Tailoring Endometrial Cancer Treatment Based on Molecular Pathology: Current Status and Possible Impacts on Systemic and Local Treatment

Abstract

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a heterogeneous disease with a rising incidence worldwide. The understanding of its molecular pathways has evolved substantially since The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) stratified endometrial cancer into four subgroups regarding molecular features: POLE ultra-mutated, microsatellite instability (MSI) hypermutated, copy-number high with TP53 mutations, and copy-number low with microsatellite stability, also known as nonspecific molecular subtype (NSMP). More recently, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) updated their staging classification to include information about POLE mutation and p53 status, as the prognosis differs according to these characteristics. Other biomarkers are being identified and their prognostic and predictive role in response to therapies are being evaluated. However, the incorporation of molecular aspects into treatment decision-making is challenging. This review explores the available data and future directions on tailoring treatment based on molecular subtypes, alongside the challenges associated with their testing.

Keywords

• endometrial cancer
• molecular pathology
• local treatment
• systemic therapies
• precision medicine