Uterine cancer (also known as uterine adenocarcinoma and endometrial cancer) is the most common cancer of a woman’s reproductive system. The pear-shaped uterus is hollow and located in a woman's pelvis between her bladder and rectum. The uterus is also known as the womb, where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. It has three sections: the cervix (the narrow, lower section), the corpus (the broad, middle section), and the fundus (the dome-shaped, top section). The wall (the inside of the uterus) has two layers of tissue: endometrium (an inner layer), and myometrium (the outer layer), which is muscle tissue.
Every month during a woman's childbearing years, the lining of the uterus grows and thickens in preparation for pregnancy. If the woman does not get pregnant, this thick, bloody lining passes out of her body through her vagina during menstruation. This process continues until menopause.
Uterine cancer begins when cells in the uterus begin to change, grow uncontrollably, and eventually form a tumor. A tumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Noncancerous conditions of the uterus include fibroids (benign tumors in the muscle of the uterus), endometriosis (endometrial tissue on the outside of the uterus or other organs), and endometrial hyperplasia (an increased number of cells in the uterine lining).
There are two major types of uterine cancer:
Adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer makes up more than 95% of uterine cancers. It develops from cells in the lining of the uterus, the endometrium. This cancer is also commonly called endometrial cancer.
Sarcoma. This form of uterine cancer develops in the uterine muscle, the myometrium. Sarcoma accounts for about 2% to 4% of uterine cancers. For more information on this type of cancer, visit Cancer.Net’s Sarcoma section.
Other, less common types of uterine cancer include carcinosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma. Carcinosarcoma starts in the endometrium and is similar to both endometrial cancer and sarcoma. Endometrial stromal sarcoma starts in the connective tissue of the endometrium. Treatment for these types of uterine cancer is similar to the treatment of endometrial cancer. For more information on cancer of the cervix, read the Cancer.Net Guide to Cervical Cancer.
Statistics
In 2008, an estimated 40,100 women in the United States will be diagnosed with uterine cancer. It is estimated that 7,470 deaths from this disease will occur this year. Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the eighth most common cause of cancer death for women in the United States. Although uterine cancer rates are higher among white women than black women, black women are nearly twice as likely to die from uterine cancer as white women.
The one-year relative survival rate (percentage of patients who survive at least one year after the cancer is detected, excluding those who die from other diseases) for uterine cancer is 92%. The five-year relative survival rate for a woman with a local (without spread) uterine cancer at diagnosis is about 95%. If the cancer is diagnosed with regional spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 67%, and if diagnosed after the cancer has spread more distantly, it is 23%.
Cancer survival statistics should be interpreted with caution. These estimates are based on data from thousands of cases of this type of cancer in the United States each year, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ. It is not possible to tell a woman how long she will live with uterine cancer. Because the survival statistics are measured in one-year and five-year intervals, they may not represent advances made in the treatment or diagnosis of this cancer.
Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society's publication, Cancer Facts & Figures 2008.
A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as smoking, and some cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and communicating them to your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health-care choices
The following factors may raise a woman’s risk of developing uterine cancer:
Age. Uterine cancer most often occurs in women over 50; the average age is 60.
Obesity. Fatty tissue in women who are overweight produces additional estrogen, which can increase the risk of uterine cancer. This risk increases with an increase in body mass index (BMI; the ratio of a person's weight and height)
Race. White women are more likely to develop uterine cancer than black women.
Genetics. Uterine cancer may run in families where colon cancer is hereditary. For more information, read The Genetics of Colorectal Cancer.
Other health conditions. Women may have an increased risk of uterine cancer if they have had endometrial hyperplasia or if they have diabetes.
Other cancers. Women who have had breast, colon, or ovarian cancer have an increased risk of uterine cancer.
Tamoxifen. Women taking the drug tamoxifen (Nolvadex) to prevent or treat breast cancer have an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. However, the benefits of tamoxifen may outweigh the risk of developing uterine cancer, so women should discuss the benefits and risks of tamoxifen with their doctor.
