Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in Europe. According to the European Cancer Information System (ECIS) [1], supported by the European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR) [2], there were approximately 125,000 new cases of endometrial cancer diagnosed across Europe in 2022, accounting for nearly 6% of all female cancers in the region.
The disease primarily affects postmenopausal women, with a median age at diagnosis of around 67 years. While early detection rates are relatively high, largely due to symptoms like postmenopausal bleeding, incidence rates have been gradually increasing - a trend largely attributed to rising obesity levels and aging populations, as noted by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). [3]
Understanding Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract in Europe, primarily affecting women after menopause. Its incidence has been rising steadily, making it a significant public health concern.
Histological Types of Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is typically categorized into two major types:
- Type I (Endometrioid adenocarcinoma): This is the more common and generally less aggressive form. It is estrogen-dependent and often linked to risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and unopposed estrogen exposure. Type I tumors tend to grow slowly and are usually detected at an early stage.
- Type II (Non-endometrioid cancers): These include serous, clear cell, and other rare histologies. Type II tumors are not associated with estrogen and are more likely to be high-grade, aggressive, and diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Clinical Staging and Its Impact on Treatment
Endometrial cancer is staged using the FIGO system, which helps guide treatment decisions:
- Stage I: Cancer is confined to the uterus.
- Stage II: The tumor has spread to the cervical stroma but remains within the uterus.
- Stage III: The disease has extended beyond the uterus, involving nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant organs such as the bladder, bowel, or lungs.
Staging plays a crucial role in determining the most appropriate treatment approach, with early-stage cancers often managed surgically, while advanced stages may require additional therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy to improve outcomes.
Standard Treatment for Endometrial Cancer
The treatment for uterine cancer is typically guided by the stage of the disease, ensuring a personalized and evidence-based approach. For stage 0 uterine cancer treatment, which involves precancerous changes limited to the inner lining of the uterus, hormonal therapy or minimally invasive surgical options may be considered, particularly for women wishing to preserve fertility.
In stage 1 uterine cancer treatment, especially stage 1a endometrial cancer treatment, the standard approach is surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). This not only ensures complete tumor excision but also allows for accurate pathological staging. For most patients with treatment for uterine cancer stage 1, minimally invasive techniques - such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery - are increasingly preferred due to their safety profile and quicker recovery.
Stage 2 uterine cancer treatment typically involves more extensive surgery, as the disease has spread to the cervix but remains within the uterus. Adjuvant therapies, including radiation and sometimes chemotherapy, may be added to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence.
In stage 3 uterine cancer treatment, where the disease has extended beyond the uterus to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic chemotherapy is often required. Radiation is used to control localized disease, while chemotherapy addresses potential distant spread. Treatment plans are carefully tailored based on histological subtype, tumor grade, and the patient’s overall health status.
Understanding the uterine cancer treatment options and following evidence-based endometrial cancer treatment guidelines allows clinicians to personalize care and select the most appropriate endometrial cancer treatment by stage, ensuring optimal outcomes with minimal side effects.
Innovative Advances in Uterine Cancer Treatment
While surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy remain essential components of uterine cancer treatment, modern advances have introduced highly effective therapies that significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects. Among these, dendritic cell therapy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have demonstrated proven success in targeting uterine cancer more precisely and aggressively.
Alongside these, interventional radiology techniques are rapidly becoming indispensable tools, offering minimally invasive yet powerful treatment options. Together, these innovative methods represent the future of uterine cancer care - delivering superior results with personalized approaches tailored to each patient’s needs.
Dendritic Cell Therapy: Harnessing the Body’s Immune System
Dendritic cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy that leverages the body’s natural defense mechanisms to fight cancer. Dendritic cells act as powerful antigen-presenting cells, meaning they capture, process, and present tumor antigens to T-cells, thereby initiating a robust immune response targeted specifically against cancer cells.
