If you have been diagnosed with cancer of the endometrium, you are likely wondering whether treatment for this condition is effective. If the cancer has spread beyond the endometrium, treatment may be based on chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Depending on the stage of the disease, specific procedures during surgery may be performed to determine the extent of the disease and to determine what treatments might be best. In this article, we will look at the effectiveness of cancer endometrial treatments and provide information on the benefits and risks of each treatment option.
In 1988, the FIGO Committee on Gynecologic Oncology replaced clinical staging of endometrial cancer with a molecular-based approach. This new system incorporates criteria for tumor grading and extent. The tumors should be microscopically verified, with histologic grading and morphologic diagnosis following the latest WHO classification. The disease is classified as adenocarcinoma if it lacks a distinct cell type.
Hormone therapy uses hormones to combat the cancer. Contrary to popular misconceptions, this type of treatment is not the same as hormone therapy for menopause. There are many different types of hormone drugs, including synthetic hormones. Targeted drugs target alterations in the cells that cause cancer. These drugs work even if other treatments have not been effective. They have different side effects than chemo. Another type of treatment for cancer of the endometrium is immunotherapy, which boosts your immune system to attack the cancer cells.
One study found that cancer immunotherapy drugs such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) were highly effective in treating aggressive forms of endometrial cancer. One of these trials was conducted by researchers from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital. The study involved 90 women with advanced endometrial cancer, and two-thirds showed a clinical response. The median follow-up for this study was 42.6 months.
In addition to cancer endometrial treatment, endometrial biopsy can be an effective treatment for many cases. Endometrial biopsy involves a small sample of tissue from the uterus to determine the extent of the cancer. Surgical treatment for cancer endometrial is generally patient-specific, and depends on the stage of the disease. Treatment is more effective if it is performed early enough. A biopsy may be necessary if the endometrium is extremely thick.
While there are no proven ways to prevent cancer of the endometrium, prevention is the key to a good outcome. Taking birth control pills and eating a healthy diet are two ways to reduce the risk of developing endometrial cancer. A woman should consult her doctor to check for symptoms. During the exam, she should also undergo a pelvic exam and may be given a transvaginal ultrasound.
The most common symptom of cancer of the endometrium is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Women with menopause should monitor their vaginal bleeding regularly. Hormone therapy is not without risk, and menopause may also lead to vaginal dryness and abnormal bleeding. However, it is important to note that the risk for cancer of the endometrium is low if detected early. Therefore, women should get regular pelvic exams and Pap smears.
