Endometrial cancer: a review and current management strategies: part II

Abstract

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic malignancy. A thorough understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management strategies for this cancer allows the obstetrician-gynecologist to identify women at increased risk, contribute toward risk reduction, and facilitate early diagnosis. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology's Clinical Practice Committee has reviewed the literature through March of 2014 and created evidence-based practice recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. The level of recommendations used is based on the method used by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (A: There is good evidence to support the recommendation, B: There is fair evidence to support the recommendation, C: There is insufficient evidence to support the recommendation; however, the recommendation may be made on other grounds, D: There is fair evidence against the recommendation, E: There is good evidence against the recommendation.). It is not the purpose of this document to provide a complete review of the literature on all aspects of endometrial cancer. This article examines: • Adjuvant therapy, including radiation, vaginal brachytherapy, and chemotherapy • Therapy for advanced disease, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy alone and in combination as well as hormone therapy • Treatment for synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancer • Fertility-sparing treatment • Post-treatment patient surveillance • The role of hormone replacement therapy in the development of endometrial carcinoma • Novel targeted therapies.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Endometrial cancer; Fertility; Hormones; Radiation; Surveillance.