicity. Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-functionalized iron-based metal-organic frameworks (MOF(Fe)) further promote the conversion of the accumulated H2 O2 into highly oxidative ·OH, which in turn, exacerbates the oxidative damage to RGD-positive target cells. Furthermore, mitophagy inhibition by Mdivi-1 blocks a powerful antioxidant defense approach, ultimately ensuring the anti-tumor efficacy of stepwise-amplified reactive oxygen species signals. The tumor growth inhibition rate (TGI) is about 85.92%. However, the TGI of MOF(Fe)-based synergistic antitumor therapy decreases to only 50.46% in NQO1-deficient KLE tumors. Tumor-specific chemotherapy and CDT-triggered therapeutic modality present unprecedented therapeutic benefits in treating NQO1high EC.

Conservative treatment of endometrial cancer in women of reproductive age (Review)

Endometrial cancer is the fifth most common female cancer worldwide and the third leading female cancer in the Western world. The marked surge in endometrial cancer incidence is alarming. The aim of the present review is to focus on endometrial cancer affecting young women of reproductive age. Surgery, namely abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, with or without salpingo-oophorectomy, and sentinel lymph node detection has become the standard surgical strategy for early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer. However, premenopausal women might want to preserve their fertility, especially if they are nulliparous or have not reached their desired number of children at the time of diagnosis. Conservative, uterus-sparing treatment, based on progestin products, may be an advantageous option for patients meeting the necessary criteria. Potential candidates have to be committed to following a rigorous protocol of treatment, investigations and follow-up. The evidence in favor of this approach, although limited, is encouraging and patients who have achieved a histologically documented disease complete remission could attempt to conceive spontaneously or with the immediate use of assisted reproductive technology techniques. The risk of partial or negative response to progestin treatment or cancer recurrence is well documented, thus patients have to be aware of the possible need for interruption of conservative treatment and hysterectomy.

Endometrium-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress progression of endometrial cancer via the DKK1-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is an attractive treatment option for various cancers. Whether MSCs can be used to treat well-differentiated endometrial cancer (EC) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the potential therapeutic effects of MSCs on EC and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The effects of adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs), umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs), and endometrium-derived MSCs (eMSCs) on the malignant behaviors of EC cells were explored via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Three EC models, including patient-derived EC organoid lines, EC cell lines, and EC xenograft model in female BALB/C nude mice, were used for this study. The effects of MSCs on EC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and the growth of xenograft tumors were evaluated. The potential mechanisms by which eMSCs inhibit EC cell proliferation and stemness were explored by regulating DKK1 expression in eMSCs or Wnt signaling in EC cells.

RESULTS

Our results showed that eMSCs had the highest inhibitory effect on EC cell viability, and EC xenograft tumor growth in mice compared to AD-MSCs and UC-MSCs. Conditioned medium (CM) obtained from eMSCs significantly suppressed the sphere-forming ability and stemness-related gene expression of EC cells. In comparison to AD-MSCs and UC-MSCs, eMSCs had the highest level of Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) secretion. Mechanistically, eMSCs inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling in EC cells via secretion of DKK1, and eMSCs suppressed EC cell viability and stemness through DKK1-Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Additionally, the combination of eMSCs and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) significantly inhibited the viability of EC organoids and EC cells compared with eMSCs or MPA alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The eMSCs, but not AD-MSCs or UC-MSCs, could suppress the malignant behaviors of EC both in vivo and in vitro via inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by secreting DKK1. The combination of eMSCs and MPA effectively inhibited EC growth, indicating that eMSCs may potentially be a new therapeutic strategy for young EC patients desiring for fertility preservation.

Upgrading Treatment and Molecular Diagnosis in Endometrial Cancer-Driving New Tools for Endometrial Preservation?

One emerging problem for onco-gynecologists is the incidence of premenopausal patients under 40 years of age diagnosed with stage I Endometrial Cancer (EC) who want to preserve their fertility. Our review aims to define a primary risk assessment that can help fertility experts and onco-gynecologists tailor personalized treatment and fertility-preserving strategies for fertile patients wishing to have children. We confirm that risk factors such as myometrial invasion and The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging should be integrated into the novel molecular classification provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We also corroborate the influence of classical risk factors such as obesity, Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and diabetes mellitus to assess fertility outcomes. The fertility preservation options are inadequately discussed with women with a diagnosis of gynecological cancer. A multidisciplinary team of gynecologists, oncologists, and fertility specialists could increase patient satisfaction and improve fertility outcomes. The incidence and death rates of endometrial cancer are rising globally. International guidelines recommend radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as the standard of care for this cancer; however, fertility-sparing alternatives should be tailored to motivated women of reproductive age, establishing an appropriate cost-benefit balance between childbearing desire and cancer risk. New molecular classifications such as that of TCGA provide a robust supplementary risk assessment tool that can tailor the treatment options to the patient's needs, curtail over- and under-treatment, and contribute to the spread of fertility-preserving strategies.

Case report: Highly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma that collided with uterine cervical carcinosarcoma

Uterine collision tumor is a rare pathological type composed of two or more malignant tumors. The components of these malignant tumors do not have histological mixing and are separated by the normal mesenchyme. Collision cancer is very rare, with uterine collision tumors being even rarer. Only a few cases have been reported in relation to uterine collision tumors. At present, there is no standard treatment guideline for uterine collision tumors, and a comprehensive treatment composed of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy is suggested. In this study, we report a 54-year-old female patient diagnosed with highly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma with cervical carcinosarcoma. The endometrial adenocarcinoma component invaded the deep myometrium (> 1/2 layer), involving the cervical glands and interstitium. The regional lymph node metastasis from endometrial adenocarcinoma was also detected. The patient underwent "transabdominal tumor cytoreduction (total hysterectomy + right adnexal resection + greater omentectomy + pelvic lymph node dissection + para-aortic lymph node dissection) + pelvic adhesion release." In addition, she has completed adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After reviewing previous reports of collision tumors in different positions of the uterus, we found that collision tumors between the cervix and uterine body are very uncommon. In addition, we have not found any reports on the metastasis of sarcoid components, no matter what the composition is.

Fertility Preservation in Endometrial Cancer-Treatment and Molecular Aspects

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide; incidences are rising, with 417,367 new cases registered in 2020. Of these, the proportion of women that are of reproductive age is around 4-14% and the number is increasing. Thus, in addition to oncological therapy and safety, the preservation of fertility plays a central role in therapeutic strategies. Molecular genetic patient data provide a robust supplementary benefit that improves primary risk assessment and can help design personalized treatment options to curtail over- and undertreatment and contribute to fertility preserving strategies. The aim of our review is to provide an overview of the latest significant recommendations in the diagnosis and therapy of endometrial cancer during reproductive age. In this paper the most recent groundbreaking molecular discoveries in endometrial cancer are highlighted and discussed as an opportunity to enhance the prognostic and therapy options in this special patient collective.

A predictive model based on site-specific risk factors of recurrence regions in endometrial cancer patients

Objective

This study investigated site-specific differences in clinical factors for recurrence in patients who were newly diagnosed and treated for endometrial cancer. A model for predicting recurrence sites was generated.

Methods

Electronic medical records’ data were retrieved from January 2006 to December 2018 for patients who were diagnosed with endometrial cancer at the National cancer center in Korea. Recurrence sites were classified as local, regional, or distant. We used multinomial logistic regression models that modeled the log-odds for the three recurrence sites relative to non-recurrence as a linear combination of possible risk factors for the recurrence of endometrial cancer.

