Endometrial cancer: therapeutic decision and the staging process in "early" disease

An all inclusive, widely accepted system for correlation of indices of pathophysiology in endometrial cancer with a spectrum of therapeutic management has yet to be developed. Improved understanding of tumor growth should lead to more logical, individualized treatment especially in terms of irradiation. To support these philosophies a brief review of past reports and studies, especially the Endometrial Adjuvant Study is provided. From an analysis of 574 patients in this study, it is apparent that prognostic factors could be separated as major, differentiation, and tumor penetration and minor, number of capsules of radium and depth of uterus. A pilot study under the Gynecologic Oncology Group suggests the correlation of the major factors with lymph node involvement. Since depth of penetration and lymph node involvement are most accurately determined by surgery and pathology, surgical staging is suggested as a guide for therapeutic decision.