**July 2026** --- July's research kept circling back to one idea: a tumor's molecular "type" is now shaping nearly every decision in endometrial cancer: how the cancer is staged, which surgery is chosen, whether immunotherapy is used, and even whether an inherited cancer syndrome comes to light. Alongside that thread, the month brought a more precise updated staging system, further evidence for less-invasive surgery and smarter lymph node checks, an expanding role for immunotherapy in advanced disease, and a growing focus on weight, metabolic health, and life after treatment. Uterine sarcomas, which are rare, aggressive tumors, also got useful real-world data to guide a setting where high-quality evidence is scarce. Taken together, it was a substantial month, weighted toward precision medicine and toward making standard treatments gentler without giving up on thorough care. *The papers highlighted here represent a selection of those published during the month. The papers were selected and summarized by AI. Accuracy of the summaries was confirmed by a scientist.* This digest incorporates only open-access research articles that are free to be read by the entire community and that are explicitly licensed to be shared and reused. --- **Knowing your tumor's molecular type is reshaping care** Endometrial cancers are increasingly sorted into four molecular groups: *POLE*-mutated (a gene change linked to very good outcomes), MMR-deficient (mismatch repair-deficient, meaning the cell's spell-checker for DNA is broken, which can make a tumor more responsive to immunotherapy), p53-abnormal (a more aggressive group), and NSMP ("no specific molecular profile," the large catch-all group). This month's research pushes that testing earlier and asks it to do more. - For people facing a new diagnosis, the molecular type can likely be pinned down from the first office biopsy, before any surgery. In a prospective study of 50 consecutive patients, molecular classification, tumor type, and risk group from the pre-operative biopsy matched the final surgical specimen very closely (agreement was near-perfect overall, and *POLE*-mutated results agreed perfectly), meaning the right surgery can be planned from the start. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2026.37.e67)) - Hormone-receptor status may sharpen the outlook within the hardest-to-predict group. Among 388 patients, tumors "co-positive" for both estrogen and progesterone receptors (proteins that signal a hormone-driven, generally less aggressive tumor) had much better disease-specific survival, and the benefit was clearest in the NSMP group, which otherwise lacks a defining marker. This was a retrospective study, so it points the way rather than settling the question. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2026.37.e61)) - Molecular testing can also uncover an inherited condition. When 188 tumors were routinely classified, the MMR-deficient results led to a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome (an inherited syndrome that raises the risk of several cancers) in seven people. Notably, only 41 of 68 eligible patients accepted genetic counseling, a reminder that testing helps only when the follow-up happens. A question worth asking: "Does my tumor's molecular result mean I should see a genetic counselor?" ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17070801)) *Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.* --- **Staging is getting more precise and more personal** How a cancer is "staged" (a I-to-IV measure of how far it has spread) increasingly folds in molecular findings and aggressive tumor features, not just anatomy. - The updated FIGO 2023 staging system predicted survival more accurately than the older 2009 version. In a 640-patient cohort, reclassifying early tumors by molecular subtype separated groups with strikingly different outcomes (5-year survival of 100% for the favorable *POLE*-mutated tumors versus about 75% for others), and the newer system fit the data better overall. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2026.37.e76)) - A larger multicenter study of 1,181 patients found that "aggressive" tumor subtypes carry a substantially worse outlook, with a median survival of roughly 36 versus 60 months, and argues these should weigh more heavily when staging. Diabetes, deep muscle invasion, and lymphovascular invasion (cancer cells found in small vessels) also independently predicted worse outcomes. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14030414)) - For stage III disease, adding pelvic radiation to chemotherapy sharply reduced the chance of the cancer returning in the pelvis (about 2% versus 18% at five years). Overall, progression-free survival was similar between the two approaches except in higher-risk patients (grade 3 or non-endometrioid tumors, lymphovascular invasion, or cervical involvement), where combined treatment helped, suggesting radiation is best targeted to those who need local control most. This was a matched retrospective comparison of 118 patients. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2026.37.e77)) *Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.