Results

The data of 611 patients were selected for analysis; there were 20, 12, and 25 cases of local, regional, and distant recurrence, respectively, and 554 patients had no recurrence. High-grade disease was associated with local recurrence; non-endometrioid histology and parametrial invasion were risk factors for regional recurrence; additionally, parametrial invasion and no lymphadenectomy were associated with distant metastasis.

Conclusion

We identified different risk factors specific for each type of recurrence site. Using these risk factors, we suggest that individually tailored adjuvant treatments be introduced for patients.

Oncological outcomes in fertility-sparing treatment in stage IA-G2 endometrial cancer

Background

The gold standard treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) is hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) with lymphadenectomy. In selected patients desiring pregnancy, fertility-sparing treatment (FST) can be adopted. Our review aims to collect the most incisive studies about the possibility of conservative management for patients with grade 2, stage IA EC. Different approaches can be considered beyond demolition surgery, such as local treatment with levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine device (LNG-IUD) plus systemic therapy with progestins.

Study design

Our systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were consulted, and five studies were chosen based on the following criteria: patients with a histological diagnosis of EC stage IA G2 in reproductive age desiring pregnancy and at least one oncological outcome evaluated. Search imputes were “endometrial cancer” AND “fertility sparing” AND “oncologic outcomes” AND “G2 or stage IA”.

Results

A total of 103 patients were included and treated with a combination of LNG-IUD plus megestrol acetate (MA) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plus MPA/MA, hysteroscopic resectoscope (HR), and dilation and curettage (D&C). There is evidence of 70% to 85% complete response after second-round therapy prolongation to 12 months.

Conclusions

Conservative measures must be considered temporary to allow pregnancy and subsequently perform specific counseling to adopt surgery. Fertility-sparing management is not the current standard of care for young women with EC. It can be employed for patients with early-stage diseases motivated to maintain reproductive function. Indeed, the results are encouraging, but the sample size must be increased.

Construction of Endometrial Carcinoma ceRNA Network and Screening of Key Genes Based on TCGA Database

Objective

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has received more and more attention in human tumor research. This study is aimed at clarifying the regulatory network of lncRNAs-microRNAs- (miRNAs-) mRNAs and at determining the relevant targets in the development of endometrial cancers.

Methods

Download the miRNA, mRNA, and lncRNA expression profile data of endometrial cancer patients from TCGA; use the "DESeq2" package of R software to identify the differential expression of miRNAs, mRNAs, and lncRNAs; construct a network of ceRNA; and perform gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment assessment on mRNAs in the network of ceRNA; string and Cytoscape 3.7.2 perform PPI assessment on target genes and TOP 10 hub gene screening; Cytoscape 3.7.2 computer program was employed for constructing the lncRNA-miRNA-TOP10 hub mRNA network diagram to determine the signal axis; StarBase database to verify the Top10 hub mRNA expression; the "survival" package in R computer program was implemented to analyze the survival rate of all genes on the lncRNA-miRNA-Top10 hub mRNA network diagram; RT-qPCR to verify the expression level of genes on the signal axis.

Results

1119 differential mRNAs, 14 differential lncRNAs, and 65 differential miRNAs were screened in TCGA; we constructed a ceRNA regulatory network composed of 5 DELs, 7 DEMs, and 90 DEGs; String combined with Cytoscape to screen out Top10 hub genes, namely: LEFTY1, LIN28A, LHX3, ST8SIA3, CEP55, FBXO32, DCN, ANGPTL1, ADRA1A, and KCNMA1; the StarBase database verification results show that ADRA1A, ANGPTL1, FBXO32, KCNMA1, and DCN are downregulated in endometrial cancer tissues; LEFTY1, LIN28A, LHX3, ST8SIA3, and CEP55 are upregulated in endometrial cancer; the constructed lncRNA-miRNA-hub Top10 mRNA network map identified CTD-2314B22, RP11-89 K21/hsa-miR-143, hsa-miR-424/LEFTY1, LIN28A, LHX3, ST8SIA3, and CEP55 signal axis; survival analysis results show that CTD-2314B22, RP11-89 K21, hsa-miR-96, hsa-miR-211, LHX3, ST8SIA3, and DCN are all related to survival; RT-qPCR results indicate CTD-2314B22, RP11-89 K21, LEFTY1, LIN28A, LHX3, ST8SIA3, and CEP55 are upregulated in endometrial cancer cells, and hsa-miR-143 and hsa-miR-424 are downregulated in endometrial cancer cells.

Conclusion

From the perspective of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, our study identified CTD-2314B22, RP11-89 K21/hsa-miR-143, hsa-miR-424/LEFTY1, LIN28A, LHX3, ST8SIA3, and CEP55 signal axis, which can present considerably potent biomarkers and therapeutic targets for treating endometrial cancer.

Characteristics and clinicopathological features of patients with ovarian metastasis of endometrial cancer: a retrospective study

There are no criteria for patient selection for ovarian-preserving surgery for endometrial cancer (EC). In this study, intraoperative findings of ovarian swelling (OvS) and the clinicopathological features of patients with EC with or without ovarian metastasis were analysed to identify risk factors for ovarian metastasis. Patients who underwent surgery for EC between 2012 and 2019 at our hospital were enrolled. In univariate analysis, all features were significantly higher in metastasis(+) cases. In multivariate analysis, lymphatic space invasion (LSI), cervical stromal involvement (CSI), peritoneal dissemination, and OvS were significant risk factors. In univariate analysis in stage I and II cases classified without adnexal pathological factors, type 2 histologic type, LSI, CSI, and OvS were significantly higher in metastasis(+) cases. LSI, CSI, and OvS were significant risk factors in multivariate analysis. Patients with type 1 histologic type EC without myometrial invasion ≥1/2, CSI and extrauterine lesions are appropriate for ovarian preservation. IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The number of premenopausal patients with endometrial cancer (EC) is increasing. Bilateral oophorectomy for EC results in surgical primary ovarian insufficiency, and thus, surgery with ovarian preservation has been examined. However, there are few reports on risk factors for ovarian metastasis of EC and no established criteria for patient background or pathological factors to determine suitability for ovarian preservation surgery.What do the results of this study add? In univariate analysis, all pathological findings suggestive of disease progression were more frequent in cases with ovarian metastases. In multivariate analysis, lymphatic space invasion (LSI), cervical stromal involvement (CSI), peritoneal dissemination, and ovarian swelling (OvS) were identified as significant risk factors for ovarian metastasis. In an analysis of stage I and II cases classified without adnexal pathological factors, type 2 histologic type, LSI, CSI, and OvS were significantly more common in cases with ovarian metastasis, and LSI, CSI, and OvS emerged as significant risk factors for ovarian metastasis in multivariate analysis.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Patients with type 1 histologic type EC without depth of myometrial invasion ≥1/2, CSI, or extrauterine lesions may be appropriate cases for ovarian preservation.

Reproductive and pregnancy outcomes of fertility-sparing treatments for early-stage endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To report the pregnancy outcomes of women with prior endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia managed with fertility-sparing treatments.

