Uterine or endometrial cancer originates in the layers of cells in the uterus lining called the endometrium and involves uncontrolled or unregulated growth of cells to form cancerous tumours. Uterine cancer develops in the layers of cells that line the uterus. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium which is why this condition is also known as endometrial cancer. Uterine cancer is the most common genital cancer and fourth most common cause of cancer. Upto 3 million people are diagnosed with uterine or endometrial cancer every year.

Types of endometrial cancer 

There are two main types of cancer that form in the endometrium which are as follows:

Endometrial adenocarcinomas: This cancer originates in the secreting tissue and one of the most common types of cancer 

Uterine sarcomas: This is the less common form of carcinoma of the uterus and originates in the connective tissue or the muscles of the uterus. 

Endometrial cancer is often detected at an early stage and has a high cure and success rate. Good chances of improvement are seen if Endometrial cancer is detected before it spreads to the entire uterus. 

Causes of endormetrial cancer 

All cancers develop when an uncontrolled group of cells divide abnormally and multiplies in the body at a faster rate forming a tumour. As most of the cancer, doctors and researchers are unable to determine the main cause of endometrial cancer. There is some problem associated with the immune system where it is weakened thus affecting the body overall health causing weight loss and fever. There are some risk factors which are very important and likely contribute to endometrial cancer. They include: 

Obesity:Excess body fat spikes estrogen levels in women and correlates to high cancer risk. 

Never been pregnant: Women who have never given birth to any child for unexplained reasons are also likely and have higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Late menopause : Women who begin menopause after 55 years of age are at higher risk of endometrial cancer. This could be due to fluctuating levels of estrogens in women making them more prone to endometrial cancer.

Early puberty : Women who develop early menarche are at higher risk of having endometrial cancer and should take necessary precautions of fluctuating hormonal level. 

Hereditary :Women with genetics of endometrial cancer have increased chances of contracting endometrial cancer 

 Symptoms of endometrial cancer 

Diagnosis 

Treatment of endometrial cancer 

Treatment plans may differ from patient to patient and depends on the stage of cancer and here the patient wants to maintain fertility. 

FDA approves Immunotherapy for endometrial cancer with specific biomarker

On April 22, 2021, FDA approved the Jemprili, which works by targeting the cellular pathway. Jempreli helps the body’s immune system to help fight against the cancer cells by blocking the pathway. The safety and efficacy of Jempreli for endometrial cancer has been evaluated by FDA to expand its progress and treatment in precision medicines. 

A clinical trial was conducted for Jemprili on patients suffering from endometrial cancer. 71 patients with recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer received Jempreli showed complete or partial response with shrinkage of tumour which is effective in case of endometrial cancer patients. This immunotherapy is specifically targeted for endometrial cancer and leverages scientific knowledge surrounding the mechanism of immunotherapy response in this unmet medical need population.