Radiation therapy. Women who have had previous radiation therapy in the pelvic area (the lower part of the abdomen between the hip bones) for another cancer have an increased risk of uterine cancer.
Diet. Women who eat a diet high in animal fat may have an increased risk of uterine cancer.
Estrogen. Exposure to estrogen and/or an imbalance of estrogen is relevant to many of the following risk factors:
Women who started having their periods before age 12 and/or go through menopause later in life
Women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause, especially if they are only taking estrogen; estrogen with progesterone poses a lower risk.
Women who have never had children
Prevention
Research has shown that certain factors can lower the risk of uterine cancer:
Taking birth control pills, especially over a long period of time
Assessing the risk of uterine cancer before considering HRT, especially estrogen replacement therapy
Maintaining a healthy weight
If diabetic, maintaining good self-care, such as regularly monitoring blood glucose levels
Women with uterine cancer may experience the following symptoms. Sometimes, women with uterine cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. If you are concerned about a symptom on this list, please talk with your doctor.
The most likely time for uterine cancer to occur is after menopause. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, ranging from a watery and blood-streaked flow to a flow that contains more blood. Vaginal bleeding during or after menopause is not normal and is always a sign of a problem.
Doctors use many tests to diagnose cancer and determine if it has metastasized (spread). Some tests may also determine which treatments may be the most effective. For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of cancer. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis. Imaging tests may be used to find out whether the cancer has metastasized. As with all types of cancer, early detection and treatment is important. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:
Age and medical condition
The type of cancer suspected
Severity of symptoms
Previous test results
In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose uterine cancer:
Pelvic examination. The doctor feels the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum to check for any unusual changes. A Pap test, often done with a pelvic examination, usually neither finds nor diagnoses uterine cancer. However, a Pap test may occasionally find abnormal glandular cells which are often caused by uterine cancer.
Transvaginal ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of internal organs. In a transvaginal ultrasound, an ultrasound wand is inserted into the vagina and aimed at the uterus to obtain the pictures. If the endometrium looks too thick, the doctor may decide to perform a biopsy.
Endometrial biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. The sample removed from the biopsy is analyzed by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease). For an endometrial biopsy, the doctor removes a small sample of tissue with a very thin tube. The tube is inserted into the uterus through the cervix, and the tissue is removed with suction. This process takes about one minute. Afterward, the woman may have cramps and vaginal bleeding. These symptoms will go away and can be reduced by taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as directed by the doctor. Endometrial biopsy is often a very accurate way to diagnose uterine cancer. However, patients who have abnormal vaginal bleeding may still need a dilation curettage (D&C; see below) even if no abnormal cells are found during the biopsy.
D&C. A D&C is a procedure to remove tissue samples from the uterus. A woman is given anesthesia during the procedure. A D&C is often done in combination with a hysteroscopy so the doctor can view the lining of the uterus during the procedure. During a hysteroscopy, the doctor inserts a thin, lighted flexible tube in the vagina, through the cervix, and into the uterus.
Once endometrial tissue has been removed either during a biopsy or D&C, the sample is checked for cancer cells, endometrial hyperplasia, and other conditions. In the past, there was concern that a D&C would push cancer cells out of the uterus into other reproductive organs. However, research studies have shown that this has no effect on patients who received a D&C combined with a hysteroscopy.
X-ray. An x-ray is a picture of the inside of the body. For instance, a chest x-ray can help doctors determine if the cancer has spread to the lungs.
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body with an x-ray machine. A computer then combines those images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities or tumors. Sometimes, a contrast medium (a special dye) is injected into a vein to provide better detail.
Staging is a way of describing a cancer, such as where it is located, if or where it has spread, and if it is affecting the functions of other organs in the body. Doctors use diagnostic tests to determine the cancer's stage, so staging may not be complete until all of the tests are finished. Knowing the stage helps the doctor to decide what kind of treatment is best and can help predict a woman's prognosis (chance of recovery). There are different stage descriptions for different types of cancer.