METHODS

Medline and Embase databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting the pregnancy outcomes of women who had undergone fertility-sparing treatments for endometrial hyperplasia or early endometrioid endometrial cancer. Outcomes explored were pregnancy, miscarriage and livebirth rates according to the type of progestin treatment used. Subgroup analyses according to the type of diagnostic follow-up were also performed. Meta-analyses of proportions using a random effects model were used to combine data.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies (1036 women) were included, and 82.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 72.3-91.2] of women achieved complete remission. Pregnancy rates were 56.3% (95% CI 41.6-70.5) with megestrol (MA) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), 63.1% (95% CI 37.0-85.6) with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD), 57.9% (95% CI 37.7-76.8) with MA or MPA and metformin, 59.8% (95% CI 48.3-70.7) with MPA and LNG-IUD, 15.4% (95% CI 4.3-42.2) with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) combined with LNG-IUD or letrozole, and 40.7% (95% CI 24.5-59.3) with LNG-IUD and GnRHa. Miscarriage rates were 17.4% (95% CI 12.2-23.4), 14.3% (95% CI 6.4-24.7), 57.9% (95% CI 37.7-76.8), 26.9% (95% CI 14.6-39.3), 100% (95% CI 34.0-100) and 18.2% (95% CI 5.1-47.7), respectively, and livebirth rates were 68.8% (95% CI 56.0-80.3), 80.8% (95% CI 69.5-90.0), 69.9% (95% CI 56.1-82.0), 25.97 (95% CI 14.6-39.3), 0% (95% CI 0-66.0) and 81.8% (95% CI 52.3-94.8), respectively. Finally, stratifying the analysis considering the endometrial sampling method alone, the pregnancy rate was 68.6% (95% CI 51.2-83.6; 10 studies, I² = 83.5%) in women who underwent hysteroscopy and 60.5% (95% CI 53.4-67.5; 13 studies, I² = 39.8%) in women managed with dilatation and curettage biopsy; the miscarriage and livebirth rates were 13.2% (95% CI 8.0-19.5; I² = 0%) and 81.2% (95% CI 67.4-91.8; I² = 67.3%), respectively, for hysteroscopy, and 25.2% (95% CI 17.8-33.3; I² = 15.5%) and 67.5% (95% CI 58.8-75.5; I² = 0%), respectively, for dilatation and curettage biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Fertility-sparing treatment in women with endometrial cancer or hyperplasia is associated with an overall good response to therapy, good chance of achieving pregnancy and a good livebirth rate. Diagnostic follow-up with hysteroscopy was associated with a higher pregnancy rate, although this requires confirmation in adequately powered randomized trials.

Executive Summary of the Uterine Cancer Evidence Review Conference

Evidence for uterine cancer prevention, diagnosis, and special issues from the Uterine Cancer Evidence Review Conference is summarized.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized the need for educational materials for clinicians on the prevention and early diagnosis of gynecologic cancers. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists convened a panel of experts in evidence review from the Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology and content experts from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology to review relevant literature, best practices, and existing practice guidelines as a first step toward developing evidence-based educational materials for women's health care clinicians about uterine cancer. Panel members conducted structured literature reviews, which were then reviewed by other panel members and discussed at a virtual meeting of stakeholder professional and patient advocacy organizations in January 2021. This article is the evidence summary of the relevant literature and existing recommendations to guide clinicians in the prevention, early diagnosis, and special considerations of uterine cancer. Substantive knowledge gaps are noted and summarized to provide guidance for future research.

Fertility-Sparing Approaches in Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia and Endometrial Cancer Patients: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the fourth most common cancer in women in developed countries. Although it is usually diagnosed in postmenopausal women, its incidence has increased in young women, as well in recent decades, with an estimated rate of 4% in those under 40 years of age. Factors involved in this increase, particularly in resource-rich countries, include delayed childbearing and the rise in obesity. The new molecular classification of EC should help to personalize treatment, through appropriate candidate selection. With the currently available evidence, the use of oral progestin either alone or in combination with other drugs such as metformin, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices and hysteroscopic resection, seems to be feasible and safe in women with early-stage EC limited to the endometrium. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence of the efficacy and safety of conservative management in EC. Randomized clinical trials in younger women and obese patients are currently underway.

Uterine sparing management in patients with endometrial cancer: a narrative literature review

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract. Approximately 25% of cases occur in premenopausal women, and up to 5% of cases occur in women who are younger than 40 years old. The survival rate in these cases is 99%; therefore, uterine-sparing management could be considered under strict criteria selection and the strong desire of the woman to preserve uterus and fertility. Diagnosis should be performed after a hysteroscopic biopsy instead of dilatation and curettage. The highest remission rate was achieved after combining a hysteroscopic resection with hormonal therapy compared to single hormonal treatment. The most common regiments are the following progestins: megestrol acetate (MA) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) taken orally with a daily dosage of 160 mg-320 mg for MA and 250 mg-600 mg for MP. Evaluations at three and six months could be performed by office endometrial biopsy and/or hysteroscopic directed biopsy especially in the presence of levonorgestrel intrauterine system, and in cases of remission, either a pregnancy attempt or maintenance therapy should be considered. After childbearing, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is recommended, whereas ovarian preservation could be considered depending on the patient's age and whether they fulfil the strict criteria selection.

Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome Increase the Risk of Relapse For Fertility Preserving Treatment in Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia and Early Endometrial Cancer Patients

Objective

Fertility-sparing treatment for young women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and early endometrial cancer (EC) is a difficult challenge. Insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are two potentially crucial, but currently enigmatic factors in the recurrence of AEH and early EC patients. In this study we attempt to elucidate these factors.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from January 2010 to December 2019. Risk factors for recurrence and complete remission time after recurrence (RCR time) were investigated. ROC curves were built to estimate the accuracy of the metabolic characteristics and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis was used to calculate recurrence-free survival (RFS) for patients with various IR or MetS statuses.

Results

A total of 111 AEH or early EC patients met the criteria and were enrolled in our study. Univariate analysis found that BMI ≥25 kg/m² (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1-6.4, P = 0.03), IR (OR = 9.5, 95% CI: 3.3-27.0, P <0.001), MetS (OR = 4.9, 95% CI:1.5-15.5, P = 0.008), IR+ and MetS+ (OR = 21.0, 95% CI: 4.8-92.7, P <0.001), histological type (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.5-7.9, P = 0.003), and maintenance treatment (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.6, P = 0.005) were all significantly associated with recurrence and longer RCR time. Among these factors, IR and MetS were determined to be two independent risk factors for recurrence. Moreover, using IR and MetS as markers significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of recurrence for fertility-sparing treatment patients (AUC = 0.818, P <0.05) and may play synergistic roles in suppressing treatment. K-M analysis indicated both metabolic features played important roles in RFS (P <0.05).

Conclusion

Both IR and MetS were significantly associated with recurrence and longer RCR time in AEH and early EC patients receiving fertility-sparing treatment.

Enhancing of Nanocatalyst-Driven Chemodynaminc Therapy for Endometrial Cancer Cells Through Inhibition of PINK1/Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy

Purpose

Iron-based nanomaterials have recently been developed as excellent and potent Fenton reagents to reactive oxygen species (ROS) during chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The performance of the materials, however, can be impaired by the intrinsic antioxidant defense mechanism in organisms, such as autophagy.

Methods

The nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (nMOFs), nMIL-100 (Fe), were exploited and characterized. Also, the Fenton-like catalytic characteristics, anti-endometrial cancer (EC) effects and potential mechanisms of nMIL-100 (Fe) nanoparticles were investigated in vitro.

