Current and Emerging Prognostic Biomarkers in Endometrial Cancer

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in high income countries and its incidence is rising. Whilst most women with endometrial cancer are diagnosed with highly curable disease and have good outcomes, a significant minority present with adverse clinico-pathological characteristics that herald a poor prognosis. Prognostic biomarkers that reliably select those at greatest risk of disease recurrence and death can guide management strategies to ensure that patients receive appropriate evidence-based and personalised care. The Cancer Genome Atlas substantially advanced our understanding of the molecular diversity of endometrial cancer and informed the development of simplified, pragmatic and cost-effective classifiers with prognostic implications and potential for clinical translation. Several blood-based biomarkers including proteins, metabolites, circulating tumour cells, circulating tumour DNA and inflammatory parameters have also shown promise for endometrial cancer risk assessment. This review provides an update on the established and emerging prognostic biomarkers in endometrial cancer.