One tool that doctors use to describe the stage is the TNM system. This system uses three criteria to judge the stage of the cancer: the tumor itself, the lymph nodes around the tumor, and if the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. The results are combined to determine the stage of cancer for each person. There are five stages: stage 0 (zero) and stages I through IV (one through four). The stage provides a common way of describing the cancer, so doctors can work together to plan the best treatments.
TNM is an abbreviation for tumor (T), node (N), and metastasis (M). Doctors look at these three factors to determine the stage of cancer:
How large is the primary tumor and where is it located? (Tumor, T)
Has the tumor spread to the lymph nodes? (Node, N)
Has the cancer metastasized to other parts of the body? (Metastasis, M)
Tumor. Using the TNM system, "T" plus a letter or number (0 to 4) is used to describe the size and location of the tumor. Some stages are also divided into smaller groups that help describe the tumor in even more detail. The Roman numerals in parentheses are stages used in another widely used staging system from the Federation Internationale de Gynecologie et d'Obstetrique, or FIGO. The FIGO system is standard system used by most doctors to stage uterine cancer.
TX: The primary tumor cannot be evaluated due to lack of information. More tests may be needed.
T0 (T plus zero): There does not seem to be a primary tumor in the uterus.
Tis: This condition is called carcinoma (cancer) in situ, which means that the cancer is found only in the layer of cells lining the uterus and has not spread to deeper tissues of the uterus.
T1/FIGO I: The tumor is found only in the corpus uteri (the body of the uterus).
T1a/FIGO IA: The tumor is found only in the endometrium.
T1b/FIGO IB: The tumor has spread to less than one-half of the myometrium.
T1c/FIGO IC: The tumor has spread to more than one-half of the myometrium.
T2/FIGO II: The tumor has spread to the cervix but has not grown beyond the uterus.
T2a/FIGO IIA: The tumor has spread to glands near the cervix.
T2b/FIGO IIB: The tumor has spread to the cervical stroma (the connective tissue of the endometrium).
T3/FIGO III: The tumor has spread to the following areas:
T3a/FIGO IIIA: The tumor involves the serosa (the layer of tissue that covers the outer surface of some parts of the large intestine) and/or adnexa; and/or cancer cells were found in the ascites (abnormal fluid in the abdomen) or peritoneal fluid (fluid from the inner lining of the pelvis and abdomen).
T3b/FIGO IIIB: The tumor has spread to the vagina.
T4/FIGO IVA: The tumor has spread to the lining of the bladder mucosa (lining of the bladder) and/or the bowel mucosa (lining of the bowel).
FIGO IVB (M1, see below): There is distant metastasis to other parts of the body.
Node. The "N" in the TNM staging system stands for lymph nodes, the tiny, bean-shaped organs that help fight infection. Lymph nodes near the uterus are called regional lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in other parts of the body are called distant lymph nodes.
NX: The regional lymph nodes cannot be evaluated.
N0 (N plus zero): There is no spread to regional lymph nodes.
N1: The cancer has spread to the regional lymph node(s).
Distant metastasis. The "M" in the TNM system describes whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
MX: The distant metastasis cannot be evaluated.
M0 (M plus zero): The cancer has not metastasized.
M1: There is distant metastasis.
Cancer stage grouping
Doctors assign the stage of the cancer by combining the T, N, and M classifications.
Stage 0: The tumor is called carcinoma in situ, which means it is very early stage cancer. It is found only in one layer of cells and has not spread (Tis, N0, M0).
Stage I: The cancer is found only in the uterus or womb and has not spread to other parts of the body (T1, N0, M0).
Stage IA: The cancer is found only in the endometrium (T1a, N0, M0).
Stage III: The cancer has spread beyond the uterus, but it is still only in the pelvic area.
IIIA: The cancer has spread to the serosa of the uterus (the layer of tissue on the outer surface of the uterus) or to the tissue immediately around the uterus. Or, cancer cells were found in the peritoneal fluid (T3a, N0, M0).