Results

The synthesized nMIL-100 (Fe) nanocatalyst catalyzed hydroxyl radicals (·OH) production in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and simultaneously depleted intracellular glutathione (GSH). Combining with H₂O₂, nMIL-100 (Fe) nanoparticles exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity for EC cells, especially for progesterone treatment-insensitive KLE cells, probably due to relatively lower expression of the catalase gene. The accumulated ·OH initiated PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase Parkin-mediated cytoprotective mitophagy in turn to partially rescue ·OH-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, both pretreatments of EC cells with siRNA-mediated Parkin knockdown and Mdivi-1 (a mitophagy inhibitor) addition were sufficient to ensure nMIL-100 (Fe) synergizing with H₂O₂-induced oxidative damages.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the degree of mitophagy should be taken into consideration to optimize therapeutic efficiency when developing ROS based-CDT for EC cancer therapies. Therefore, a nMIL-100 (Fe)-guided, elevated ROS and overwhelmed mitophagy-mediated therapeutic strategy may have greater promise for EC therapy compared with current treatment modalities.

HE4 as a Biomarker for Endometrial Cancer

Simple Summary

There are currently no blood biomarkers approved for routine clinical use in endometrial cancer. Serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is significantly higher in patients with endometrial cancer compared to patients without endometrial cancer and is associated with a poorer prognosis. This makes HE4 an attractive candidate for clinical use in endometrial cancer. The aim of this review is to summarise the evidence for the use of serum HE4 in the detection, prognosis, prediction of therapy response and recurrence monitoring in endometrial cancer. The utility of combining HE4 with other biomarkers or imaging and clinical variables, and its detection in other biofluids is also discussed, as well as potential challenges for clinical use and recommended areas for future research.

Abstract

There are currently no blood biomarkers in routine clinical use in endometrial carcinoma (EC). Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a glycoprotein that is overexpressed in the serum of patients with EC, making it a good candidate for use as a diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker. HE4 is correlated with poor prognostic factors, including stage, myometrial invasion and lymph node metastases, which means it could be used to guide decisions regarding the extent of surgery and need for adjuvant therapy. Serum HE4 has also shown promise for predicting responses to progestin therapy in early-stage EC. The use of algorithms and indices incorporating serum HE4 and other biomarkers, including clinical and imaging variables, is an area of increasing interest. Serum HE4 levels rise with age and renal dysfunction, which may affect the interpretation of results. This review covers the evidence supporting the use of HE4 as an EC biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, recurrence monitoring, and prediction of therapy response. The evidence for combining serum HE4 with other biomarkers, including clinical and imaging variables, its value as a biomarker in other biofluids and potential challenges of its clinical use are also discussed.

Optimal duration of fertility-sparing hormonal treatment for early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the oncologic outcomes of long-term fertility-sparing treatment (FST) in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) and to determine the optimal duration of FST that would not hamper survival outcomes.

METHODS

Patients undergoing FST for presumed stage IA, grade 1 EC between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Oncologic outcomes were compared between the group with ≤6 months of FST and the group with >6 months of FST. Segmented regression analysis was used to estimate the dynamic changes in cumulative complete response (CR) rates according to FST duration.

RESULTS

A total of 122 patients received oral progestin, with concurrent levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device use in 108 (88.5%) and 105 (86.1%) achieved CR with a median time to achieve CR of 10 (3-42) months. Of the patients not achieving CR at 6 months of FST, 95.1% (78/82) continued further FST. The overall CR rate (88.9% [32/36] vs. 84.9% [73/86], P = 0.436] was not significantly different between the groups with ≤6 and > 6 months of FST. The changes in cumulative CR rates were significantly different between the two segments divided by 15 months from the initial FST (P = 0.0015, segmented regression analysis). The overall progressive disease (PD) rate was 3.3% (4/122), and PD was first detected during 9-12 months of FST.

CONCLUSION

Patients not achieving CR and not showing PD at 6 months of FST could continue further FST. If disease progression is excluded, 15 months of FST can be considered as the cutoff for the optimal FST duration.

Chlorpromazine Sensitizes Progestin-Resistant Endometrial Cancer Cells to MPA by Upregulating PRB

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is the main conservative treatment for endometrial cancer (EC) patients desirable to preserve fertility and those who cannot suffer from surgery. Considering the high incidence of progestin resistance and recurrence of MPA treatment, we reproposed antipsychotics chlorpromazine (CPZ) as a new strategy for both progestin-sensitive and -resistant endometrial cancer. Cytobiology experiments indicated that CPZ could significantly suppress proliferation, migration/invasion and induce apoptosis in Ishikawa (ISK) and KLE EC cell lines. And xenograft mouse models were constructed to validate the antitumor effect and toxicity of CPZ in-vivo. CPZ inhibited the growth at a low dose of 3mg/kg and the mice exhibited no signs of toxicity. Next, concomitant treatment and sequential treatment with CPZ and MPA were proceeded to analysis the synergistic effect in EC cells. Concomitant treatment only performed a limited synergistic effect on apoptosis in ISK and KLE cells. Nevertheless, sequential treatment showed favorable synergistic effects in progestin-resistant KLE cells. Finally, a stable MPA-resistant cell line shRNA was established to explore the mechanism of CPZ reversing progestin resistance. Immunoblot data showed that CPZ inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT signal in ISK and KLE cells and upregulated PRB expression in progestin-resistant cells, by which CPZ overcame progestin resistance to MPA. Thus, CPZ might act as a candidate drug for conservative treatment and sequential treatment with CPZ and MPA could be a suitable therapeutic option for progestin resistant patients.

CNR1 may reverse progesterone-resistance of endometrial cancer through the ERK pathway

Endocrine therapy is a promising treatment for endometrial cancer (EC) that preserves fertility, however, progesterone-resistance is currently the major challenges. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database analysis showed that CNR1 was closely have a negative correlation with overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in endometrial cancer. To explore the role of CNR1 in progesterone resistance and possible molecular regulation mechanism, we established stable progesterone-resistant cell lines (IshikawaPR) via progesterone tolerance of ordinary cancer cells (Ishikawa). The difference of CNR1 level in two cell lines was assessed by MTT, RT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence. Then, lentiviruses constructed CNR1-knockdown with GV248 as the tool vector were used to transfect IshikwaPR cells, and the changes of biological behavior and progesterone sensitivity was verified respectively through plate cloning experiment, EdU assay, flow cytometry cycle analysis, transwell, Scratch test, etc. We founded after CNR1 was knocked down, the proliferative activity and ability to migrate of IshikawaPR cells decreased, progesterone-response sensitivity could be improved. Moreover, knockdown of CNR1 can also down-regulate ERK and NFκ B expression and activation. Furthermore, subcutaneous xenograft in nude mice was tested similarly in vivo. The above datas suggest that targeting CNR1 may reverse the progesterone resistance in endometrial cancer and may coordinate the role of ERK pathway activation.

Fertility-Sparing Methods in Adolescents Affected by Endometrial Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Although in developed countries endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy, its occurrence in adolescents is exceedingly rare. The increasing rate of obesity in children and adolescents is held responsible for the increasing prevalence of EC in younger cohorts of patients. The diagnosis of this malignancy can have devastating consequences for future fertility because standard treatment protocols for EC include hysterectomy. Here, we present the first detailed review of the world literature on EC in subjects aged 21 years or younger (n = 19). The mean age at diagnosis was 16.7 ± 0.6 years. One patient (5.3%) had a Type II (high-risk) disease. No communication retrieved from the search reported on patient death; however, two (10.5%) patients were lost to follow-up. There was also a high proportion (five subjects, or 26.3%) of cases with genetic background (Cowden syndrome and Turner syndrome), therefore genetic screening or a direct genetic study should be considered in very young patients with EC. The current fertility-sparing options, limited to Type I (low-risk) disease, are presented and discussed. Such information, obtained from studies on older women, translates well to adolescent girls and very young women. Careful anatomopathological monitoring at follow-up is essential for the safety of a conservative approach. Improved survival in very young EC patients makes the preservation of fertility a central survivorship issue, therefore both patients and caregivers should undergo counseling regarding available options. Moreover, our study suggests that genetic syndromes other than Lynch syndrome may be associated with EC more frequently than previously thought.

