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Updated: May 10, 2026
Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
Emerging therapeutic biomarkers in endometrial cancer
Peixin Dong1, Masanori Kaneuchi, Yosuke Konno
1Department of Women's Health Educational System, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15, W7, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan. dongpeix@yahoo.co.jp
Abstract:
Although clinical trials of molecular therapies targeting critical biomarkers (mTOR, epidermal growth factor receptor/epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor) in endometrial cancer show modest effects, there are still challenges that might remain regarding primary/acquired drug resistance and unexpected side effects on normal tissues. New studies that aim to target both genetic and epigenetic alterations (noncoding microRNA) underlying malignant properties of tumor cells and to specifically attack tumor cells using cell surface markers overexpressed in tumor tissue are emerging. More importantly, strategies that disrupt the cancer stem cell/epithelial-mesenchymal transition-dependent signals and reactivate antitumor immune responses would bring new hope for complete elimination of all cell compartments in endometrial cancer. We briefly review the current status of molecular therapies tested in clinical trials and mainly discuss the potential therapeutic candidates that are possibly used to develop more effective and specific therapies against endometrial cancer progression and metastasis.
Insights
New endometrial cancer therapies target genetic, epigenetic, and immune pathways. Strategies aim to overcome drug resistance and improve outcomes by targeting cancer stem cells and tumor-specific markers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Endometrial cancer treatments face challenges like drug resistance and side effects.
- Current molecular therapies targeting biomarkers (mTOR, EGFR, VEGF) show limited efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current molecular therapies for endometrial cancer.
- To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting genetic, epigenetic, and immune pathways.
- To explore novel candidates for more effective endometrial cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data for molecular therapies.
- Analysis of emerging research on targeting genetic and epigenetic alterations (microRNA).
- Discussion of strategies involving cell surface markers, cancer stem cells, and immune responses.
Main Results:
- Modest effects observed with current molecular therapies.
- Emerging strategies show promise in targeting complex cancer mechanisms.
- Potential for improved specificity and reduced side effects.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic approaches are needed to overcome resistance and improve endometrial cancer outcomes.
- Targeting noncoding microRNAs, tumor-specific markers, and immune responses offers new hope.
- Combination strategies may be key to eliminating all cancer cell compartments.