Endometrial Cancer Outcomes Research Articles

Mitigating disparity?: Treatment patterns, survival, and recurrence rates by race, ethnicity, and hospital site across a large urban health system

ObjectiveNational data have shown worse endometrial cancer (EC) outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities. We aimed to analyze EC patient outcomes within a large urban academic health system, with a focus on patterns of care and recurrence rates. MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review of EC patients at three system hospitals from 1/1/07–12/31/17. Demographic and clinical factors, including time from EMB to surgery, rate of chemotherapy completion, persistent or recurrent disease, and palliative care referrals were extracted. Descriptive statistics and survival curves were generated. Analysis was done using SAS version 9.4. ResultsBlack patients had lower overall survival compared to all others on univariate analysis only (p < 0.0001). Hospital site was associated with OS, with the academic anchor and satellite 1 having higher rates of all-cause mortality compared to satellite 2 (HR 4.68 academic anchor, 95 % CI 1.72–12.76, HR 5.36 satellite 1, 95 % CI 1.85–15.52). Time from EMB to surgery and rates of persistent disease following primary treatment were higher in Black patients. After adjusting for stage and grade, chemotherapy completion rate was significantly associated with race. Palliative care was utilized more for Black than White patients after adjusting for stage and grade (p = 0.005). ConclusionsRacial disparities in EC are caused by a complex web of interconnected factors that ultimately lead to worse outcomes in Black women. While precision medicine has helped to close the gap, social determinants of health should be addressed, and models focusing on the complex interactions between biologic, genetic, and social factors should be utilized.

Prognostic significance of pyroptosis-associated molecules in endometrial cancer: a comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis.

Endometrial cancer, the most prevalent malignancy of the female genital tract, has a concerningly poor prognosis when diagnosed in advanced stages, with limited targeted therapy options available for advanced or recurrent cases. Pyroptosis, a type of nonapoptotic cell death mediated by caspase-1, has shown potential antitumor effects in various tumors. NLRP3, a cytosolic sensor, initiates the canonical pyroptotic pathway, leading to caspase-1 activation, subsequent gasdermin D cleavage, and plasma membrane pore formation. The ESCRT-III machinery, particularly CHMP4B, acts as a key inhibitor of pyroptosis by repairing gasdermin D-induced membrane damage. The current study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathologic relevance of key pyroptosis-associated molecules in endometrial cancer. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of four pyroptosis-associated molecules (NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 p20, cleaved gasdermin D, and CHMP4B) in 351 patients with endometrial cancer, and their associations with clinical, pathological, and survival outcomes were analyzed. High NLRP3 expression was significantly associated with age ≤ 50 years and premenopause. Increased cleaved caspase-1 p20 expression was associated with nonendometrioid carcinoma, Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grade 3, and the p53 mutant pattern and was independently associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival. Increased cleaved gasdermin D expression was associated with a body mass index of >25 kg/m², FIGO grades 1-2, early FIGO stage (I-II), and absence of lymph node metastasis. High CHMP4B expression was associated with nonendometrioid carcinoma and poor RFS. Cleaved gasdermin D-high/CHMP4B-low endometrial cancer was associated with endometrioid carcinoma, FIGO grades 1-2 and favorable RFS. Our study identified cleaved caspase-1 p20 as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in endometrial cancer. CHMP4B, an inhibitor of pyroptosis, was associated with an unfavorable RFS, whereas high cleaved gasdermin D/low CHMP4B expression was associated with a favorable RFS. These findings underscore the prognostic significance of pyroptosis and the potential interaction between cleaved gasdermin D and CHMP4B in endometrial cancer.

Abstract IA005: New directions in prevention and early detection of endometrial cancers