Stage IIIC: The cancer has invaded the lymph nodes near the uterus (T3c, N0, M0).
Larger image Stage IV: The cancer has spread to the mucosa (inner surface) of the bladder or rectum (the lower part of the large intestine); and/or it has spread to lymph nodes in the groin; and/or it has spread to distant organs of the body, such as the lungs or bones:
Stage IVA: The cancer has spread to the mucosa of the rectum or bladder (T4, any N, M0).
Stage IVB: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the groin area, and/or it has spread to distant organs, such as the bones or lungs (any T, any N, M1).
In addition to identifying the type and stage of uterine cancer, the tumor's grade is determined. The grade is based on how the tumor cells appear under the microscope. If they look like normal tissue, the cancer is called a low-grade tumor. If the cells do not look like normal cells, the cancer is classified as a high-grade tumor. Knowing the grade is important in determining whether treatment is needed after surgery. For instance, a low grade-tumor usually grows slowly and is less likely to spread than a high-grade tumor.
Recurrent uterine cancer
Recurrent cancer is cancer that comes back after treatment. Uterine cancer may come back in the uterus, pelvis, lymph nodes of the abdomen, or another part of the body. Approximately 70% of recurrent uterine cancer happens within three years of initial treatment. Some symptoms of recurrent cancer are similar to those experienced when the disease was first diagnosed.
Vaginal bleeding or discharge
Pain in the pelvic area, abdomen, or back of the legs
Difficulty or pain when urinating
Weight loss
Chronic cough
Used with permission of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), Chicago, Illinois. The original source for this material is the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, Sixth Edition (2002) published by Springer-Verlag New York, www.springer-ny.com.
The treatment of uterine cancer depends on the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, the grade (how fast the tumor might grow), and the woman's overall health. Treatment also depends on the type of uterine cancer because some types may need more intense treatment. In many cases, a team of doctors will work with the woman to determine the best treatment plan.
This section outlines treatments that are the standard of care (best treatments available) for this specific type of cancer. Patients are also encouraged to consider clinical trials when making treatment plan decisions. A clinical trial is a research study to test a new treatment to prove it is safe, effective, and possibly better than standard treatment. Your doctor can help you review all treatment options. For more information, visit the Clinical Trials section.
Uterine cancer is treated by one or a combination of treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Each treatment option is described below, followed by an outline of treatments based on the stage of the disease.
Surgery
Surgery is typically the first treatment given. Depending on the extent of the cancer, the surgeon will perform either a simple hysterectomy (removal of the body of the uterus and cervix) or a radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, and the upper part of the vagina and nearby tissues). After a hysterectomy, a woman can no longer become pregnant. In addition, the surgeon will remove lymph nodes near the tumor to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the uterus. The surgeon will also perform a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries) for patients who have been through menopause.
A hysterectomy may be performed as a traditional surgery (with one large incision) or by laparoscopy, which uses several smaller incisions. After surgery, the woman may remain in the hospital for several days to a week. Woman who received laparoscopic surgery often have a shorter hospital stay than women who received traditional surgery. The most common side effects include pain and extreme tiredness. If a woman is experiencing pain, her doctor will prescribe appropriate medicine. Other immediate side effects may include nausea and vomiting, as well as difficulty emptying the bladder and having bowel movements. The woman's diet may be restricted to liquids, followed by a gradual return to solid foods.
If the ovaries are removed, this ends the body's production of sex hormones, resulting in premature menopause (if the woman has not already gone through menopause naturally.) Soon after surgery, the woman is likely to experience menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. A woman should to talk with her doctor about ways to cope with these side effects.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to kill cancer cells. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body.
When radiation treatment is given using implants, it is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. Internal radiation therapy for uterine cancer is given by injecting a small amount of radioactive material directly into the tumor.
Sometimes, doctors advise their patients not to have sexual intercourse during radiation therapy. Women may resume normal sexual activity within a few weeks after treatment if they feel ready.