This approach is based on the groundbreaking discovery of dendritic cells by Ralph M. Steinman, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2011 [4] for revealing their critical role in the immune system. Thanks to decades of research since that discovery, dendritic cell-based therapies have become a promising strategy in cancer treatment, including uterine cancer. These therapies aim to "train" the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively, offering a more targeted and personalized treatment option with potentially fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
In uterine cancer treatment, dendritic cell therapy stands out as a highly effective and personalized approach, especially for patients with advanced or recurrent disease who have limited options with conventional therapies. This cutting-edge method involves isolating the patient’s own dendritic cells, programming them with tumor-specific antigens, and reintroducing them to activate a powerful, targeted immune response against cancer. Clinical evidence already demonstrates that dendritic cell therapy not only significantly improves tumor control but also reduces harmful side effects commonly seen with traditional treatments. Its ability to precisely harness the immune system makes it a game-changing solution for those seeking the best possible outcomes.
HIPEC: Targeted Chemotherapy Under Heat
This advanced endometrial cancer treatment is designed for cancers that have spread within the abdominal cavity, including advanced cases with metastases. It combines surgical removal of all visible tumors with the delivery of heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen.
The hyperthermia component (typically at 41-43°C) enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy in several ways. [5] Heat increases the permeability of cancer cell membranes, allowing deeper penetration of chemotherapeutic agents. It also disrupts cancer cell repair mechanisms and increases the cytotoxicity of certain drugs. Importantly, delivering chemotherapy locally enables much higher drug concentrations at the tumor site while reducing systemic exposure and associated side effects.
Typically performed immediately after surgery, this approach targets any remaining microscopic cancer cells, improving overall survival rates and reducing the risk of recurrence for carefully selected patients.
With proven results, this endometrial uterine cancer treatment is becoming an essential option for patients facing advanced abdominal cancers. While patient evaluation is necessary to ensure safety and success, ongoing advances continue to expand its accessibility and effectiveness.
For a deeper understanding of how this therapy is transforming cancer care, you can watch an expert interview discussing current applications and outcomes.
Leading German Surgeon Dr. Lipp Reveals the Power of HIPEC in Cancer Treatment
Interventional Radiology in the Treatment of Uterine Cancer
Interventional radiology offers an innovative, organ-preserving approach to endometrial cancer treatment, particularly in advanced, recurrent, or inoperable cases. These minimally invasive techniques are performed under image guidance and allow doctors to directly target tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. This is especially valuable for patients who are not candidates for surgery or who require a combination of local and systemic therapy.
The following interventional methods are successfully used in clinical practice to manage uterine cancer and its metastases.
Targeted Attack on Tumors: How TACE and TACP Deliver Chemotherapy from Within
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), also referred to as chemoablation, is a minimally invasive procedure increasingly integrated into modern endometrial uterine cancer treatment - especially for patients with pelvic or metastatic lesions resistant to systemic therapies. While it was initially developed for liver tumors, TACE has demonstrated promising results in gynecologic oncology, including cases of advanced or recurrent uterine cancer with metastases to the pelvis, lymph nodes, or liver.
The TACE procedure consists of two key steps. First, an interventional radiologist navigates a microcatheter through the femoral or radial artery to reach the tumor’s blood supply. Once positioned, a high concentration of chemotherapy is infused directly into the artery feeding the tumor. This is immediately followed by the injection of embolic agents, which block arterial blood flow, effectively trapping the drug within the tumor microenvironment. This combination both delivers a potent localized chemotherapeutic effect and deprives the tumor of oxygen and nutrients, leading to necrosis.
A related but distinct technique - Transarterial Chemoperfusion (TACP) - offers a complementary strategy in oncologic interventions. Unlike TACE, TACP does not include embolization. Instead, it relies on high-flow infusion of chemotherapy agents directly into the tumor vasculature without blocking circulation. This method allows for broader drug penetration in tumors with diffuse or infiltrative vascular patterns, which are often found in advanced pelvic disease.
