Hormone replacement therapy after treatment of endometrial cancer

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after endometrial cancer (EMC) treatment is an uncertain subject with limited exploration among gynecologic cancer research. Because estrogen is a well-recognized etiologic factor of EMC, most physicians are probably reluctant to provide a replacement therapy, or limit its use to only a selected group of patients. In order to give an overview on this subject, we searched the English-language literature to identify relevant studies or reports. We found that HRT did not appear to increase the recurrence or death rates in EMC. However, most information came from retrospective studies with selection bias, or from a small prospective non-randomized study. The only randomized controlled trial of the Gynecologic Oncology Group could also not provide a definite answer regarding its safety and recommendation. In conclusion, on the basis of the currently available studies, HRT after EMC treatment does not appear to have an adverse effect on EMC. Nevertheless, because of a limitation of data, the physician should thoroughly consider all possible benefits and theoretical risks of recurrence or mortality in each individual to provide the best of care for their patients.