Abstract Most endometrial cancers and precursor lesions are preceded by postmenopausal bleeding (PMB), offering a window of opportunity for early detection and improved survival. Clinical guidelines recommend prompt evaluation of PMB to rule out endometrial cancer. Current diagnostic approaches including transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial biopsy are invasive and can be associated with discomfort and procedural pain, and we have shown that recommendations may not be consistent with underlying risk of endometrial cancer. Access to these procedures may be challenging for patients who live in rural areas or who experience other barriers to care. Current strategies may also have limited accuracy for detecting non-endometrioid cancers which are clinically aggressive, more common in Black women, and increasing in incidence and mortality in the U.S. Black women experience significant racial disparities in endometrial cancer survival and are more likely to experience diagnostic delays compared to their White counterparts. Because of the anatomical continuity of the lower genital tract, we and others have demonstrated the feasibility of pairing molecular assays with minimally invasive self-sampling approaches, such as vaginal tampons, for the detection of tumor DNA. In a recent study led by our colleagues at the Mayo Clinic, we identified over 28 methylation markers that were tested in self-collected tampon samples that showed good clinical performance for endometrial cancer detection. Such approaches can mitigate cancer disparities by offering an at-home early detection strategy to increase coverage and expand access to care. To date, few endometrial cancer studies have been conducted within diverse clinical populations. To address this gap, we designed the Discovery and Evaluation of Tests for Endometrial Cancer in Tampons (DETECT) study. DETECT is a case control study that includes patients undergoing hysterectomy for endometrial cancer and benign conditions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). DETECT has enrolled over 700 patients to date, including over 360 with endometrial cancer (approximately 30% with non-endometrioid tumors). In this study, we collect extensive questionnaire data including information about symptoms, and novel risk factors such as feminine hygiene and hair product use. We obtain clinical information on diagnostic procedures, surgery, and treatment information from electronic medical records, and collect tampon, tissue, and blood samples from enrolled patients. In preliminary analyses, over two-thirds of participants self-collected a vaginal tampon sample, with collection varying by race (57% in Black vs. 76% in White patients). Next steps include pilot testing to compare the performance of biomarkers (somatic mutations and methylation markers) measured from tampon samples to tissue for endometrial cancer detection. Future goals of DETECT include the evaluation of endometrial cancer risk factors, biomarkers, outcomes, and disparities across the cancer continuum. Citation Format: Megan A. Clarke. New directions in prevention and early detection of endometrial cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Endometrial Cancer: Transforming Care through Science; 2023 Nov 16-18; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(5_Suppl):Abstract nr IA005.

Abstract IA022: Harnessing the unique biology of CD73 for improving endometrial cancer outcomes

Abstract Uncovering mechanisms that contribute to the unique pathobiology of endometrial cancer has the potential to reveal opportunities for improving outcomes. CD73, a cell surface 5’nucleotidase that generates adenosine, has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target; inhibiting CD73 therapeutically restores antitumor immune responses. While anti-CD73 agents appear promising for several cancer types, the biology of CD73 in endometrial cancer is proving to be complex and distinct from other solid tumors. Here, we present two unpublished studies of novel roles for CD73 that diverge from current paradigms. Critically, we show how the unique biology of CD73 in endometrial cancer can be leveraged to improve patient outcomes. We previously reported that although CD73 is upregulated in many tumors, supporting tumorigenesis, CD73 is downregulated in aggressive (grade 3 endometrioid and serous) endometrial carcinomas and its loss is associated with poor outcomes. First, we show through comprehensive immunohistochemistry (n=119) and TCGA computational analyses of microsatellite stable grade 2 endometrioid endometrial carcinomas with intact mismatch repair that loss of CD73, as opposed to its upregulation (as seen in other tumors), reprograms endometrial cancer cells to develop immunosuppressive features. CD73 cancer cell downregulation results in proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine (e.g., CXCL10, CXCL9, CCL8, IL11, IL32) upregulation. Consequently, to counterbalance the inflammatory environment, cancer cells upregulate immunosuppressive genes (e.g., PD-L1). Second, we reveal that CD73 critically restrains the oncogenic transcriptional activity of mutant β-catenin. Mutations in exon 3 of CTNNB1 (the gene that encodes β-catenin) occur in ~26% of low grade endometrioid endometrial carcinomas. CD73 sequesters exon 3 mutant β-catenin (β-cateninEX3) to the membrane, dampening its oncogenic transcriptional activity. A clinical challenge with β-cateninEX3 mutant endometrioid tumors is that half of these patients recur and will have poor outcomes. We show low CD73 expression in endometrioid tumors independently predicts disease recurrence and therefore CD73 may serve as a predictive biomarker where none currently exists. Moreover, we have identified that CD73 differentially controls different patient-specific β-cateninEX3 mutants. Understanding the unique mechanisms of CD73 signaling in endometrial cancer will reveal opportunities for precision medicine strategies. Our studies highlight the continued need and opportunities that exist from focused efforts elucidating the molecular mechanisms driving endometrial cancer. Citation Format: Jessica L. Bowser, Hannah N. Lee, Rebecca H. Hirsch, Xingyuan Zhang, Russell R. Broaddus, Katherine C. Kurnit, Suzanne M. Crumley, Sunthoshini Premsankar, Emily M. Rabjohns, Lilly F. Chiou, Cyrus Vaziri. Harnessing the unique biology of CD73 for improving endometrial cancer outcomes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Endometrial Cancer: Transforming Care through Science; 2023 Nov 16-18; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(5_Suppl):Abstract nr IA022.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of hospital treatment volume and survival outcomes in endometrial cancer in Japan.