The promotion of tetrabromobisphenol A exposure on Ishikawa cells proliferation and pivotal role of ubiquitin-mediated IκB' degradation

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), one of the highly common industrial brominated flame retardants (BFRs), has been recently reported to influence the progression of endometrial carcinoma. However, the underlying mechanism between them has not been fully illuminated. Our findings demonstrated that treatment with low concentrations of TBBPA significantly induced the proliferation of Ishikawa cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Mechanically, TBBPA stimulation led to the elevation of NF-κB expression, accompanied by the occurrence of ubiquitin-mediated IκB' degradation. Additionally, the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines upon TBBPA exposure was observed in both mRNA and protein levels. Interestingly, the above toxic effects of TBBPA on Ishikawa cells were markedly attenuated by the addition of MG-132, a proteasome inhibitor, suggesting the crucial role of ubiquitin-mediated IκB' degradation in the TBBPA-stimulated proliferation of Ishikawa cells. Confirmation using in vivo model was also presented in this work. Accordingly, our data indicated that ubiquitin-mediated IκB' degradation and inflammatory response could serve as critical and sensitive biomarkers for the TBBPA-induced endometrial carcinoma, which would be helpful for the future carcinogenic risk assessments of TBBPA exposure on uterus.

Identification of Interleukin-9 Producing Immune Cells in Endometrial Carcinoma and Establishment of a Prognostic Nomogram

Background

Interleukin-9 (IL9) plays a critical role in immunity and the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer (EC), especially endometrioid EC (EEC). This study aimed to identify the IL9+ immune cell subsets and their pleiotropic functions and establish an optimized prognostic nomogram towards the promotion of personalized treatment of EEC.

Methods

1,417 EC patients were involved in the present study. 143 patients from the tertiary gynecology centers in Shanghai between 2013 and 2019 were recruited, and the study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital. The genomic data of the other 1,274 patients were extracted from the TCGA and the MSKCC datasets, respectively. Immune and stromal scores were calculated using the ESTIMATE R tool, and the tumor infiltration of immune cells was analyzed using the TIMER platform. Metascape and GEPIA datasets were used for bioinformatic analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism and R studio.

Results

552 genes that were correlated with leukocyte infiltration, lymphocyte activation, and regulation of innate immune response were up-regulated in the high immune score group. More IL9+ cell infiltration was detected in the highly and moderately differentiated EC (p = 0.04). High IL9+ lymphocyte infiltration was related to a better overall survival (p = 0.0027). IL9 positive cell clusters included ILC2s, Vδ2 γδT cells, mast cells, macrophages, and Th9 cells. Parameters such as FIGO stage, IL9 score, Vδ2 + γδT cell infiltration, classification of differentiation, and diabetes mellitus were assigned a weighted number of points in the nomogram for a specific predicted 3-, 5- and 10-year overall survival (OS). IL9–IL9R axis played a vital role in EEC, IL9R positive cell subgroups were also identified, and the related function was analyzed in the present study. Additionally, PR (Progesterone Receptor, or PGR) expression was relevant to a higher density of IL9+ lymphocyte infiltration. However, PGRMC1 (Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1) was negatively relevant to IL9R (p = 4.26e-8).

Conclusion

We observed a significant infiltration of IL9+ cells and the overrepresentation of IL-9R in tissue specimens of patients in EC cases. The nomogram incorporating the IL9 could accurately predict individualized survival probability in EEC. Additionally, this study not only established a prognostic nomogram but also assist in the firmer understanding of the relevance of the IL9-IL9R axis and IL9-producing cells in EC immunity.

Fertility-sparing treatment for intramucous, moderately differentiated, endometrioid endometrial cancer: a Gynecologic Cancer Inter-Group (GCIG) study

OBJECTIVE

'The Endometrial Cancer Conservative Treatment (E.C.Co.). A multicentre archive' is a worldwide project endorsed by the Gynecologic Cancer Inter-Group, aimed at registering conservatively treated endometrial cancer (EC) patients. This paper reports the oncological and reproductive outcomes of intramucous, G2, endometrioid EC patients from this archive.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients (Stage IA, G2, endometrioid EC) were enrolled between January 2004 and March 2019. Primary and secondary endpoints were, respectively, complete regression (CR) and recurrence rates, and pregnancy and live birth rates.

RESULTS

A median follow-up of 35 months (9-148) was achieved. Hysteroscopic resection (HR) plus progestin was adopted in 74% (17/23) of cases. Seventeen patients showed CR (median time to CR, 6 months; 3-13). Among the 6 non-responders, one showed persistence and 5 progressed, all submitted to definitive surgery, with an unfavorauble outcome in one. The recurrence rate was 41.1%. Ten (58.8%) complete responders attempted to conceive, of whom 3 achieved at least one pregnancy with a live-birth. Two out of the 11 candidate patients underwent definitive surgery, while the remaining 9 have so far refused. To date, 22 patients show no evidence of disease, and one is still alive with disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Fertility-sparing treatment seems to be feasible even in G2 EC, although caution should be kept considering the potential pathological undergrading or non-endometrioid histology misdiagnosis. The low rate of attempt to conceive and of compliance to definitive surgery underline the need for a 'global' counselling extended to the follow-up period.

Hysteroscopic Photodynamic Diagnosis Using 5-Aminolevulinic Acid: A High-Sensitivity Diagnostic Method for Uterine Endometrial Malignant Diseases

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To examine the diagnostic accuracy of hysteroscopic photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5ALA) in patients with endometrial cancer and premalignant atypical endometrial hyperplasia.

DESIGN

A single-center, open-label, exploratory intervention study.

SETTING

University Hospital in Japan.

PATIENTS

Thirty-four patients who underwent hysteroscopic resection in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Keio University Hospital.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were given 5ALA orally approximately 3 hours before surgery and underwent observation of the uterine cavity and endometrial biopsy using 5ALA-PDD during hysteroscopic resection. Specimens were diagnosed histopathologically and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopic 5ALA-PDD for malignancy in the uterine cavity was determined. Red (R), blue (B), and green (G) intensity values were determined from PDD images, and the relationships of histopathological diagnosis with these values were used to develop a model for objective diagnosis of uterine malignancy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Three patients were excluded from the study because of failure of the endoscope system. A total of 113 specimens were collected endoscopically. The sensitivity and specificity of 5ALA-PDD for diagnosis of malignancy in the uterine cavity were 93.8% and 51.9%, respectively. The R/B ratio in imaging analysis was highest in malignant lesions, followed by benign lesions and normal uterine tissue, with significant differences among these groups (p <.05). The R/B and G/B ratios were used in a formula for prediction of malignancy based on logistic regression and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this formula was 0.838. At a formula cutoff value of 0.220, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of malignant disease were 90.6% and 65.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study of the diagnostic accuracy of 5ALA-PDD for malignancies in the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopic 5ALA-PDD had higher sensitivity and identifiability of lesions. These findings suggest that hysteroscopic 5ALA-PDD may be useful for diagnosis of minute lesions.