Recent data further supports the clinical benefit of these techniques. A comparative analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in tumor size following treatment. When evaluated according to standardized radiologic response criteria, TACE and TACP yielded a favorable distribution of complete and partial responses. Additionally, survival analysis for the entire treated cohort revealed a median overall survival of 16.15 months, underscoring its potential to contribute meaningfully to disease control and patient outcomes in advanced stages. [6]
| Patient Group | Number of Patients | Median TV at Baseline (cm³) | 3-Month Follow-Up | 6-Month Follow-Up | 9-Month Follow-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | 46 | 117 | 98.48 | - | - |
| Group 2 | 19 | 117.27 | 77.99 | 68.78 | - |
| Group 3 | 10 | 103.4 | 86 | 80.87 | 119.71 |
*Therapy response and survival among patients with gynecologic tumors treated with transarterial chemoperfusion and transarterial chemoembolization [6]
Tumor response evaluation for different therapy protocols
| Tumor Response | TACP (n, %) | TACE (n, %) | TACP + TACE (n, %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable disease | 23 (70) | 10 (50) | 18 (82) |
| Partial response | 6 (18) | 3 (15) | - |
| Complete response | 1 (3) | 1 (5) | - |
| Progressive disease | 3 (9) | 6 (30) | 4 (18) |
| Therapy responders | 30 (91) | 14 (70) | 18 (82) |
*Therapy response and survival among patients with gynecologic tumors treated with transarterial chemoperfusion and transarterial chemoembolization [6]
Radioablation (Radiofrequency Ablation)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses thermal energy to destroy cancerous tissue. A needle electrode is inserted directly into the tumor under imaging guidance, and high-frequency electrical currents generate heat to induce tumor necrosis.
In uterine cancer, RFA can be used to treat local recurrences or metastatic lesions in the pelvic region, lymph nodes, lungs, or liver. It offers a high degree of precision, spares surrounding organs, and is particularly useful for patients who cannot undergo further surgery or radiation. The procedure is performed with minimal discomfort and often on an outpatient basis.
RFA helps reduce tumor burden, alleviate pain, and delay disease progression, contributing to better overall quality of life.
Cryoablation for Uterine Cancer
Cryoablation destroys tumor cells through extreme cold. Using imaging guidance, a probe is placed into the tumor, where it releases freezing gas to create an "ice ball" that disrupts cellular structures and cuts off the tumor's blood supply.
This technique is highly effective for treating metastatic or recurrent uterine cancer in soft tissues, lymph nodes, or bones. It offers the advantage of clear visualization during the procedure and can be precisely tailored to tumor size and location.
Cryoablation is typically performed under local anesthesia and causes minimal tissue damage outside the target area. It is associated with rapid recovery, excellent symptom control, and the potential for repeat treatments if needed.
Thermoablation (Microwave Ablation)
Microwave ablation (MWA) is a form of thermoablation that uses electromagnetic energy to heat and destroy tumor tissue. Compared to RFA, MWA can generate higher temperatures and treat larger tumors more efficiently.
In the treatment of endometrial cancer, MWA is considered when dealing with metastatic lesions in organs such as the liver or lungs, or for controlling pelvic recurrence. It can also be used when surgery is not possible or would be too invasive.
MWA is fast, precise, and safe, with excellent local tumor control and minimal impact on healthy tissue. It is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside systemic therapy.
| Therapy Type | 2-Year Survival Rate | Response Rate | Duration | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Treatments | ~55-70% for early stages ~30% for advanced stages | ~40-60% | Several weeks to months | Moderate to severe (fatigue, nausea, infertility, bowel/bladder issues) |
| Innovative Methods | ~60-75% in select advanced/refractory cases | 45-65% | Up to 4 sessions | Mild (fever, localized inflammation, flu-like symptoms) |
*Based on Booking Health clinical data and published outcomes. Actual results may vary depending on patient condition and treatment protocol.