Some women with uterine cancer need both radiation therapy and surgery. The radiation therapy is most often given after surgery to destroy any cancer cells remaining in the area. Radiation therapy is rarely given before surgery to shrink the tumor. If a woman cannot have surgery, the doctor may recommend radiation therapy as another option.
Side effects from radiation therapy may include fatigue, mild skin reactions, upset stomach, and loose bowel movements. Most side effects usually go away soon after treatment is finished.
For more information about radiation therapy, see the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's pamphlet, Radiation Therapy for Gynecologic Cancers.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy is delivered through the bloodstream, targeting cancer cells throughout the body. The goal of chemotherapy can be to destroy cancer remaining after surgery, slow the tumor's growth, or reduce side effects. Although chemotherapy can be given orally (by mouth), most drugs used to treat uterine cancer are given intravenously (IV). IV chemotherapy is either injected directly into a vein or through a catheter (a thin tube inserted into a vein).
The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished. Advances in chemotherapy during the last 10 years include the development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of side effects, such as antiemetics for nausea and vomiting, and hormones to prevent low white and red blood cell counts.
Other potential side effects of chemotherapy for uterine cancer include the inability to become pregnant and early menopause. Rarely, some drugs cause some hearing loss. Others may cause kidney damage. Patients may be given extra fluid intravenously for kidney protection.
The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for you, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Learn more about your prescriptions through Cancer.Net's Drug Information Resources, which provides links to searchable drug databases.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is used to slow the growth of uterine cancer cells. Hormone therapy for uterine cancer involves the sex hormone progesterone, given in a pill form. It may be used for women who cannot have surgery or radiation therapy.
Side effects of hormone therapy include fluid retention, increase in appetite, and weight gain. Women in their childbearing years may have changes in their menstrual cycle.
Treatment options by stage
Stage I
Surgery
Surgery and radiation therapy
Hormone therapy
Stage II
Surgery and radiation therapy
Stage III
Surgery and radiation therapy
Surgery and chemotherapy
Stage IV
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Hormone therapy
Chemotherapy
Recurrent cancer
Hormone therapy
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Treatment for advanced uterine cancer includes radiation therapy, especially for recurrent cancer in the pelvis. Hormone therapy may be used for cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body. A cancer that is high grade or that does not respond to hormone therapy is treated with chemotherapy. Women with stage IV uterine cancer are encouraged to consider participating in clinical trials.
Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to treat women with uterine cancer. A clinical trial is a way to test a new treatment to prove that it is safe, effective, and possibly better than a standard treatment. Women who participate in clinical trials are among the first to receive new treatments before they are widely available. However, there is no guarantee that the new treatment will be safe, effective, or better than a standard treatment.
Women decide to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. For some patients, a clinical trial is the best treatment option available. Because standard treatments are not perfect, patients are often willing to face the added uncertainty of a clinical trial in the hope of a better result. Other patients volunteer for clinical trials because they know that finding new drugs and other therapies is the only way to make progress in treating uterine cancer. Even if they do not benefit directly from the clinical trial, their participation may benefit future women with uterine cancer.
To join a clinical trial, women must complete a learning process known as informed consent. During informed consent, the doctor should list all of the patient's options, so that she understands how the new treatment differs from the standard treatment. The doctor must also list all of the risks of the new treatment, which may or may not be different than the risks of standard treatment. Finally, the doctor must explain what will be required of each patient in order to participate in the clinical trial, including the number of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment. Learn more about Clinical Trials, including patient safety, phases of a clinical trial, deciding to participate in a clinical trial, questions to ask the research team, and links to find cancer clinical trials.
Cancer and its treatment can cause a variety of side effects. However, doctors have made major strides in recent years in reducing pain, nausea and vomiting, and other physical side effects of cancer treatments. Many treatments used today are less intensive but as effective as treatments used in the past. Doctors also have many ways to provide relief to patients when such side effects do occur.