Hospital treatment volume affects survival in patients with endometrial cancer; notably, initial treatment at high-volume centers improves survival outcomes. Our study assessed the effect of hospital treatment volume on cost-effectiveness and survival outcomes in patients with endometrial cancer in Japan. A decision-analytic model was evaluated using the following variables and their impact on cost-effectiveness: 1) hospital treatment volume (low-, intermediate-, and high-volume centers) and 2) postoperative recurrent risk factors based on pathological findings (high- and intermediate-risk or low-risk). Data were obtained from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology database, systematic literature searches, and the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. Quality-adjusted life years (QALY) was used as a measure of effectiveness. The model was built from a public healthcare perspective and the impact of uncertainty was assessed using sensitivity analyses. A base-case analysis showed that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at high-volume centers was below a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of ¥5,000,000 with a maximum of ¥3,777,830/4.28 QALY for the high- and intermediate-risk group, and ¥2,316,695/4.57 QALY for the low-risk group. Treatment at the high-volume centers showed better efficiency and cost-effectiveness in both strategies compared to intermediate- or low-volume centers. Sensitivity analyses showed that the model outcome was robust to changes in input values. With the WTP threshold, treatment at high-volume centers remained cost-effective in at least 73.6% and 78.2% of iterations for high- and intermediate-risk, and low-risk groups, respectively. Treatment at high-volume centers is the most cost-effective strategy for guiding treatment centralization in patients with endometrial cancer.

In the patient’s shoes: The impact of hospital proximity and volume on stage I endometrial cancer care patterns and outcomes

ObjectiveTo compare the impact of travel burden and hospital volume on care patterns and outcomes in stage I endometrial cancer. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study identified patients from the National Cancer Database with stage I epithelial endometrial carcinoma who underwent hysterectomy between 2012 and 2020. Patients were categorized into: lowest quartiles of travel distance and hospital surgical volume for endometrial cancer (Local) and highest quartiles of distance and volume (Travel). Primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were surgery route, lymph node (LN) assessment method, length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, and 30- and 90-day mortality. Results were stratified by tumor recurrence risk. Outcomes were compared using propensity-score matching. Propensity-adjusted survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and compared using log-rank tests. Cox models estimated hazard ratios for death. Sensitivity analysis using modified Poisson regressions was performed. ResultsAmong 36,514 patients, 51.4% were Local and 48.6% Travel. The two cohorts differed significantly in demographics and clinicopathologic characteristics. Upon propensity-score matching (p < 0.05 for all), more Travel patients underwent minimally invasive surgery (88.1%vs79.1%) with fewer conversions to laparotomy (2.0%vs2.6%), more sentinel (20.5%vs11.3%) and fewer traditional LN assessments (58.1vs61.7%) versus Local. Travel patients had longer intervals to surgery (≥30 days:56.7%vs50.1%) but shorter LOS (<2 days:76.9%vs59.8%), fewer readmissions (1.9%vs2.7%%), and comparable 30- and 90-day mortality. OS and HR for death remained comparable between the matched groups. ConclusionsCompared to surgery in nearby low-volume hospitals, patients with stage I epithelial endometrial cancer who travelled longer distances to high-volume centers experienced more favorable short-term outcomes and care patterns with comparable long-term survival.

Effect of time interval between surgery and the initiation of adjuvant therapy on the oncologic outcomes of early-stage endometrial cancer.

