Molecular Classification of Endometrial Carcinoma: Insights From a Teaching Hospital

Endometrial carcinoma is a heterogeneous disease with distinct molecular subtypes that have varied prognosis and therapeutic implications. Since the development of molecular signatures of malignancy is prominent, we are trying to implement this development in our cases of previously diagnosed endometrial cancer. The aim was to determine the prevalence of specific molecular alterations and correlate the genetic profile with the pathologic features and clinical characteristics. We identified 100 cases of endometrial carcinoma, which were eventually classified using immunostains for mismatch repair (MMR) and p53 proteins, in addition to Sanger analysis for POLE gene (Ex, 9, 13, 14). Our findings showed a high prevalence of nonspecific molecular profile (NSMP) in 46 cases (46%), and MMR deficiency in 30 cases (30%). The worst prognosis was observed in the p53 mutant pattern expressed tumors. No statistical difference in pathologic characteristics was observed when the molecular classification was applied. Of note, mutual molecular grouping assignment appears to be present in 5 (5%) of cases of endometrial carcinoma. This is the first study conducted in Saudi Arabia that investigated the prevalence and implications of these molecular subtypes in endometrial carcinoma. The percentage of cases in our result is similar to what had been published globally.