* --- **Surgery is becoming less invasive, and node checks smarter** Minimally invasive surgery and sentinel lymph node mapping (checking the one or two "first drainage" nodes instead of removing many) continue to replace bigger operations. - Pooling eight randomized trials (647 patients), robotic surgery was far less likely than standard laparoscopy to require conversion to an open operation (under 1% versus about 8%) and shortened hospital stays compared with open surgery, with most other outcomes broadly similar. Direct costs were higher for robotics. Because this pools randomized trials, it is among the stronger evidence, though the trials reported outcomes inconsistently. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11701-026-03625-w)) - Real-world practice is following suit. Across six German university hospitals (644 patients), sentinel node procedures grew to about 61% of all nodal staging while full lymph node dissection fell from 30% in 2018 to 18% in 2022, which is a clear move toward less radical surgery in step with guidelines. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-026-08514-z)) - For people with morbid obesity, where thorough staging has historically been harder and sometimes skipped, robotic surgery with sentinel node biopsy achieved guideline-compliant nodal staging in 87% of cases, with complication rates no different from lower-weight patients. A higher BMI was still linked to worse overall survival, underscoring why complete staging matters. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11701-026-03700-2)) *Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.* --- **Immunotherapy keeps expanding in advanced and recurrent disease** Checkpoint inhibitors (drugs such as pembrolizumab and dostarlimab that release the "brakes", the PD-1 pathway, on immune cells so they can attack cancer) are now part of first-line care for many people, especially those with MMR-deficient tumors. Two reviews this month map where things stand. - One overview describes how, in endometrial cancer, mismatch-repair status now drives treatment: PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is built into first-line chemotherapy-plus-immunotherapy and into recurrent-disease care, while newer antibody-drug conjugates (targeted drugs that ferry chemotherapy directly to cancer cells carrying markers like HER2 or TROP-2) are emerging as the next wave. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142342)) - A companion review is candid about the limits: even in MMR-deficient/MSI-high tumors, where immunotherapy works best, some cancers resist, and the markers that predict response in other cancers (such as tumor mutational burden or PD-L1 levels) don't reliably do so here. Better tools to predict who benefits remain an unmet need. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.37349/etat.2026.1002381)) *Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.* --- **Fertility-sparing options, weight, and metabolic health** For younger patients hoping to preserve fertility, and given how central body weight is to this disease, July's research ties together weight, metabolism, and treatment response. - Among 53 patients pursuing fertility-sparing treatment, a structured lifestyle program (diet, exercise, and support) produced the most durable weight maintenance and the highest complete tumor remission rate at two years (85%), ahead of semaglutide, a GLP-1 weight-loss medication (74%), and sleeve gastrectomy, a weight-loss surgery (60%) even though the surgery produced the fastest early weight loss. This was a small observational study, but it suggests sustained lifestyle support may matter more than rapid loss. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.1080/01443615.2026.2701996)) - A population analysis projects that endometrial cancer deaths linked to high body weight in China will keep climbing through 2035, reinforcing obesity as a modifiable driver of the disease and a target for prevention. This is a modeling study of national trends. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2026.37.e64)) - A review explains how molecular type is entering fertility-sparing decisions: *POLE*-mutated tumors often respond well to progestin (hormone) therapy, while MMR-deficient tumors recur more often and may call for adding immunotherapy. This is an early concept rather than settled practice. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2026.1853596)) *Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.* --- **Living well during and after treatment** How daily life looks after treatment is finally getting measured directly. - Reassuringly, six months after surgery, with or without radiation, bladder function and quality of life stayed stable in a prospective study of 101 patients, with no meaningful decline and no cases of radiation-related bladder inflammation. It is a short-term look, so longer follow-up is still needed. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-025-06503-5)) - Follow-up care may not need to look the same for everyone. Newly operated patients were far more open to alternatives to traditional hospital visits (only about half preferred physician-led hospital follow-up, versus 83% of those already in a standard program), with similar overall quality of life, supporting more flexible, patient-chosen follow-up plans. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.2340/1651-226X.2026.45981)) *Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.* --- **Uterine sarcomas: rare tumors, sharper strategies** Uterine sarcomas (uncommon, aggressive cancers of the muscle or connective tissue of the uterus) have a thinner evidence base, so real-world data carries extra weight. - For advanced leiomyosarcoma (a sarcoma of the uterine smooth muscle), the choice between the two most common first-line chemotherapies (doxorubicin-based versus gemcitabine-based) did not change survival in a 217-patient real-world study — so the authors suggest choosing based on side effects, convenience, and quality of life. Uterine leiomyosarcoma fared worse than sarcomas arising elsewhere (median survival about 13 versus 23 months). ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.72080)) - In a population-based study of 618 patients, minimally invasive surgery gave survival comparable to open surgery for early-stage uterine sarcoma, and adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with better survival — overall or specifically in leiomyosarcoma. Registry data like this helps set realistic expectations for a rare cancer. ([Read the full paper](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-026-16136-6)) *Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.* --- **Epidemiology, access, and health disparities** These studies look at who develops endometrial cancer, who reaches timely genetic testing and specialty care, and how neighborhood and social factors shape outcomes. The research this month on these questions is on-topic but published under access restrictions, so it is listed here by citation. *Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.* --- **General and basic-science research** Laboratory models, imaging-technique reports, diagnostic-yield studies, and conference summaries round out the month. These inform the field without changing day-to-day care yet, and are grouped here so nothing is left out. *Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.* --- **What Does This Mean for Me?** **Should I ask about molecular testing of my tumor?** Across this month's research, one message stands out: the molecular type of an endometrial cancer (the *POLE*, mismatch-repair/MMR, p53, and NSMP groups) increasingly shapes prognosis, surgery, immunotherapy, and fertility-sparing choices and can even reveal an inherited syndrome such as Lynch syndrome. It can often be determined from the initial biopsy. A good question for your care team: "What is my tumor's molecular type, and how should it affect my treatment plan?" **What can I do about my weight and metabolic health?** Body weight is tightly linked to endometrial cancer, and this month's data suggest it may also affect how well fertility-sparing treatment works, with sustained, structured lifestyle support showing durable benefit. If weight is part of your picture, consider asking: "Is a structured weight and metabolic health program right for me, alongside my cancer treatment?" **Will my surgery be as extensive as I fear?** The clear trend is toward less: minimally invasive or robotic surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy (checking one or two key nodes) rather than removing many, including for people with a higher BMI. It is reasonable to ask: "Am I a candidate for minimally invasive surgery and a sentinel lymph node biopsy?" *This digest is prepared by OCRA (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance) for patients, caregivers, and advocates. It is intended to inform, not to guide individual treatment decisions. Please speak with your care team about what research findings may mean for your specific situation.* --- **Sources** *Citations are grouped by the topic sections above. Within each section, the papers directly referenced in the digest are listed first, followed by additional on-topic papers published this month that are either not discussed above or are behind access restrictions.* **Knowing your tumor's molecular type is reshaping care** ***Directly referenced:*** 1. Spagnol G, et al. "Validation of molecular classification on diagnostic biopsy in endometrial carcinoma: the first step for a tailored approach." *J Gynecol Oncol.* February 9, 2026. PMID 41796991. 2. Han R, et al. "Combined ER/PR co-positivity enhances prognostic stratification within molecular subtypes of endometrial cancer." *J Gynecol Oncol.* January 26, 2026. PMID 41684164. 3. Libera L, et al. "From Molecular Classification to Hereditary Cancer Syndrome Identification in Endometrial Cancer." *Genes (Basel).* July 14, 2026. PMID 42510841. ***Additional citations on related topics:*** 4. Xu H, et al. "Development and validation of a blood biomarker risk prediction model for postmenopausal endometrioid endometrial cancer." *Front Endocrinol (Lausanne).