Fear of treatment side effects is common after a diagnosis of cancer, but it may be helpful to know that preventing and controlling side effects is a major focus of your health-care team. Before treatment begins, talk with your doctor about possible side effects of the specific treatment you will be receiving. The specific side effects that can occur depend on a variety of factors, including the type of cancer, its location, the individual treatment plan (including the length and dosage of treatment), and the woman’s overall health.
Ask your doctor which side effects are most likely to happen (and which are not), when side effects are likely to occur, and how they will be addressed by the health-care team if they do happen. Also, be sure to communicate with the doctor about side effects you experience during and after treatment. For more information on the most common side effects of cancer and different treatments, along with ways to prevent or control them, visit Cancer.Net’s section on Managing Side Effects, based on ASCO’s curriculum.
In addition to physical side effects, there may be psychosocial (emotional and social) effects are well. Learn more about the importance of addressing these needs in Cancer.Net’s section on Caring for the Whole Patient.
For more information on late effects or long-term effects, please read the After Treatment section or talk with your doctor.
After treatment for uterine cancer ends, talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your recovery for the coming months and years.
In addition to a physical examination, follow-up care may include pelvic examinations, blood tests, yearly Pap tests, and x-rays. These tests may be done more frequently in the first and second year after treatment. Tell your doctor about any new symptoms, especially a loss of appetite, bladder or bowel changes, pain, vaginal bleeding, or weight changes. These symptoms may be signs that the cancer has come back or signs of other medical conditions.
Women recovering from uterine cancer are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs. Moderate physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your doctor can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about Healthy Living After Cancer.
Research involving for uterine cancer is ongoing. The following advances may still be under investigation in clinical trials and may not be approved or available at this current time. Always discuss all diagnostic and treatment options with your doctor.
Genetics. Advances in DNA technology have enabled scientists to understand how genetic mutations of tumor suppressor genes (genes that prevent tumor growth), such as PTEN, p53, and Rb, can result in cancer. A uterine cancer with these mutations seems to be less responsive to conventional treatment and have a greater chance of recurring. By testing for these genetic changes, doctors may be able to decide which course of treatment is appropriate for each woman.
Targeted therapy. Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets faulty genes or proteins that contribute to cancer growth and development. Erlotinib (Tarceva) is a drug that blocks a protein needed for a cancer cell to grow and is being tested for women with uterine cancer. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a monoclonal antibody, which is a drug designed to attach to and block a growth factor protein called HER2. Researchers think that HER2 helps cancer cells grow.
Radiation therapy after chemotherapy. For advanced uterine cancer, doctors are exploring the use of radiation therapy after chemotherapy.
Multiple drug combinations. Different types of drugs kill cancer cells in different ways. Using a combination of drugs may increase the chance that the tumor will be destroyed.
Hyperthermia therapy and chemotherapy. Hyperthermia therapy kills cancer cells by increasing body temperature; it also may make cancer cells respond better to chemotherapy.
Improved drug delivery. Chemotherapy is incorporated into fat molecules called liposomes to improve how the drug works.
Fertility preservation. The use of the hormone progesterone is being researched as a treatment for women with early-stage uterine cancer who want to have children in the future.
Regular communication with your doctor is important in making informed decisions about your health care. Consider asking the following questions of your doctor:
What type of uterine cancer do I have?
Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
What is the stage of the cancer? What does this mean?
What is the grade of the tumor? What does this mean?
What are my options for treatment?
What clinical trials are open to me?
Is hormone therapy one of the treatment options for this type and stage of uterine cancer?
What treatment do you recommend? Why?
What is the goal of this treatment?
What are the possible side effects of each treatment, both in the short-term and the long-term?
Will this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant? Should I talk with a fertility specialist before treatment begins?
Will my sex life be affected?
How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
[If applicable] If I take tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer and later develop cancer of the uterus, are my chances for successful treatment less than for someone who develops uterine cancer and has never taken tamoxifen?
What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?
What support services are available to me? To my family?
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