A Supportive Path Abroad: Suzanne’s Journey Through Advanced Uterine Cancer Treatment with Booking Health
When Suzanne Lynne O’Donoghue from the United Kingdom was diagnosed with advanced endometrial cancer, the search for effective treatment outside her home country brought more questions than answers. Faced with the challenges of medical travel and the complexity of organizing care abroad, Suzanne turned to Booking Health - a decision that brought clarity, support, and timely access to one of Germany’s leading clinics for womb cancer treatment.
Booking Health arranged her treatment program in Frankfurt, ensuring she received expert care for endometrial (uterine) cancer at a reputable hospital. From the first contact, Suzanne felt supported by a team that understood both the medical and emotional weight of her situation. Every logistical detail - from appointments to interpretation - was seamlessly handled by Booking Health.
A key figure in Suzanne’s experience was Afsaneh, her personal patient coordinator. "She made the whole day go smoothly and helped us with everything so that the treatment was very easy and went well," Suzanne shared. While many of the doctors spoke English fluently, it was Afsaneh who ensured that Suzanne and her family fully understood every medical term, every step of the treatment for uterine cancer, and every part of the process.
Thanks to Booking Health’s professional guidance and Afsaneh’s dedicated support, Suzanne was able to focus on what mattered most - her recovery. Her journey is a powerful example of how a trusted coordination partner can transform cancer care abroad from something overwhelming into something manageable and hopeful.
Whether it's womb cancer treatment or another complex diagnosis, patients like Suzanne show that with the right help, accessing advanced care across borders is not only possible - it can be life-changing.
There Is a Way Forward – Even in Advanced Cases
A diagnosis of advanced or recurrent uterine cancer often brings overwhelming emotions and difficult decisions. For patients facing late-stage disease, including those in need of stage 4 uterine cancer treatment, concerns about prognosis, potential recurrence, and limited treatment options can feel paralyzing. However, advanced does not mean untreatable.
Booking Health provides access to leading European oncology centers that specialize in the best treatment for uterine cancer, including rare and complex cases. Depending on the individual clinical picture, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or innovative techniques such as interventional radiology - all combined in a personalized program designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Each case is carefully reviewed to develop a tailored strategy, taking into account the patient’s health status, prior therapies, and tumor characteristics. This level of personalization is crucial in advanced stages, where standardized approaches may no longer be effective.
Booking Health ensures that every aspect of medical travel is managed professionally: from selecting the right clinic and medical team to organizing documentation, interpretation, and accommodation. This comprehensive coordination allows patients to focus entirely on their health, without the burden of complex international logistics.
For those navigating the challenges of advanced uterine cancer, Booking Health offers not only access to cutting-edge therapies but also a clear and structured path forward, built on medical precision and patient-centered care.
A Medical Journey: Every Step of the Way With Booking Health
Finding the best treatment strategy for your clinical situation is a challenging task. Being already exhausted from multiple treatment sessions, having consulted numerous specialists, and having tried various therapeutic interventions, you may be lost in all the information given by the doctors. In such a situation, it is easy to choose a first-hand option or to follow standardized therapeutic protocols with a long list of adverse effects instead of selecting highly-specialized innovative treatment options.
To make an informed choice and get a personalized cancer management plan, which will be tailored to your specific clinical situation, consult medical experts at Booking Health. Being at the forefront of offering the latest medical innovations for already 12 years, Booking Health possesses solid expertise in creating complex cancer management programs in each individual case. As a reputable company, Booking Health offers personalized uterine cancer treatment plans with direct clinic booking and full support at every stage, from organizational processes to assistance during treatment. We provide:
- Assessment and analysis of medical reports
- Development of the medical care program
- Selection of a suitable treatment location
- Preparation of medical documents and forwarding to a suitable clinic
- Preparatory consultations with clinicians for the development of medical care programs
- Expert advice during the hospital stay
- Follow-up care after the patient returns to their native country after completing the medical care program
- Taking care of formalities as part of the preparation for the medical care program
- Coordination and organization of the patient's stay in a foreign country
- Assistance with visas and tickets
- A personal coordinator and interpreter with 24/7 support
- Transparent budgeting with no hidden costs
Health is an invaluable aspect of our lives. Delegating management of something so fragile yet precious should be done only to experts with proven experience and a reputation. Booking Health is a trustworthy partner who assists you on the way of pursuing stronger health and a better quality of life. Contact our medical consultant to learn more about the possibilities of personalized treatment with innovative methods for uterine cancer with leading specialists in this field.
