Clinico-pathologic comparison of type II endometrial cancers based on tamoxifen exposure

To compare clinico-pathologic variables and protein expression of potential regulatory components in patients who develop type II endometrial cancer with and without antecedent tamoxifen.

Clinico-pathologic variables were compared for all surgically staged patients (2000-2008) with grade 3 endometrioid, papillary serous, clear cell, and carcinosarcoma of the uterus based on tamoxifen exposure [Tam (+) vs. Tam (-)]. Overall survival was analyzed using a multivariable Cox regression model and Kaplan-Meier estimates. Protein expression of ERα, PR, mTOR, p-mTOR, IGF-1R, EGFR, VEGF and HER-2/neu was compared by immunohistochemistry using a semiquantitative scoring system.

Of 115 patients with high grade endometrial cancers, 15 received tamoxifen. These patients were older at diagnosis than Tam (-) patients. A higher percentage of Tam (+) patients had carcinosarcoma compared to Tam (-) patients (60% vs. 30%, P=0.038). Overall survival for Tam (+) patients was shorter than Tam (-) patients (16.6 vs. 32.2 months, P=0.004). The hazard ratio for death for Tam (+) patients was 2.53 (P=0.014), controlling for age and stage. Intensity and extent of staining were similar for ERα, PR, VEGF, EGFR, p-mTOR and HER-2/neu. The average expression score for IGF-1R and mTOR in the Tam (+) group was significantly higher than the Tam (-) group: 10.3 vs 7.0, P=0.001 and 6.0 vs 3.1, P=0.029, respectively.

There are differences in the biology of type II endometrial cancers that develop in women with prior tamoxifen exposure. Tamoxifen associated cancers show higher expression of IGF-1R and mTOR, which should be further investigated.