Pregnancy and oncologic outcomes after fertility-sparing management for early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

Hormonal management is an alternative treatment for preserving fertility in patients with presumed early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer. This study aimed to define the pregnancy and oncologic outcomes and factors of successful conception after hormone therapy for endometrioid endometrial cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients presumed to have stage IA, grade 1-2 endometrioid endometrial cancer who underwent fertility-sparing treatment. Concurrent medroxyprogesterone and levonorgestrel-release intra-uterine devices were used for treatment. The pregnancy outcomes and oncologic outcomes were compared between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients presumed to have stage IA, grade 1-2 endometrioid endometrial cancer had complete remission, and 49 of them tried to conceive. Twenty-two (44.9%) patients became pregnant; the total number of pregnancies was 30. These pregnancies resulted in seven abortions (23.3%), one pre-term birth (3.3%), and 20 full-term births (66.6%). The total live birth rate was 66.6 % (20/30). The median duration of hormonal treatment was 11.9 months (range 4-49) and 12.0 months (range 3-35) in the pregnant and non-pregnant groups, respectively. On multivariate analysis, age, body mass index, treatment duration, medroxyprogesterone dose, and number of dilatation and curettage biopsies were not significantly associated with pregnancy failure, but the association with grade (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 38.9; P<0.05) was statistically significant. The median disease-free survival duration was 26 months (range 20-38) and 12 months (range 4-48) in the pregnant and non-pregnant groups, respectively (P<0.05, log-rank test).

CONCLUSIONS

A lower grade might be a positive factor for future pregnancy. Moreover, successful pregnancy might be a factor in preventing recurrence.

Conservative treatment in early stage endometrial cancer: a review

Endometrial Cancer (EC) is the commonest gynecological cancer and its incidence is increasing. The diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma in young women of childbearing age is rare. Indeed, only 4% of patients with endometrial carcinoma are <40 years of age. It's typically diagnosed in postmenopausal women. The standard approach for the management of endometrial cancer in young women of childbearing age is hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with or without lymphadenectomy but is not ideal for women interested in future fertility. We reviewed the published literature to clarify in fertile women who have not yet fulfilled their desire for motherhood, what are the strategies, the risks of a conservative treatment of early stage of Endometrial Cancer and what are the obstetric outcomes in this patients. Recently, several studies have reported encouraging results on fertility-sparing management of EC with high dose of progestins in selected women associated or not with hysteroscopic resection.

Outcomes of in vitro fertilization cycles following fertility-sparing treatment in stage IA endometrial cancer

PURPOSE

This study aimed to present cases involving in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in patients with stage IA endometrial adenocarcinoma (EC) who underwent fertility-sparing conservative treatment.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients who underwent IVF cycles in a single fertility center between May 2005 and February 2017 after progestin treatment for stage IA EC were chosen for this study. Outcomes of IVF cycles were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Women of a median age of 34 years (range 26-41 years) underwent a total of 49 embryo transfers within an average of 2 months after their last progestin treatment. The clinical pregnancy rate per transfer was 26.5%, implantation rate was 16.7%, and live birth rate was 14.3%. The cumulative clinical pregnancy rate was 50% (11/22), resulting in 6 live births (27.3%) within 3 cycles of embryo transfer. The median endometrial thickness on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection in 34 fresh cycles was 9.0 mm (range 4-10 mm) in live births, 7.5 mm (range 6-9 mm) in miscarriages, and 6.0 mm (range 4-15 mm) in no pregnancy cases. During a median post-cancer treatment follow-up period of 41 months (range 9-150 months), 6 (27.3%) women underwent definitive hysterectomy for EC relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed an acceptable cumulative pregnancy rate after the IVF procedure in patients with early-stage EC who were treated conservatively. Considering the high relapse rate, it is of great importance that these patients are closely monitored after the IVF cycles.

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Knockout of ARID1A Promotes Primary Progesterone Resistance by Downregulating Progesterone Receptor B in Endometrial Cancer Cells

Medroxyprogesterone (MPA) is used for the conservative treatment of endometrial cancer. Unfortunately, progesterone resistance seriously affects its therapeutic effect. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the influence of deletion of AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) in progesterone resistance in Ishikawa cells. Ablation of ARID1A was conducted through the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Acquired progesterone-resistant Ishikawa (Ishikawa-PR) cells were generated by chronic exposure of Ishikawa cells to MPA. The sensitivity of the parental Ishikawa, Ishikawa-PR, and ARID1A-deficient cells to MPA and/or LY294002 was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry analysis. In addition, Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of ARID1A, progesterone receptor B (PRB), and P-AKT. Both Ishikawa-PR and ARID1A knockout cells showed insensitivity to MPA, downregulation of PRB, and hyperphosphorylation of AKT compared to the parental Ishikawa cells. Pretreatment with LY294002 significantly enhanced the ability of MPA to suppress proliferation and to induce apoptosis in the parental and Ishikawa-PR cells via the inhibition of AKT activation and upregulation of PRB transcriptional activity. However, the PRB transcriptional activity and insensitivity to MPA were irreversible by LY294002 in ARID1A-deficient cells. Ablation of ARID1A is associated with low PRB expression, which serves an important role in primary progesterone resistance. Akt inhibition cannot rescue PRB or sensitize to MPA in ARID1A knockout cells. These findings suggest that ARID1A may act as a reliable biomarker to predict the response for the combination of AKT inhibitor and MPA treatment.

Weight control is vital for patients with early-stage endometrial cancer or complex atypical hyperplasia who have received progestin therapy to spare fertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: This study aimed to identify potential prognostic factors for patients with complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) or early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) who received progestin therapy to spare fertility and, thus, improve the management of this patient group. Materials and methods: The PubMed, PMC, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for correlational studies published in English. Studies that evaluated the prognosis of patients with CAH or early-stage EC were pooled for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Results: In total, 31 eligible studies, including 8 prospective and 23 retrospective studies involving 1099 patients, were included in this analysis. The most commonly used progestin agents were medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA, 47.0%) and megestrol acetate (MA, 25.5%). The total complete response (CR) rate was 75.8% (833/1099), and the median time to CR with first-line progestin therapy was 6 months. In total, 294 (26.8%) patients who achieved CR became pregnant spontaneously (28 cases) or through assisted reproductive technology (127 cases). During the median follow-up of 39 months, 245 (22.3%) women developed recurrence. Only one patient (0.09%) died of the disease. The meta-analysis showed that compared to a BMI<25 kg/m² and CAH, a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² (P=0.0004, odds ratios (OR), 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.6) and EC (P=0.0000, OR, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.6) were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of a CR. Patients with a BMI≥25 kg/m² (P=0.0007, OR, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.3), PCOS (P=0.0006, OR, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-7.9), and EC (P=0.0344, OR, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-5.3) had a significantly higher risk of recurrence. Conclusion: In general, patients with CAH or early-stage EC who were treated with progesterone therapy had a favorable prognosis. However, the recurrence risk was not insignificant. Weight control is crucial for improving the clinical management of this patient group.

RELB: A novel prognostic marker for glioblastoma as identified by population-based analysis

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant type of glioma, with a poor prognosis for patients. The survival time of patients varies greatly due to the complexity of the human genome, which harbors diverse oncogenic drivers. In order to identify the specific driving factors, 325 glioma samples from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database were analyzed in the present study. The level of RELB proto-oncogene, NF-κβ subunit (RELB) expression increased with the pathological grade progression of the gliomas, and higher expression levels were present in the mesenchymal subtype and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) wild-type gliomas. This RELB expression pattern was identified in the CGGA database and observed in three large independent databases. In patients with GBM from the CGGA database, a higher RELB expression level was associated with a shorter survival time, a mesenchymal subtype and IDH1 wild-type gliomas. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, survival nomograms and Cox analysis demonstrated an independent prognostic value for RELB expression. Moreover, biological function analysis indicated the association of RELB with the ‘immune response’, ‘cell activation’ and the ‘apoptotic process’. In addition, RELB expression levels exhibited a negative correlation with the levels of microRNA (miR)-139-5p and miR-139-3p. The present study identified the pathological and biological roles of RELB in glioma and revealed its independent prognostic effect. These results suggested that RELB may be used as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in glioma.