* July 3, 2026. PMID 42490874. *(open access — blood-biomarker risk model for postmenopausal endometrioid EC)* 5. Zhong L, et al. "From integrative diagnostics to personalised management: a framework combining molecular and spatial immune profiling in NSMP endometrial carcinoma." *Front Immunol.* July 21, 2026. PMID 42553279. *(open access — framework combining molecular and immune profiling in NSMP tumors)* 6. Ouh YT, et al. "Diagnostic accuracy of the droplet digital PCR POLE mutation test in endometrial cancer: comparison with Sanger sequencing and NGS." *J Gynecol Oncol.* March 18, 2026. PMID 41906781. *(open access — rapid ddPCR test for POLE mutations)* 7. Dofutsu K, et al. "Assessing Preoperative Grading Discrepancies in Endometrial Cancer: Impact of Biopsy Method and Clinical Risk Factors." *J Obstet Gynaecol Res.* July 2026. PMID 42419725. *(subscription access)* 8. Coiner BL, et al. "CTNNB1-Mutant High-Grade Endometrial Carcinoma: Clinical Outcome and Prevalence of Pilomatrix-Like and Corded Hyalinized Morphologies in an Institutional Case-Control Series." *Mod Pathol.* May 12, 2026. PMID 42128053. *(subscription access)* 9. LaBuda SE, et al. "Characterizing the Discordance between AT-Rich Interacting Domain 1A Protein and Genotype in Endometrioid-Type Endometrial Tumors." *Am J Pathol.* May 7, 2026. PMID 42106147. *(subscription access)* 10. Carvalho SN, et al. "Clinical relevance of homologous recombination repair gene alterations in endometrial cancer patients in the era of molecular classification." *Gynecol Oncol.* June 4, 2026. PMID 42242176. *(subscription access)* 11. Gonzalez-Bosquet J, et al. "Clinical relevance of transcriptome profiling for assessing prognosis, platinum insensitivity, and precision therapeutics in endometrial cancer." *Gynecol Oncol.* June 2, 2026. PMID 42229042. *(subscription access)* 12. Huvila J, et al. "Coexistent Endometrial and Ovarian Carcinoma: Terminology, Clinicopathological Features, and Clinical Significance." *Int J Gynecol Pathol.* April 21, 2026. PMID 42011770. *(subscription access)* 13. Qi L, et al. "Current progression of progesterone receptor and androgen receptor in endometrial cancer." *Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer.* March 19, 2026. PMID 41864550. *(subscription access)* 14. Jumaah AS, et al. "Deciphering survival disparities in endometrial cancer: a focus on mismatch repair pathway integrity (systematic review and meta-analysis)." *Clin Transl Oncol.* July 20, 2026. PMID 42474655. *(subscription access)* 15. Wang L, et al. "Diagnostic Accuracy of MiRNA Panels for Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." *J Low Genit Tract Dis.* July 1, 2026. PMID 42335363. *(subscription access)* 16. Cantillo E, et al. "Endometrial Cancer by ERBB2 Amplification (ERBB2amp) Status: Differences in Molecular Subtypes, Ancestry, and Real-World Outcomes." *JCO Precis Oncol.* July 10, 2026. PMID 42430697. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 17. Means AM, et al. "Endometrioid Intraepithelial Neoplasia in the Secretory Phase: Morphologic and Biomarker Diagnostic Features in a Common, Overlooked Setting." *Am J Surg Pathol.* April 13, 2026. PMID 41973882. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 18. Zeidel A, et al. "Glandular Crowding of the Endometrium: Clinical Outcomes of a Diagnostic Gray Zone." *Int J Gynecol Pathol.* February 16, 2026. PMID 41744297. *(subscription access)* 19. Zhong S, et al. "Heterogeneity characterization and therapeutic marker discovery of endometrial carcinoma using GeoMXT™ digital spatial profiling." *J Transl Med.* July 15, 2026. PMID 42458520. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 20. Borden LE, et al. "MLH1 promoter hypermethylation and associations with survival outcomes: A real-world endometrial cancer molecularly targeted therapy consortium cohort study." *Gynecol Oncol.* July 17, 2026. PMID 42468445. *(subscription access)* 21. Chen Y, et al. "Molecular Testing in Primary Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis." *JCO Precis Oncol.* July 6, 2026. PMID 42407008. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 22. Kuroki LM, et al. "Molecular classification and association with survival outcomes in high-intermediate and high-risk early-stage endometrial cancers: Ancillary analysis of GOG-0249." *Gynecol Oncol.* May 26, 2026. PMID 42190623. *(subscription access)* 23. Bahmad HF, et al. "PRAME Immunohistochemical Expression as a Diagnostic Tool to Distinguish Between Endocervical and Endometrial Adenocarcinomas." *Int J Gynecol Pathol.* March 31, 2026. PMID 41915930. *(subscription access)* 24. Arman Karakaya Y, et al. "Prognostic and Clinicopathological Evaluation of NOTCH-1 Expression in Endometrial Carcinoma." *Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol.* February 4, 2026. PMID 41634899. *(subscription access)* 25. Bhardwaj S, et al. "The current molecular landscape of endometrial and ovarian carcinomas: insights and practical updates." *Semin Diagn Pathol.* July 1, 2026. PMID 42442082. *(subscription access)* 26. Olaitan A, et al. "Transforming endometrial cancer diagnosis: the case for molecular triage in abnormal uterine and post-menopausal bleeding." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* May 19, 2026. PMID 42284981. *(subscription access)* 27. , et al. "\[Experts consensus on the clinical application of gene methylation screening technology for endometrial cancer(2026 edition)\]." *Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi.* July 21, 2026. PMID 42477940. *(subscription access)* **Staging is getting more precise and more personal** ***Directly referenced:*** 28. Zhao X, et al. "Clinical application value of the updated FIGO 2023 classification compared with FIGO 2009 for endometrial cancer staging in a Chinese cohort." *J Gynecol Oncol.* February 11, 2026. PMID 41775255. 29. Cuesta-Guardiola T, et al. "Improved Prognostic Staging in Endometrial Cancer: Clinical Impact of Aggressive Subtypes in a Multicenter Cohort." *Med Sci (Basel).* July 22, 2026. PMID 42506383. 30. Khemworapong K, et al. "Comparative outcomes of adjuvant chemotherapy alone versus combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy in patients with stage III endometrial cancer: a propensity score matching study." *J Gynecol Oncol.* February 11, 2026. PMID 41796995. ***Additional citations on related topics:*** 31. Loukovaara M, et al. "Evaluation of the new European risk classification for endometrial carcinoma: a cohort study." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* January 9, 2026. PMID 41620342. *(subscription access)* 32. McGunigal M, et al. "Executive Summary of the American Radium Society (ARS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for Management of Locally Advanced Endometrial Cancer." *Pract Radiat Oncol.* January 16, 2026. PMID 41548804. *(subscription access)* 33. Schiff JP, et al. "Phase I De-escalated RT in Endometrial Cancer." *Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys.* January 21, 2026. PMID 41577208. *(subscription access)* 34. Ege G, et al. "Prognostic Impact of WHO 2020 Lymphovascular Space Invasion Categories in Endometrial Cancer: Substantial LVSI as an Independent Risk Factor and the Behavior of LVSI-Positive, Node-Negative Disease." *J Obstet Gynaecol Res.* July 2026. PMID 42437687. *(subscription access)* 35. Sia TY, et al. "Prognostic comparison of the FIGO 2009 and 2023 endometrial cancer staging systems: a large, single-institution retrospective cohort study." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* April 25, 2026. PMID 42172955. *(subscription access)* 36. Capasso I, et al. "Prognostic significance of lymphovascular space invasion extent across molecular classes in early-stage endometrial cancer: A large retrospective analysis." *Eur J Cancer.* May 30, 2026. PMID 42224884. *(subscription access)* 37. Jeong S, et al. "Validation of the 2025 ESGO/ESTRO/ESP postoperative risk stratification system in endometrial cancer: A same-cohort comparison with the 2020 molecular classification." *Gynecol Oncol.* July 14, 2026. PMID 42447656. *(subscription access)* 38. Groszkiewicz A, et al. "What is the optimal fractionation for image-based high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost in medically inoperable endometrial cancer: 4 versus 5 fractions?." *Brachytherapy.* March 10, 2026. PMID 41813529. *(subscription access)* **Surgery is becoming less invasive, and node checks smarter** ***Directly referenced:*** 39. De Angelis E, et al. "Robotic versus laparoscopic and open surgery for endometrial cancer: a systematic review of randomized trials and pooled analysis of conversion rates." *J Robot Surg.* July 20, 2026. PMID 42474556. 40. Eser B, et al. "Evolving paradigms in lymph node surgery in endometrial cancer: insights from the multicenter E-PEC trial." *Arch Gynecol Obstet.* July 28, 2026. PMID 42521863. 41. Kivekäs E, et al. "Robotic-assisted surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy in morbidly obese endometrial cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study." *J Robot Surg.* July 21, 2026. PMID 42479099. ***Additional citations on related topics:*** 42. Hoffmann S, et al. "PelviSound L-Real-time intraoperative sonographic assessment of pelvic sentinel lymph nodes using a drop-in probe in endometrial and cervical cancer during minimally invasive surgery: A single-center pilot feasibility study in 20 patients." *Int J Gynaecol Obstet.* January 29, 2026. PMID 41609292. *(open access — intraoperative ultrasound of sentinel nodes (pilot))* 43. Ninkova RV, et al. "ESR Essentials: uterine cancers-practice recommendations by the European Society of Urogenital Radiology." *Eur Radiol.* July 1, 2026. PMID 42380325. *(open access — ESUR imaging recommendations for uterine cancers)* 44. Hanedan C, et al. "Substantial LVSI Is Independently Associated with Para-Aortic Nodal Metastasis in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgical Staging for Endometrial Cancer." *Curr Oncol.* July 18, 2026. PMID 42505232. *(open access — substantial LVSI linked to para-aortic node spread)* 45. Özen S, et al. "Preoperative Imaging for Nodal Assessment in Endometrial Carcinoma: A Comparative Study of MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT Across Risk Groups." *Medicina (Kaunas).