To identify the impact of time interval between surgery and initial adjuvant radiotherapy on oncologic outcomes in early-stage endometrial cancer. This retrospective cohort study included patients with stage I/II endometrial cancer who underwent surgical staging and adjuvant therapy at Songklanagarind Hospital from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017. Patients were categorized into two groups: TI <6 weeks and TI ≥6 weeks. The effects of TI and clinicopathological factors on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Cox proportional-hazards regression. In total, 177 patients were enrolled, with 52% receiving adjuvant radiotherapy at <6 weeks (overall median TI 5.7 weeks). The recurrence and death rates were 13% and 10.2%, respectively. The median follow-up time was 46.6 months. The overall 3-year RFS and OS rates were 88.2% and 85.2%, respectively. The TI significantly affected the 3-year RFS (94.4% vs 81.2%; P = 0.008) and 3-year OS (95.5% vs 83.2%; P = 0.012) in patients with TI <6 and ≥6 weeks, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the depth of myometrial invasion (MI), presence of lymphovascular space invasion, and TI were independent prognostic factors for both RFS and OS. Delaying the TI (≥6 weeks) was significantly associated with a worse RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 3.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-10.22; P = 0.012) and an inferior OS (HR 3.80; 95% CI: 1.23-11.69; P = 0.02). A delay in the TI between surgery and the initiation of adjuvant radiotherapy of ≥6 weeks negatively affected the oncologic outcomes in early-stage endometrial cancer.

Trends in the incidence and survival outcomes of endometrial cancer in Korea: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

To evaluate trends in the incidence and survival outcomes of endometrial cancer (EC) based on the year of diagnosis, stage, age, and histologic types. Women with primary EC diagnosed between 1999 and 2018, and who were followed up with until 2019, were identified from the Korea Central Cancer Registry using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. The age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence, annual percent changes (APCs), and survival were estimated according to age, stage, histology, and year of diagnosis. The ASR for EC increased from 2.38 per 100,000 in 1999 to 7.29 per 100,000 in 2018 across all histologic types (APCs of 9.82, 15.97, and 7.73 for endometrioid, serous, and clear cell, respectively, p<0.001). There were significant differences in the 5-year survival rates based on histology (90.9%, 55.0%, and 68.5% for endometrioid, serous, and clear cell, respectively, p<0.001), stage (93.4%, 77.0%, and 31.0% for localized, regional, and distant, respectively, p<0.001), and age (93.0% for <50 years and 80.6% for ≥50 years, p<0.001). The 5-year survival was significantly better in the group diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 (85.9%) than that in the 1999-2008 group (83.3%) (p<0.001). This trend was only observed for endometrioid cancer (p<0.001). The incidence of EC increased across the all 3 subtypes. Survival of patients with endometrioid histology improved over the past two decades, but remained static for serous or clear cell histology. Healthcare strategies to prevent EC incidence in at-risk populations and apply effective treatments for high-risk histology are needed.

Fertility-preserving treatment outcomes in endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia patients with different molecular profiles

Objective: To investigate the impact of molecular classification and key oncogenes on the oncologic outcomes in patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) receiving fertility-preserving treatment. Methods: Patients with EC and AEH undergoing progestin-based fertility-preserving treatment and receiving molecular classification as well as key oncogenes test at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University from January 2021 to March 2023 were reviewed. Hysteroscopic lesion resection and endometrial biopsy were performed before initiating hormone therapy and every 3 months during the treatment to evaluate the efficacy. The risk factors which had impact on the treatment outcomes in EC and AEH patients were further analyzed. Results: Of the 171 patients analyzed, the median age was 32 years, including 86 patients with EC and 85 patients with AEH. The distribution of molecular classification was as follows: 157 cases (91.8%) were classified as having no specific molecular profile (NSMP); 9 cases (5.3%), mismatch repair deficient (MMR-d); 3 cases (1.8%), POLE-mutated; 2 cases (1.2%), p53 abnormal. No difference was found in the cumulative 40-week complete response (CR) rate between the patients having NSMP or MMR-d (61.6% vs 60.0%; P=0.593), while the patients having MMR-d had increased risk than those having NSMP to have recurrence after CR (50.0% vs 14.4%; P=0.005). Multi-variant analysis showed PTEN gene multi-loci mutation (HR=0.413, 95%CI: 0.259-0.658; P<0.001) and PIK3CA gene mutation (HR=0.499, 95%CI: 0.310-0.804; P=0.004) were associated with a lower cumulative 40-week CR rate, and progestin-insensitivity (HR=3.825, 95%CI: 1.570-9.317; P=0.003) and MMR-d (HR=9.014, 95%CI: 1.734-46.873; P=0.009) were independent risk factors of recurrence in EC and AEH patients. Conclusions: No difference in cumulative 40-week CR rate is found in the patients having NSMP or MMR-d who received progestin-based fertility-preserving treatment, where the use of hysteroscopy during the treatment might be the reason, while those having MMR-d have a higher risk of recurrence after CR. Oncogene mutation of PTEN or PIK3CA gene might be associated with a lower response to progestin treatment. The molecular profiles help predict the fertility-preserving treatment outcomes in EC and AEH patients.