Hyper-O-GlcNAcylation promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometrial cancer cells

Diabetic women have a 2–3 fold increased risk of developing endometrial cancer, however, the molecular aspects of this risk are not fully understood. This study investigated the alteration of cellular O-GlcNAcylation of proteins as the potential mechanistic connection between these two conditions. The endometrial cancer cell line (Ishikawa) was utilized to study the effect of dysregulation of O-GlcNAcylation on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Hyper-O-GlcNAcylation (via 1 μM Thiamet-G/ThmG or 25 mM Glucose) enhanced the expression of EMT-associated genes (WNT5B and FOXC2), and protein expression of the EMT adhesion molecule, N-Cadherin. Reorganization of stress filaments (actin filaments), consistent with EMT, was also noted in ThmG-treated cells. Interestingly, Hypo-O-GlcNAcylation (via 50 μM OSMI-1) also upregulated WNT5B, inferring that any disruption to O-GlcNAc cycling impacts EMT. However, Hypo-O-GlcNAcylation reduced overall cellular proliferation/migration and the expression of pro-EMT genes (AHNAK, TGFB2, FGFBP1, CALD1, TFPI2). In summary, disruption of O-GlcNAc cycling (i.e., Hyper- or Hypo-O-GlcNAcylation) promoted EMT at both the molecular and cellular levels, but only Hyper-O-GlcNAcylation provoked cellular proliferation/migration, and cytoskeletal reorganization.

A case of incidental endometrial adenocarcinoma diagnosed in early pregnancy and managed conservatively

We report a 29-year old nulliparous woman diagnosed with a grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium arising from an atypical polypoid adenomyoma, while being investigated for a suspected threatened miscarriage at 7 weeks gestation. She presented complaining of vaginal bleeding and a small amount of soft tissue in the cervical os was found and sent for histology. An ultrasound scan was performed, which confirmed an intrauterine ongoing pregnancy. The patient had no further episodes of unscheduled bleeding. After the confirmed histological diagnosis an MRI scan was requested, and there were no evidence of myometrial invasion or distant metastasis. The patient was seen at each trimester, remained asymptomatic throughout the pregnancy and had a normal delivery at term. There was no evidence of any residual endometrioid adenocarcinoma in the post-delivery specimen. Six weeks post-natally an endometrial biopsy was performed, which was normal. She is still in remission over a period of 8 years follow-up. Endometrial adenocarcinoma in young pregnant women is a rare clinical circumstance. This case shows that conservative management in young women is possible including in a case of an incidental diagnosis in pregnancy.

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An example of a successful full term pregnancy in women with early stage endometrial cancer

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Conservative management of endometrial cancer in early pregnancy can be considered in young women wishing to keep fertility.

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Long-term use of progestogen therapy can be safely used to treat early stage endometrial cancer.

Progesterone-Induced miR-145/miR-143 Inhibits the Proliferation of Endometrial Epithelial Cells

Our previous study showed that progesterone (P4) can specifically regulate the expression of some microRNAs (miRNAs) in endometrial epithelium. In the present study, we verified the P4-dependent expression of miR-145/miR-143 in endometrial epithelial cells, explored the regulative mechanism of the P4 receptor (PR), and investigated their effects on the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells. Our results showed that P4 can induce the expression of miR-145/143 in endometrial epithelial cells by acting on the PR A subtype. P4-induced miR-145/143 can inhibit the expression of cyclin D2 by binding to cyclin D2 mRNA 3'UTR. It can also inhibit cell proliferation in mouse endometrial epithelium by arresting the cell cycle during the G1-S checkpoint. Furthermore, miR-145 and miR-143 can inhibit the proliferation of human endometrial cancer cells. In conclusion, P4-induced miR-145/miR-143 is an important regulator in the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells, and it can also inhibit the proliferation of human endometrial cancer cells. Our study indicates miRNAs are important mechanism of P4 in inhibiting the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells. And these miRNAs are potential candidates for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer and therapeutic targets.

Treatment efficiency of comprehensive hysteroscopic evaluation and lesion resection combined with progestin therapy in young women with endometrial atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of comprehensive hysteroscopic evaluation and lesion resection combined with progestin therapy in young patients with endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) and early stage endometrial cancer (EEC) who wished to preserve their fertility.

METHODS

Patients with EAH (n = 120) or well-differentiated EEC (n = 40, FIGO stage IA, without myometrial invasion) were retrospectively included. All patients received constant oral progestin combined with hysteroscopic evaluation every 3 months until achieving complete response (CR). The location, number and size of each suspected lesion or cluster were detailly recorded during the hysteroscopy.

RESULTS

The median age was 32.0 year-old (range, 22-47 year-old). Totally 148 patients (97.4%) achieved CR while 3 EAH and 1 EEC patients presented with disease progression, and 8 patients were still in treatment. The mean treatment duration for achieving CR was 6.7 ± 0.3 months (range, 1-18 months). After adjusting for patient age, body mass index (BMI), history of pregnancy and type of conservative therapies, lesion size ≤2 cm (OR, 0.701; 95% CI, 0.496-0.991; P = 0.045) was significantly correlated with shorter treatment time to achieve CR. Among 60 patients attempted to conceive after achieving CR, 45.0% (15/60) had been pregnant, 25.0% (15/60) delivered live birth, 13.3% (8/60) are still in pregnancy, while 6.7% experienced spontaneous abortion.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive hysteroscopic evaluation and lesion resection plus progestin therapy seem to be an effective and safe fertility sparing therapy for patients with EAH or EEC. Endometrial lesion size ≤2 cm correlated with a shorter treatment period to achieve CR.

Six months response rate of combined oral medroxyprogesterone/levonorgestrel-intrauterine system for early-stage endometrial cancer in young women: a Korean Gynecologic-Oncology Group Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of combined oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)/levonorgestrel-intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) treatment and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of endometrial aspiration biopsy with dilatation & curettage (D&C) in young women with early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) who wished to preserve their fertility.

METHODS

A prospective phase II multicenter study was conducted from January 2012 to January 2017. Patients with grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma confined to the endometrium were treated with combined oral MPA (500 mg/day)/LNG-IUS. At 3 and 6 months of treatment, the histologic change of the endometrial tissue was assessed. The regression rate at 6 months treatment and the consistency of the histologic results between the aspiration biopsy and the D&C were evaluated.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were enrolled. Nine voluntarily withdrew and 35 patients completed the protocol treatment. The complete regression (CR) rate at 6 months was 37.1% (13/35). Partial response was shown in 25.7% of cases (9/35). There were no cases of progressive disease and no treatment-related complications. A comparison of the pathologic results from aspiration biopsy and D&C was carried out for 33 cases. Fifteen cases were diagnosed as "EC" by D&C. Among these, only 8 were diagnosed with EC from aspiration biopsy, yielding a diagnostic concordance of 53.3% (κ=0.55).

CONCLUSION

Combined oral MPA/LNG-IUS treatment for EC showed 37.1% of CR rate at 6 months. Considering the short treatment periods, CR rate may be much higher if the treatment continued to 9 or 12 months. So, this treatment is still a viable treatment option for young women of early-stage EC. Endometrial aspiration biopsy with the LNG-IUS in place is less accurate than D&C for follow-up evaluation of patients undergoing this treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01594879.

