Stage distribution and prognostic accuracy of the 2023 FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics) staging system for endometrial cancer: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the stage distribution and stage‐related disease‐specific survival rates for endometrial cancer using the FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics) 2009 and 2023 staging systems. Further, we sought to evaluate the prognostic utility of additional covariates beyond the FIGO 2023 stage.MethodsEndometrial carcinomas were molecularly classified by the Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer and staged according to FIGO 2009 and 2023 criteria. Disease‐specific survival was calculated as the time from surgery to death from endometrial cancer.ResultsData from 604 patients were analyzed. Median follow‐up time was 81 months. A total of 118 stage shifts (19.5%) occurred between the FIGO 2009 and FIGO 2023 systems, with upshifts accounting for 107 (90.7%) of these changes. Within the FIGO 2023 system, molecular classification resulted in restaging of 69 patients (11.4%). Shifts that could alter adjuvant therapy decisions were identified in 23 patients (3.8%). The FIGO 2023 system effectively categorized endometrial cancers into prognostic subgroups. The FIGO 2023 stage, tumor size, positive peritoneal cytology, and mismatch repair deficiency were associated with disease‐specific survival in a multivariable analysis, whereas age and adjuvant therapy were not.ConclusionThe FIGO 2023 staging system for endometrial cancer appears highly prognostic. Prognostic assessment of the patients can be further enhanced by readily accessible covariates. A stage shift between the FIGO 2009 and 2023 systems occurs in about one‐fifth of patients. The implementation of molecular classification within the FIGO 2023 system bears implications for decisions regarding adjuvant therapy.