* July 22, 2026. PMID 42512959. *(open access — PET/CT vs MRI for preoperative nodal assessment)* 46. Luu H, et al. "Acute outcomes with robotic versus laparoscopic and open hysterectomy for endometrial cancer: a retrospective cohort study from Alberta, Canada." *Can J Surg.* July 30, 2026. PMID 42532638. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 47. Catozzo A, et al. "Clinical utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in atypical endometrial hyperplasia: A multicenter cohort study." *Gynecol Oncol.* July 16, 2026. PMID 42462287. *(subscription access)* 48. Zeinalkhani F, et al. "Direct Comparison of Full Protocol MRI and Modified Non-Contrast MRI in Determination of Cancer Origin in Female Genital Tract Cancers: A Retrospective Study." *Abdom Radiol (NY).* December 22, 2025. PMID 41428046. *(subscription access)* 49. Holm J, et al. "Prognostic value of the SENTIREC-endo algorithm integrating sentinel lymph node and FDG-PET/CT in staging high-risk endometrial cancer." *Eur J Surg Oncol.* May 12, 2026. PMID 42127608. *(subscription access)* 50. Imperio-Onglao R, et al. "Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Gynecologic Cancers." *Obstet Gynecol Surv.* July 6, 2026. PMID 42406983. *(subscription access)* 51. Meng X, et al. "The diagnostic value of SUVmax in predicting lymphovascular space invasion in patients with endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis." *Br J Radiol.* July 1, 2026. PMID 41840779. *(subscription access)* **Immunotherapy keeps expanding in advanced and recurrent disease** ***Directly referenced:*** 52. Yen TT, et al. "Immunotherapy and Relevant Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Gynecologic Oncology: Recent Advances, Ongoing Challenges, and Future Directions." *Cancers (Basel).* July 20, 2026. PMID 42512405. 53. Pavone G, et al. "Predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy response in endometrial cancer: current insights and future directions." *Explor Target Antitumor Ther.* July 23, 2026. PMID 42495579. ***Additional citations on related topics:*** 54. Hamad T, et al. "Successful management of pembrolizumab-associated Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient with uterine serous carcinoma: a case report." *Front Immunol.* July 1, 2026. PMID 42459640. *(open access — managing severe skin reaction to pembrolizumab (case))* 55. Ruggiero A, et al. "A Delicate Balance: Immunotherapy for Endometrial Cancer in a Patient With Multiple Sclerosis." *J Med Cases.* July 1, 2026. PMID 42490778. *(open access — immunotherapy in EC with pre-existing multiple sclerosis (case))* 56. Oi M, et al. "Clinical implications of immune checkpoint inhibitor in chemotherapy-resistant advanced endometrial cancer with a pathogenicmutation: a case report." *Int Cancer Conf J.* June 29, 2026. PMID 42491054. *(open access — durable immunotherapy response in POLE-mutated advanced EC (case))* 57. Kabirian R, et al. "Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitor rechallenge in cervical and endometrial cancer: a multi-center retrospective study (RICE study)." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* July 15, 2026. PMID 42538280. *(subscription access)* 58. Aseafan M, et al. "Estimating the budget impact of introducing dostarlimab as first line in treating endometrial cancer in Saudi Arabia." *J Med Econ.* July 31, 2026. PMID 42535775. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 59. Zumarraga T, et al. "From intensification to selection: the next challenge in advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* July 6, 2026. PMID 42546375. *(subscription access)* 60. Boyles G, et al. "Immune-Related Adverse Events Among Patients With Endometrial Cancer Receiving Pembrolizumab Alone or With Other Treatments: A Single-Center Real-World Experience." *J Immunother.* March 19, 2026. PMID 41855099. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 61. Marth C, et al. "Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in participants with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer: Study 309/KEYNOTE-775 and ENGOT-en9/LEAP-001 post-(neo)adjuvant therapy outcomes." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* April 12, 2026. PMID 42167105. *(subscription access)* 62. Widick PC, et al. "Maintenance therapy in gynecologic malignancies: Current and future state." *Cancer.* July 15, 2026. PMID 42397796. *(subscription access)* 63. O'Connor RM, et al. "Outcomes following complete response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in endometrial cancer." *Gynecol Oncol.* July 15, 2026. PMID 42456481. *(subscription access)* 64. Korgaonkar S, et al. "Real-world clinical outcomes of lenvatinib+pembrolizumab for the treatment of patients with non-microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair proficient recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer following prior systemic therapy in the United States." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* April 19, 2026. PMID 42167106. *(subscription access)* 65. Barber EL, et al. "Surgical window of opportunity clinical trial of abemaciclib and letrozole for endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium." *Gynecol Oncol.