OC19.01: Prediction of outcome in endometrial cancer improved by combining traditional with sonographic and demographic parameters: IETA4 cohort follow‐up

OC19.01: Prediction of outcome in endometrial cancer improved by combining traditional with sonographic and demographic parameters: IETA4 cohort follow‐up

The impact of primary language on endometrial cancer outcomes (2106)

The impact of primary language on endometrial cancer outcomes (2106)

The oncologic outcomes of endometrial cancer metastasizing to the adrenal gland and kidney: from case to analysis.

To evaluate the oncologic outcomes of endometrial cancer metastasis to the adrenal gland and kidney, based on a case study and review of the literature. A systematic review of the medical literature was performed to identify articles about metastatic endometrial cancer to the adrenal gland and kidney from 1975 until 2021. A 55-year-old female patient was admitted to our center. On pelvic examination, a mass protruding out of the cervix was observed, which was shown to be endometrioid carcinoma on biopsy. Disease stage was IVB, based on radiological and pathological results and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018 staging. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy was given. After therapy, the patient underwent type 2 hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, total omentectomy and lymph node dissection. Left nephrectomy, left adrenalectomy and left hemicolectomy were also performed because the conglomerate tumor invaded the left kidney, left adrenal gland, and left colon mesentery. Pathological findings were consistent with metastasis of endometrioid carcinoma in the left adrenal gland, left kidney parenchyma and hilum. Metastasis of endometrial cancer to the adrenal gland and kidney is extremely rare and metastasis to the kidney has been reported in only two previous cases. When there is an intraperitoneal spread of endometrial cancer, as well as ovarian cancer, cytoreductive surgery without leaving a residual tumor should be undertaken andshould include adrenalectomy and nephrectomy, if necessary.

Integration of genomic and clinical data to predict endometrial cancer outcomes (1121)

Integration of genomic and clinical data to predict endometrial cancer outcomes (1121)

Impact of Initiation of Robotic Surgery in Gynecologic Cancer on Surgical and Oncologic Outcomes in a Single Institution: A Research Article

Background: Robotic surgery has gain popularity in the past decades. We aim to investigate the impact of robotic surgery in gynecologic cancer. Methods: By retrospectively collecting demographics of those with gynecologic cancer performed by robotic surgery and addressing the perioperative and oncologic outcomes as the primary end points. Results: A total of 67 patients with 23 cervical cancer, 41 endometrial cancer. Amongst those with cervical cancer there were 15 (71.43%) international federation of gynecology and obstetrics (FIGO) stage 1 and 3 (14.29%) FIGO stage 2 with a median tumor size of 30.5 mm and a median 17 (0-42) lymph nodes retrieved with blood loss of 80 cc (5-500 cc). 6 recurrences (3 local/regional; 3 distant metastasis) with 5 succumb to disease with a 5-year disease-free and overall survival of 71.3%. In those with endometrial cancer there were 41 patients with 34 (85%) early stage (FIGO stage 1/2), 6 (15%) advanced stage (3/4). Median lymph nodes retrieval of 22 (0-60) and blood loss of 30 cc (1-2000 cc) were documented. There were 2 recurrences with 5 year disease-free and overall survival of 94.3% and 94.4% respectively. Conclusion: While robotic surgery has a superior surgical with comparable oncologic outcome in endometrial cancer, it should be used cautiously in unselected cervical cancer.

Should we abandon hormonal therapy in endometrial cancer? Outcomes of recurrent and metastatic endometrial cancer treated with systemic progestins.

