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Updated: Jun 23, 2025
An Orthotopic Endometrial Cancer Model with Retroperitoneal Lymphadenopathy Made From In Vivo Propagated and Cultured VX2 Cells
Published on: September 12, 2019
Landscape of Endometrial Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Target Therapy
Ioana-Stefania Bostan1, Mirela Mihaila2,3, Viviana Roman2
1Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011132 Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract:
Endometrial cancer is one the most prevalent gynecological cancers and, unfortunately, has a poor prognosis due to low response rates to traditional treatments. However, the progress in molecular biology and understanding the genetic mechanisms involved in tumor processes offers valuable information that has led to the current classification that describes four molecular subtypes of endometrial cancer. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancers, such as genetic mutations, defects in the DNA mismatch repair pathway, epigenetic changes, or dysregulation in angiogenic or hormonal signaling pathways. The preclinical genomic and molecular investigations presented allowed for the identification of some molecules that could be used as biomarkers to diagnose, predict, and monitor the progression of endometrial cancer. Besides the therapies known in clinical practice, targeted therapy is described as a new cancer treatment that involves identifying specific molecular targets in tumor cells. By selectively inhibiting these targets, key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression can be disrupted while normal cells are protected. The connection between molecular biomarkers and targeted therapy is vital in the fight against cancer. Ongoing research and clinical trials are exploring the use of standard therapy agents in combination with other treatment strategies like immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis therapy to improve outcomes and personalize treatment for patients with endometrial cancer. This approach has the potential to transform the management of cancer patients. In conclusion, enhancing molecular tools is essential for stratifying the risk and guiding surgery, adjuvant therapy, and cancer treatment for women with endometrial cancer. In addition, the information from this review may have an essential value in the personalized therapy approach for endometrial cancer to improve the patient's life.
Insights
Molecular insights into endometrial cancer reveal four subtypes, driving personalized treatments. Biomarkers and targeted therapies offer new hope for improved patient outcomes and risk stratification.
Area of Science:
- Gynecological Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Genomics
Background:
- Endometrial cancer has a poor prognosis due to limited treatment response.
- Molecular biology advances have identified four distinct molecular subtypes of endometrial cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms driving endometrial cancer pathogenesis.
- To highlight the role of molecular biomarkers in diagnosis and monitoring.
- To discuss targeted therapy as a novel treatment strategy.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical genomic and molecular investigations.
- Analysis of genetic mutations, DNA repair defects, epigenetic changes, and signaling pathway dysregulation.
- Exploration of molecular biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring.
Main Results:
- Identification of key molecular mechanisms in endometrial cancer development.
- Discovery of potential molecular biomarkers for clinical application.
- Description of targeted therapy's potential to disrupt cancer progression pathways.
Conclusions:
- Molecular tools are crucial for risk stratification and guiding treatment decisions.
- Personalized therapy approaches, combining targeted, immunotherapy, and anti-angiogenesis strategies, can improve patient outcomes.
- Further research is essential to refine personalized treatment for endometrial cancer.
