Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus, which is known as the endometrium. It is commonly found in women who have gone through menopause. This form of cancer is often detected at an early stage because it frequently produces abnormal vaginal bleeding.
A definitive diagnostic includes a combination of medical evaluations and advanced imaging techniques, such as ultrasounds or MRI’s, which provide detailed views of the endometrial lining. Additionally, tissue sampling through endometrial biopsy is employed to pinpoint abnormal cell growth and confirm the presence of cancerous cells with high accuracy. Further diagnostic steps may involve the use of hysteroscopy, where a small camera is inserted into the uterus for direct visualization of the endometrial tissue, allowing healthcare providers to detect even small lesions that might not be visible through imaging alone. Blood tests to measure levels of certain biomarkers are also part of the comprehensive diagnostic toolkit, offering additional clues about the cancer’s presence and aggressiveness. Early detection and precise diagnosis improve the chances of successful treatment.
Treatment options include surgical procedures like hysterectomy as well as radiation therapy and chemotherapy in treating various stages of the disease. There are also emerging immunotherapy and targeted therapies that promise a more personalized approach to treatment. For example, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy can help patients with endometrial cancer live longer without their cancer progressing.
Another cutting-edge treatment for endometrial cancer is an immune-oncology approach using Jemperli (dostarlimab) plus chemotherapy. According to the National Cancer Institute, this combination should be the new standard first-line treatment for people with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. The combination can increase the time before cancer comes back and lengthen survival for people with endometrial cancer, especially for patients whose tumors have a marker called MSI-H or dMMR. The FDA granted accelerated approval to dostarlimab-gxly (JEMPERLI™) in 2021 to treat recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer in women who have had disease progression despite treatment with a chemotherapy regimen.
Learn more at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometrial-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352466
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