Modern Cancer Treatment: Patient Journeys with Booking Health
FAQ: Understanding Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer and Its Treatment
Send request for treatmentThe most effective treatment depends on the stage, tumor type, and overall health. Early carcinoma is often treated with surgery (usually a hysterectomy). Advanced cases may require chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Diagnosis in gynecology typically begins with bleeding evaluation, pelvic exam, and imaging. A biopsy of the uterine lining confirms if the tissue is malignant. Staging involves scans to detect metastasis, guiding the oncologist in forming an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment may include surgery (including robotic or laparoscopic), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. A multidisciplinary tumor board reviews each case to create an individualized oncology care plan based on tumor type and stage.
Surgery, typically a hysterectomy, is the main treatment for most endometrial cancers. However, non-surgical options like hormone therapy or radiotherapy may be used when surgery isn’t possible due to health issues or fertility preservation goals.
A hysterectomy is a surgical removal of the uterus. It’s often the first-line treatment for uterine cancer, especially in early-stage disease. It may be done using laparoscopic or robotic techniques and sometimes includes removal of the cervix and ovaries.
Yes, in select early endometrial cancers, especially in younger patients wishing to preserve fertility, hormone therapy may be used. However, long-term success depends on tumor behavior and must be closely monitored by a specialist in oncology care.
Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, nausea, hair loss, low blood counts, and increased infection risk. It targets cancerous cells, including any spread beyond the uterus, and may be used after surgery to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill malignant cells in the uterus, pelvic area, or nearby lymph nodes. It may be used after surgery or when surgery isn’t possible. Techniques include external beams or internal (brachytherapy), guided by the tumor's stage.
Recurrence risk depends on tumor grade, stage, and initial treatment plan. Regular screening and follow-up are essential. Some high-risk types, like papillary or serous carcinoma, may require more aggressive oncology strategies to improve prognosis.
Yes, immunotherapy is an emerging option, particularly for advanced or recurrent uterine cancer with specific genetic markers. It works by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancerous cells and is often part of modern oncology care plans.
Pregnancy may still be possible in some early endometrial cancer cases treated conservatively with hormone therapy. However, standard treatment usually includes hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, ending natural fertility. Fertility-sparing care must be managed by an oncologist.
New treatments for endometrial cancer include dendritic cell therapy, HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy), and TACE (transarterial chemoembolization). These methods aim to lower recurrence and improve survival rates.
Hormone therapy is used for endometrial cancers that are hormone-sensitive, particularly in early stages or in patients wishing to preserve fertility. It slows tumor growth by affecting uterine lining cells and may be used alone or with other oncology care strategies.
The cost varies by country, treatment plan, hospital, and required therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Booking Health helps international patients find cost-effective options for high-quality oncology care, including second opinions and full medical coordination.
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Bohdan Mykhalniuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
[1] European Cancer Information System (ECIS). Cancer burden in EU-27 countries. 2022. https://ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu
[2] European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR). https://encr.eu
[3] European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Endometrial cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)01207-8/fulltext
[4] The Nobel Prize. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2011 – Ralph M. Steinman. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2011/steinman/facts
[5] MDPI. The Role of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Uterine Cancer Therapy. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/15/12353
[6] MDPI. Therapy Response and Survival among Patients with Gynecologic Tumors Treated with Transarterial Chemoperfusion and Transarterial Chemoembolization. https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/60/10/1585
Read:
4 Stage Uterine Cancer: Treatment Options for Stage 4 Endometrial Cancer
Не знаете, с чего начать?
Свяжитесь с Booking Health