Roles of SIRT1/FoxO1/SREBP-1 in the development of progestin resistance in endometrial cancer

PURPOSE

The prevalence of endometrial cancer (EC) is increasing worldwide. Progestin therapy is effective for both early stage EC patients who require preserving fertility and advanced or recurrent patients. Progestin resistance resulting from downregulation of progesterone receptor (PR) remains a major problem, and its mechanism is currently unclear. It was demonstrated that Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), forkhead transcription factor 1 (FoxO1) and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) may act as a pathway and play crucial roles in the development of EC in our previous studies. In the present study, we investigated the effect on the development of progestin resistance and the relationship with PR of SIRT1/FoxO1/SREBP-1.

METHODS

A progestin-resistant Ishikawa cell line was established in the stimulation and selection of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), and the resistance was analyzed by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Transwell invasion assay. qRT-PCR and western blotting were conducted to detect the expression of SIRT1, FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PR. SIRT1 knockdown progestin-resistant cells were established by lentiviral transduction.

RESULTS

The new progestin-resistant cell line presented sufficient resistance to MPA in aspects of proliferation, distribution of cell cycle and apoptosis compared with original Ishikawa cells. Besides, the invasion capability of progestin-resistant cells was observably increased. In both protein and mRNA levels, SIRT1 and SREBP-1 were upregulated in progestin-resistant cells, while PR and FoxO1 were downregulated. SIRT1 was knocked down by lentivirus transfection in progestin-resistant cells, resulting in upregulation of PR, FoxO1 and downregulation of SREBP-1, thereby SIRT1 knockdown cells were more sensitive to MPA compared with progestin-resistant cells.

CONCLUSION

SIRT1/FoxO1/SREBP-1 act as a pathway targeting PR and involve in the development of progestin resistance in Ishikawa cells.

Fertility preservation for patients with gynecologic malignancies: The Korean Society for Fertility Preservation clinical guidelines

Fertility preservation plays a central role in cancer care since an increasingly large number of cancer patients are surviving as a result of improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Physicians who take part in the initial diagnosis and management of gynecologic cancer should understand the importance of fertility preservation. Since indications for fertility preservation are limited to early-stage gynecologic cancer, a surgeon must carefully consider each indication. Before performing fertility-sparing surgery, health professionals should compare its oncologic and pregnancy outcomes with those of other standard treatments. Individualized treatment strategies should be delivered depending on the patient's situation, and physicians should provide timely information and appropriate counseling.

Practical recommendations for fertility preservation in women by the FertiPROTEKT network. Part I: Indications for fertility preservation

Purpose

Most guidelines about fertility preservation are predominantly focused on scientific evidence, but are less practically orientated. Therefore, practically oriented recommendations are needed to support the clinician in daily practice.

Methods

A selective literature search was performed based on the clinical and scientific experience of the authors, focussing on the most relevant diseases and gynaecological cancers. This article (Part I) provides information on topics that are essential for the fertility preservation indication, such as disease prognosis, disease therapy and its associated risks to fertility, recommending disease-specific fertility preservation measures. Part II specifically focusses on fertility preservation techniques.

Results

In breast cancer patients, fertility preservation such as ovarian tissue and oocyte cryopreservation is especially recommended in low-stage cancer and in women < 35 years of age. In Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the indication is mainly based on the chemotherapy regime as some therapies have very low, others very high gonadotoxicity. In borderline ovarian tumours, preservation of fertility usually is achieved through fertility sparing surgery, ovarian stimulation may also be considered. In cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, rheumatic diseases and other malignancies such as Ewing sarcoma, colorectal carcinoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukaemia etc., several other factors must be considered to enable an individual, stage-dependent decision.

Conclusion

The decision for or against fertility preservation depends on the prognosis, the risks to fertility and individual factors such as prospective family planning.

Significance of body weight change during fertility-sparing progestin therapy in young women with early endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of body weight change during fertility-sparing progestin therapy on oncologic and reproductive outcomes in young women with early-stage endometrial cancer who did not complete child bearing.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective study included 154 young patients with well-differentiated, endometrium-confined endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma on magnetic resonance imaging who received fertility-sparing progestin therapy.

RESULTS

The mean body weight and body mass index (BMI) at baseline and progestin therapy completion was 65.3±16.2 and 66.5±15.9kg (P=0.044), respectively, and 25.51±5.99 and 25.99±5.94kg/m² (P=0.034), respectively. During progestin therapy, 51 (33.1%), 29 (18.8%), and 74 patients (48.1%) had weight loss, no weight change, and weight gain, respectively, of which 11 (7.1%) had 10% weight loss and 30 (19.5%) had 10% weight gain. A pretreatment BMI of ≥25kg/m² was significantly associated with a lower complete response rate to progestin therapy (P=0.003) and a high recurrence rate (P=0.033). A posttreatment BMI of ≥25kg/m² was also a significant factor for high recurrence rate (P=0.049). However, weight change during therapy was not significantly associated with complete response or recurrence rate. Pre and posttreatment BMIs and weight change were not associated with pregnancy and live birth rates.

CONCLUSION

Weight change during progestin therapy has little influence on complete response, recurrence, pregnancy, and live birth rates. However, pre and posttreatment BMIs of ≥25kg/m² were significant predictors for poor treatment response and high recurrence. Therefore, it is important to maintain patients' normal BMIs during progestin therapy.

Endometrial cancer in a woman undergoing hysteroscopy for recurrent IVF failure

Background

Hysteroscopy, despite being the undisputed gold standard for the examination of the uterine cavity, is controversial as a routine procedure in infertile women. However, benign intrauterine conditions are common in women suffering repeated in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure, and growing evidence suggests a unique diagnostic and therapeutic role for hysteroscopy. Endometrial malignancy, on the contrary, is unreported by large published series of women with repeated IVF failures undergoing hysteroscopy, and its impact on fertility, for obvious reasons, has not been studied.

Results

An unsuspected endometrial cancer was diagnosed in an asymptomatic 38-year-old woman undergoing hysteroscopy because of several repeated failures of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Conclusions

Endometrial cancer can be found at hysteroscopy in young women with repeated IVF failures. The possibility of repeatedly unsuccessful fertility treatments should be taken into account when counseling infertile women about conservative treatment of endometrial cancer.

Cholesterol Synthetase DHCR24 Induced by Insulin Aggravates Cancer Invasion and Progesterone Resistance in Endometrial Carcinoma

3β-Hydroxysteroid-Δ24 reductase (DHCR24), the final enzyme of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, has been associated with urogenital neoplasms. However, the function of DHCR24 in endometrial cancer (EC) remains largely elusive. Here, we analyzed the expression profile of DHCR24 and the progesterone receptor (PGR) in our tissue microarray of EC (n = 258), the existing EC database in GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus), and TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas). We found that DHCR24 was significantly elevated in patients with EC, and that the up-regulation of DHCR24 was associated with advanced clinical stage, histological grading, vascular invasion, lymphatic metastasis, and reduced overall survival. In addition, DHCR24 expression could be induced by insulin though STAT3, which directly binds to the promoter elements of DHCR24, as demonstrated by ChIP-PCR and luciferase assays. Furthermore, genetically silencing DHCR24 inhibited the metastatic ability of endometrial cancer cells and up-regulated PGR expression, which made cells more sensitive to progestin. Taken together, we have demonstrated for the first time the crucial role of the insulin/STAT3/DHCR24/PGR axis in the progression of EC by modulating the metastasis and progesterone response, which could serve as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of EC with progesterone receptor loss.