The objective of this study is to determine primary survival endpoints in women with recurrent and metastatic endometrial carcinoma (RMEC) treated with progestins. A retrospective chart review was conducted at The Ottawa Hospital using electronic medical records. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of RMEC between 2000 and 2019, endometrioid histology, and ≥one line of progestin treatment. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Of 2342 cases reviewed, 74 met inclusion criteria. Sixty-six (88.0%) patients received megestrol acetate and 9 (12.0%) received a progestin alternative. The distribution of tumors by grade was: 1: 25 (33.3%), 2: 30 (40.0%), and 3: 20 (26.7%). The PFS and OS for the entire study sample was 14.3 months (95% CI 6.2-17.9) and 23.3 months (14.8-36.8), respectively. The PFS for patients with Grade 1-2 RMEC was 15.7 months (8.0, 19.5), compared to 5.0 months (3.0, 23.0) with Grade 3 disease. The OS for patients with Grade 1-2 versus Grade 3, was 25.9 months (15.3, 40.3) versus 12.5 months (5.7, 35.9), respectively. Thirty-four (45.9%) and 40 (54.1%) patients were treated with 0 and ≥1 line of chemotherapy. The PFS for chemotherapy-naïve patients was 17.9 months (14.3, 27.0), versus 6.2 months (3.9, 14.8) following ≥1 line of treatment. The OS was 29.1 months (17.9, 61.1) for chemotherapy-naïve patients versus 23.0 months (10.5, 37.6) for patients previously exposed. This real-world data on RMEC suggests there is a role for progestins in select subgroups of women. The PFS for chemotherapy-naïve patients was 17.9 months (14.3, 27.0), versus 6.2 months (3.9, 14.8) following ≥1 line of treatment. The OS was 29.1 months (17.9, 61.1) for chemotherapy-OS was 29.1 months (17.9, 61.1) for chemotherapy-naïve patients versus 23.0 months (10.5, 37.6) for patients previously exposed.

Correlation of cardiovascular disease with racial disparities in endometrial cancer outcomes.

5602 Background: Survival for Black women with endometrial cancer (EC) is shorter than that for non-Hispanic White (NHW) women, with a rate ratio for mortality of 1.98 per the American Cancer Society. Cardiovascular risk factors and disease are also more prevalent in Black women than NHW women. In women with breast cancer, Black patients received less optimal management of comorbidities and experienced increased cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality as compared to White women. Similar to breast cancer, we hypothesize that CVD contributes to EC mortality disparities for Black women. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, SEER and institutional data were utilized to investigate the contribution of CVD to outcomes for Black EC patients. The primary outcome was the contribution of cardiovascular mortality to the overall survival of Black patients. Secondary outcomes included identifying rates of new cardiovascular diagnoses, renal dysfunction, and adequacy of blood pressure control. The SEER cohort was defined using SEER*Stat 8.4.0.1. Uterine cancer patients were identified from the 2020 SEER Research Data. Survival by cause of death and proportion of deaths by cause of death were analyzed. Raw and adjusted hazard ratios for cardiovascular mortality were calculated. Next, institutional data was used to investigate survival, CVD diagnoses, renal dysfunction, and HTN in EC patients. Results: The SEER cohort contained 192,465 patients. Of these, 153,878 (80.8%) were White and 19,906 (10.3%) were Black. Black race was associated with decreased survival among patients who died of cardiovascular causes (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.4 - 1.63, p &lt; 2*10-16). When adjusted for age, stage, and histology, the hazard for decreased survival remained elevated for Black patients who died of cardiovascular causes (adjusted HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.52-1.77, p &lt; 2*10-16). Our institutional cohort included 1491 patients, 1263 (84.7%) White and 151 (10.0%) Black. Black patients had a relative risk of death of 1.92 (95% CI 1.38 - 2.61) compared with White patients. Among patients with CVD, the hazard for death was 2.02 (95% CI 1.39 - 2.80). Black patients had significantly higher blood pressure, creatinine, and eGFR measurements. Conclusions: Racial outcome disparities in EC are multifactorial. CVD management will become increasingly important with the use of targeted therapies including lenvatinib and trastuzumab. Our study highlights an additional area of disparity and suggests possible interventions.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (pA/rEC) for patients (pts) treated with dostarlimab plus carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP) as compared to CP in the ENGOT-EN6/GOG3031/RUBY trial.