* July 14, 2026. PMID 42447658. *(subscription access)* **Fertility-sparing options, weight, and metabolic health** ***Directly referenced:*** 66. Wei Y, et al. "Comparison of lifestyle, surgery, and semaglutide for weight management in endometrial cancer: a prospective observational study." *J Obstet Gynaecol.* July 24, 2026. PMID 42495930. 67. Xu B, et al. "Trends and future projections of endometrial cancer burden attributable to high BMI in China: an age-period-cohort analysis based on 1990-2021 data." *J Gynecol Oncol.* February 2, 2026. PMID 41775251. 68. Li J, et al. "Molecular classification and immunotherapy in fertility-sparing treatment for endometrial cancer: opportunities and challenges." *Front Oncol.* July 9, 2026. PMID 42494604. ***Additional citations on related topics:*** 69. Wang J, et al. "Physical activity as a molecular modulator to enhance immunotherapy and drug sensitivity in the endometrial cancer-comorbidity continuum." *Front Oncol.* July 7, 2026. PMID 42482764. *(open access — physical activity as a modulator of treatment response (review))* 70. Yen TT, et al. "Adjunctive sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors with progestins and endometrial cancer risk in benign uterine diseases and hyperplasia." *Gynecol Oncol.* July 2, 2026. PMID 42385610. *(subscription access)* 71. Zhai Z, et al. "Development of a predictive model integrating pathological and clinical factors for fertility-sparing treatment in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* April 21, 2026. PMID 42229119. *(subscription access)* 72. Liu Q, et al. "Fertility-preserving therapy in EC/AEH: impact of weight and body fat changes, and interim analysis of a randomized trial." *J Endocrinol.* July 1, 2026. PMID 42148485. *(subscription access)* 73. Catena U, et al. "Fertility-sparing treatment in stage IA grade 2 endometrioid endometrial cancer: Outcomes of a standardized approach." *Gynecol Oncol.* July 8, 2026. PMID 42419001. *(subscription access)* 74. Oh M, et al. "Long-term association of physical activity with survival by primary cancer treatment in endometrial cancer: The Alberta Endometrial Cancer Cohort Study." *Int J Cancer.* February 10, 2026. PMID 41665306. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 75. Baxter E, et al. "Long-term oncological and reproductive outcomes following treatment with the levonorgestrel intra-uterine device for endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma: results from the feMMe phase 2 randomized clinical trial." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* April 25, 2026. PMID 42167104. *(subscription access)* 76. Ehn P, et al. "Menopausal hormone therapy prescription and ovary-sparing surgery in women with pre-menopausal endometrial cancer: a Swedish PremEnCa study." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* May 26, 2026. PMID 42302708. *(subscription access)* **Living well during and after treatment** ***Directly referenced:*** 77. Spacek J, et al. "Urodynamic and Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Endometrial Cancer Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study." *Int Urogynecol J.* January 6, 2026. PMID 41493468. 78. Renman L, et al. "Patients' preferences for follow-up after endometrial cancer surgery." *Acta Oncol.* July 27, 2026. PMID 42504700. ***Additional citations on related topics:*** 79. Özdemir BG, et al. "Evaluation of Clitoral Artery Doppler Parameters After Brachytherapy and Its Effects On Sexual Functions." *J Low Genit Tract Dis.* July 1, 2026. PMID 41980051. *(subscription access)* 80. Cao Y, et al. "\[Quality of life assessment and influencing factors in patients with endometrial cancer and atypical endometrial hyperplasia undergoing fertility-sparing treatment\]." *Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi.* July 23, 2026. PMID 42477926. *(subscription access)* **Uterine sarcomas: rare tumors, sharper strategies** ***Directly referenced:*** 81. Hein ECK, et al. "Impact of Frontline Systemic Treatment Choice on Clinical Outcome in Advanced Leiomyosarcoma: A CanSaRCC Study." *Cancer Med.* July 2026. PMID 42449556. 82. Herbst F, et al. "Evaluation of surgical approach and adjuvant therapy in uterine sarcomas: an 11-year population-based study." *BMC Cancer.* July 23, 2026. PMID 42493784. ***Additional citations on related topics:*** 83. Chan AHY, et al. "Management and Outcomes of Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumour of Uncertain Malignant Potential (STUMP)." *Cancer Med.* July 2026. PMID 42438070. *(open access — management/outcomes of uterine STUMP tumors)* 84. Yeung MC, et al. "A subset of high-grade sarcomas with myogenic differentiation are associated with recurrent FGFR fusions." *J Pathol Clin Res.* July 2026. PMID 42185943. *(open access — FGFR-fusion high-grade sarcomas, some uterine)* 85. Palyvou T, et al. "Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Incidentally Diagnosed After Sigmoid Colon Perforation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature Highlighting Individualized Surgical and Oncologic Decision-Making." *J Pers Med.