Prognostic factors in stage II endometrial carcinoma

The rarity of Stage II endometrial carcinoma and variable treatment modalities have made the evaluation of prognostic factors difficult. Clinical, surgical, and pathologic characteristics were evaluated in 64 patients treated with whole pelvic irradiation and intracavitary radium followed by hysterectomy at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute from January 1965 to December 1983. Comparison of 5-year actuarial survival rates revealed the following statistically significant categories: age, grade, depth of myometrial invasion, disease extent at surgery including lymph node metastases, and pelvic cytology. Race, weight, and cell type were not significant prognostic factors. Evaluation of prognostic factors at surgery includes pelvic and para-aortic lymph node biopsies, omental biopsy, pelvic cytologic washings, and biopsy of any suspicious tissues. Patients with adverse prognostic factors are candidates for trials with adjuvant therapy.