Molecular classification defines outcomes and opportunities in young women with endometrial carcinoma

Gynecol Oncol. 2019 Jun;153(3):487-495. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.03.098. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Abstract

Objective: Approximately 15% of endometrial carcinomas (ECs) arise in young women who may wish to avoid surgical menopause and/or preserve fertility. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic significance of Proactive Molecular risk classifier for Endometrial Carcinoma (ProMisE) in young (<50 yo) women with EC.

Methods: ProMisE was applied to a retrospective cohort of women with ECs <50 yo at diagnosis, and associations between the four ProMisE molecular subtypes (MMR deficient (MMRd), POLE mutated (POLE), p53 wild type (p53wt), and p53 abnormal (p53abn)) and clinicopathological parameters, including outcomes, were assessed.

Results: Of 257 ECs, there were 48 (19%) MMRd, 34 (13%) POLE, 164 (64%) p53wt and 11 (4%) p53abn. ProMisE subtypes were associated with differences in all measured clinicopathological parameters except for presence of synchronous ovarian tumours and fertility. Age at diagnosis was youngest and BMI highest in women with p53wt ECs. MMRd and p53abn tumours were more likely to be advanced stage (III/IV), high-risk (ESMO), and receive chemotherapy. ProMisE subtypes were strongly associated with outcomes (overall, disease-specific, and progression-free survival (p < 0.0001 for all)). Advanced stage, grade, LVSI, myometrial invasion and ESMO risk groups showed associations with some but not all survival parameters. ProMisE maintained a strong association with OS and DSS on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions: ProMisE molecular classification is prognostic in young women with EC, enabling early stratification and risk assignment to direct care. Further studies can assess response to therapy, fertility, and cancer-related outcomes within the framework of molecular subtype.

Keywords: Endometrial cancer; Lynch; Mismatch repair; Molecular classification; POLE; Young women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Body Mass Index
  • Carcinoma / classification*
  • Carcinoma / genetics
  • Carcinoma / metabolism
  • Carcinoma / secondary
  • DNA Polymerase II / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / classification*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / genetics
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mismatch Repair Endonuclease PMS2 / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Progression-Free Survival
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • G-T mismatch-binding protein
  • Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • DNA Polymerase II
  • POLE protein, human
  • PMS2 protein, human
  • Mismatch Repair Endonuclease PMS2

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