* July 22, 2026. PMID 42506116. *(open access — uterine leiomyosarcoma found after colon perforation (case))* 86. Kose I, et al. "High-grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma With a Novel ING3::BCOR Fusion." *Int J Gynecol Pathol.* October 16, 2025. PMID 42296298. *(subscription access)* 87. Watson GA, et al. "Multi-disciplinary management of advanced uterine sarcoma: a state of the art review." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* April 16, 2026. PMID 42143439. *(subscription access)* 88. Tieng FYF, et al. "Rescuing a refractory Leiomyosarcoma: ALK-DCTN1 fusion as a gateway to long-term control with Ceritinib." *Gynecol Oncol Rep.* July 27, 2026. PMID 42569171. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 89. Giraud JS, et al. "Trabectedin in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma: Real-world data on effectiveness, safety, and financial implications from a European comprehensive cancer center." *Int J Cancer.* February 24, 2026. PMID 41735186. *(subscription access)* 90. Li XY, et al. "\[Values of ATRX protein expression and ALT activation in differential diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma\]." *Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi.* July 8, 2026. PMID 42379849. *(subscription access)* **Epidemiology, access, and health disparities** ***Additional citations on related topics:*** 91. Weimer A, et al. "Impact of patient neighborhood area deprivation index on prognostic factors and outcomes in endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium: a retrospective multi-center healthcare network analysis." *Gynecol Oncol Rep.* July 2, 2026. PMID 42433624. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 92. Llanora JD, et al. "Referral patterns for genetic counseling and completion of germline testing in patients younger than 50 years with endometrial cancer." *Gynecol Oncol.* June 11, 2026. PMID 42275770. *(subscription access)* 93. Soiffer JL, et al. "Risk of endometrial carcinoma in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia in a population of predominantly racial and ethnic minorities, a single institution study." *Gynecol Oncol.* May 30, 2026. PMID 42217257. *(subscription access)* **General and basic-science research** ***Additional citations on related topics:*** 94. Bilir A, et al. "Lithium Chloride-Induced Nuclear Envelope Remodeling in 3D Endometrial Cancer Spheroids." *Int J Mol Sci.* July 17, 2026. PMID 42511697. *(open access — lithium chloride effects on 3D EC spheroids (lab))* 95. Namli ME, et al. "Indication-stratified histopathological yield and positive predictive value of sonographic and hysteroscopic impressions in women undergoing hysteroscopy: A 1551-case tertiary center cohort study." *Medicine (Baltimore).* July 31, 2026. PMID 42536575. *(open access — diagnostic yield of hysteroscopy for intrauterine pathology)* 96. Nahar S, et al. "Co-mutations of CTNNB1 and PTEN drive aggressive tumor progression in endometrial cancer." *Dis Model Mech.* June 18, 2026. PMID 42312452. *(open access — CTNNB1/PTEN co-mutation drives aggressive EC (mouse model))* 97. El Hajj H, et al. "Best original research presented at the 27th European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology: best of ESGO 2026." *Int J Gynecol Cancer.* July 11, 2026. PMID 42541943. *(subscription access)* 98. Sun X, et al. "Effect of the miR‑26a/b‑5p‑STAT3‑YKL‑40 regulatory axis on proliferation, migration, and invasion of endometrial cancer cells." *Oncol Rep.* May 15, 2026. PMID 42138189. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 99. Bhutta ZA, et al. "Evaluation of Punicalagin as a multi‑targeted therapeutic agent against endometrial cancer." *Int J Oncol.* July 24, 2026. PMID 42495773. *(restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND)* 100. Tzur Y, et al. "Optimizing Radiation Therapy Delivery in Posthysterectomy Prolapse: A Technical Report." *Pract Radiat Oncol.* January 19, 2026. PMID 41565068. *(subscription access)* 101. Hu Y, et al. "Targeting the LRIG2-PI3K/AKT/mTOR Axis to Induce Apoptosis: A Novel Antitumor Mechanism of Verbascoside in Endometrial Cancer Cells." *Anticancer Res.* July 2026. PMID 42373282. *(subscription access)* --- *A note on how this digest was made: This edition was built by searching PubMed for papers published in July 2026, using targeted searches across the uterine and endometrial cancer landscape (molecular classification, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, surgery and staging, uterine sarcoma, fertility preservation, survivorship, and disparities) plus a dedicated qualitative search. Papers summarized in full are open-access under a permitted license (CC0, CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC BY-ND, or CC BY-NC); on-topic papers under other licenses are listed by citation only. A companion methodology report, available separately, documents the full search-and-screening process and every paper reviewed.*

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