5504 Background: In RUBY, a phase 3, global, randomized, double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled trial, dostarlimab+carboplatin/paclitaxel demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS compared with PBO+CP in pts with pA/rEC. PROs are reported here. Methods: 494 pts with pA/rEC were randomized 1:1 to dostarlimab (D)+CP or PBO+CP Q3W for 6 cycles followed by D or PBO monotherapy Q6W ≤3 yrs or to disease progression. EORTC QLQ-C30 and EN24 were prespecified secondary endpoints. PROs were administered on Day 1 of each treatment (tx) cycle (C), end of tx (EOT), and at safety and survival follow-ups and reported here for C7, the end of chemotherapy (chemo) and C13, and the end of 1 yr of study. Change (chg) from baseline (BL) to C7/C13 was calculated for all scales assessed. Mixed model for repeated measures analysis was conducted to generate least-squares means (LSM), adjusting for correlations across multiple time point assessments within a pt and controlling for the BL value for the global, pain, fatigue, and physical function (PF) scores. Results: PRO outcomes were similar for D+CP and PBO+CP through the chemo period (C7). The table shows selected scores at C7 and C13 for mean (SD) and chg from BL. Further, no differences across the 3 yr period between the 2 arms were reported; LSM (standard error) for global QoL was 0.5 (1.42; P=0.72), PF was −0.7 (1.39; P=0.63), fatigue was 0.2 (1.75; P=0.91) and pain was −1.0 (1.99; P=0.62). Mean chg from BL to EOT showed improvement in back/pelvic pain for D+CP and deterioration in global QoL/GHS, social functioning, body image, and chg in taste for pts on PBO+CP. Conclusions: Dostarlimab + CP significantly improved PFS while maintaining HRQoL, further supporting its use as a standard of care in pA/rEC. Clinical trial information: NCT03981796 . [Table: see text]

A pilot study evaluating somatic mutational burden and signatures among endometrial cancer patients: Is there prognostic benefit to whole genome sequencing?

e17629 Background: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as a tool to characterize mutational burden and potentially identify new therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers. In this study, we describe the mutational landscape of diverse patients with endometrial cancer using WGS and explore associations between mutations and clinicopathologic characteristics. Methods: Patients with endometrial cancer were prospectively consented and WGS was performed on tumors and blood. Using the the New York Genome Center Cancer pipeline, we identified high confidence somatic mutations in our patient cohort (identified by 2 or more variant callers). Somatic variants were categorized into mutational signatures based on the Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) v2. Associations between COSMIC signatures and clinicopathologic variables were evaluated using ANOVA tests. Results: Sixteen patients with endometrial cancer were enrolled; 10 (62.5%) self-identified as White, 4 (25.0%) as Black, and 2 (12.5%) as Asian. Tumor histology was endometrioid (13, 81.3%) or serous/clear cell (2, 12.5%), with both low grade (9, 56.3%) and high grade (7, 43.8%) tumors. The most frequently mutated genes were PTEN (15, 93.8%), ARID1A (9, 56.3%), PIK3CA (9, 56.3%), and TP53 (6, 37.5%). PIK3CA mutations were found in all mismatch repair (MMR) deficient tumors (5), compared to only 30.0% (3) of patients with intact MMR mechanisms (FDR p = 0.0256). Signature 3, associated with BRCA mutations and loss of DNA double-strand break-repair by homologous recombination, was enriched in p53 mutated tumors (p = 0.0036). Signature 1, associated with age, was enriched in patients with MMR intact tumors (p = 0.0475), while signatures 6 and 20, associated with defective DNA MMR and microsatellite unstable tumors, were enriched in patients with in MMR deficient tumors (p &lt; 0.0001 and p = 0.0022, respectively). Signature 8, of unknown etiology, was enriched in patients with MMR intact tumors, advanced disease (p = 0.0045), disease spread to lymph nodes (p = 0.0231), and disease recurrence (p = 0.0021). Signature 12, also of unknown etiology, was enriched in MMR deficient tumors (p = 0.0005) and stage 1 disease (p = 0.0235). Conclusions: WGS revealed distinct patterns of mutational burden associated with clinicopathologic variables. MMR status was associated with PIK3CA mutations and multiple mutational signatures. Mutational signature 8 was associated with multiple clinicopathologic characteristics associated with poor prognosis, suggesting utility as a biomarker. Further investigation regarding the mechanism of the mutational signatures and correlation with prognostic factors may shed light on disparate biologic endometrial cancer outcomes and serve as a source of hypothesis-generation for the development of targeted therapies.

