Factors predicting recurrent endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify (prognostic) factors that may predict the development of recurrent endometrial cancer and may improve the choice of adjuvant therapy subsequently. METHODS Data of all patients, diagnosed with primary endometrial cancer in Orbis Medical Center Sittard between 2002 and 2010, were analyzed retrospectively. Cox regression analysis was performed for identification of independent prognostic factors; survival was calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. STUDY DESIGN Data of all patients, diagnosed with primary endometrial cancer in Orbis Medical Center Sittard between 2002 and 2010, were analyzed retrospectively. Cox regression analysis was performed for identification of independent prognostic factors; survival was calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multiple factors were associated with recurrence. Age, histological type and progesteron receptor expression (PR) were identified as independent prognostic factors. Risk profile (according to the PORTEC-1 study) and PR were also independent prognostic factors. Furthermore, PR (p < 0.001) and histological type (p = 0.013) were associated with disease specific survival after recurrence. CONCLUSION Although the survival of endometrial cancer is good, the prognosis of recurrent disease is poor. Recurrence- of endometrial cancer and disease free survival rates are associated with several (independent) factors. The effect of adjuvant treatment may improve through more sufficient selection of patients by using the new prognostic- factors and through better selection of the type of adjuvant therapy. KEY WORDS Endometrial cancer, recurrence, survival, prognostic factors, progesterone receptor expression.