Association of the Duffy-null allele and endometrial cancer characteristics: An effort to explore racial disparity in Black women with endometrial cancer.

5603 Background: Efforts are needed to identify factors that account for the disparately high mortality in Black women with endometrial cancer. The Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) is expressed on erythrocytes and endothelial cells and modulates levels of inflammatory chemokines in circulation and in tissues. The African ancestry-specific Duffy-null allele, in which erythrocyte expression and function of DARC is lost, is associated with worse breast cancer phenotypes and survival. Here, we characterize Duffy-null status and associated prognostic and clinical outcomes in patients with endometrial cancer. Methods: Patients with endometrial cancer were prospectively consented, and germline DNA was extracted from saliva or blood samples. Duffy-null genotype was determined using an allelic discrimination assay. Associations between Duffy-null genotype status and clinicopathologic characteristics were performed using Fisher’s Exact analysis. Results: 33 patients were enrolled (Table); 17 (51.5%) were Duffy-null, 5 (15.2%) were Duffy-null allele carriers, and 11 (33.3%) were non-carriers. Compared with non-carriers, Duffy-null patients were more likely to be Black (100% v 9.1%, p&lt;0.0001) and have non-endometrioid histology (64.7% v 10%, p=0.0173). There was a trend towards higher rates of grade 3 histology (70.6% v 36.6%), intact tumor mismatch repair (MMR) (86.7% v 54.6%), estrogen receptor (ER) negative tumor status (25% v 10%), advanced stage (37.5% v 18.2%), and positive lymph nodes (25% v 0%) (Table). Over a minimum of 12 months of follow up, only Duffy-null individuals died from disease (4 v 0, p=0.0006). Conclusions: Duffy-null status was associated Black race, aggressive histologic subtypes, intact MMR mechanisms, and worse survival. Further investigation is needed to explore the underlying mechanism of the Duffy-null phenotype on endometrial cancer outcomes to better elucidate risk factors and underlying causes that may contribute to endometrial cancer disparities.[Table: see text]

Lactate metabolism-related genes to predict the clinical outcome and molecular characteristics of endometrial cancer

BackgroundMetabolic reprogramming is one of hallmarks of cancer progression and is of great importance for the tumor microenvironment (TME). As an abundant metabolite, lactate has been found to play a critical role in cancer development and immunosuppression of TME. However, the potential role of lactate metabolism-related genes in endometrial cancer (EC) remains obscure.MethodsRNA sequencing data and clinical information of EC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Lactate metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) WERE from Molecular Signature Database v7.4 and then compared the candidate genes from TCGA to obtain final genes. Univariate analysis and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression were performed to screen prognostic genes. A lactate metabolism-related risk profile was constructed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. The signature was validated by time-dependent ROC curve analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis. The relationship between the risk score and age, grade, stage, tumor microenvironmental characteristics, and drug sensitivity was as well explored by correlation analyses. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway functional analysis between the high and low-risk groups were performed. CCK8, EdU, and clone formation assays were applied to detect the proliferation ability of EC cells, Transwell assay was performed to detect the migration ability of EC cells, and intracellular lactate and glucose content was used to asses lactate metabolism.ResultsWe constructed a risk signature based on 18 LMRGs. Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed that the high-risk group had poorer prognosis compared to the low-risk group. A nomogram was then constructed to predict the probability of EC survival. We also performed GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway functional analysis between the high and low-risk groups, and the outcome revealed that the features were significantly associated with energy metabolism. There was a significant correspondence between LMRGs and tumor mutational load, checkpoints and immune cell infiltration. C1, C2, and C4 were the most infiltrated in the high-risk group. The high-risk group showed increased dendritic cell activation, while the low-risk group showed increased plasma cells and Treg cells. Drug sensitivity analysis showed LMRGs risk was more resistant to Scr kinase inhibitors. We further proved that one of the lactate metabolism related genes, TIMM50 could promote EC cell proliferation, migration and lactate metabolism.ConclusionIn conclusion, we have established an effective prognostic signature based on LMRG expression patterns, which may greatly facilitate the assessment of prognosis, molecular features and treatment modalities in EC patients and may be useful in the future translation to clinical applications. TIMM50 was identified as a novel molecule that mediates lactate metabolism in vitro and in vivo, maybe a promising target for EC prognosis.