This Month in Uterine Cancer Research

October brought a steady stream of uterine cancer research with a clear message: knowing the molecular type of an endometrial tumor now shapes nearly every decision, from surgery to immunotherapy. Two new reviews pulled together what each of the four main molecular groups means for prognosis and treatment, while new trial and real-world data added to the growing list of immunotherapy options for advanced or recurrent disease, including for people whose tumors do not have the mismatch repair deficiency that usually predicts the best response. Researchers also looked at life after treatment, from physical activity and diet to the often overlooked problem of urinary incontinence, and at the uneven ways the disease reaches different communities. Rarer and harder-to-diagnose uterine sarcomas received focused attention as well.

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.

Molecular testing is changing how endometrial cancer is classified and treated

Endometrial cancers are now sorted into four molecular groups: POLE-mutated (a gene change linked to very good outcomes), mismatch repair-deficient or MMRd (a DNA repair defect that often makes tumors more responsive to immunotherapy), p53-abnormal (the most aggressive group), and no specific molecular profile, or NSMP. This month's research weighed how far that system has come and where it still falls short.

• Molecular classification gives a clearer picture of risk than the microscope alone. A systematic review of 50 studies found that POLE-mutated tumors had five-year survival above 95%, while p53-abnormal tumors carried the poorest outlook and were the only group independently linked to recurrence in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen) and the vagina. Adding molecular results changed the risk group assigned to between 6% and 33% of patients, although access to POLE testing and its cost remain barriers. (Read the full paper)

• Molecular groups are starting to point toward specific treatment choices. A review from Wuhan University researchers summarizes the evidence for doing less treatment in POLE-mutated tumors, using immunotherapy in MMRd tumors, and intensifying treatment in p53-abnormal tumors, and it explains how major international guidelines now fold these results into care. The authors also flag open questions, including tumors that fit more than one group and uneven access to testing. (Read the full paper)

• For the large NSMP group, extra markers may help refine risk, but none is ready to stand alone. A narrative review notes that estrogen receptor (ER) status now contributes to risk grouping for NSMP tumors in the 2025 European guidelines. Other candidates, such as a change on chromosome 1q32.1, have shown links to recurrence, but gains in prediction were generally modest and no single marker has yet proven its value in prospective studies. (Read the full paper)

• For people with Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that raises endometrial cancer risk, the best timing for preventive hysterectomy is still a personal decision. Researchers reviewed endometrial biopsies from 32 Lynch syndrome carriers in the Netherlands and found that tissue disorganization and loss of key proteins became more common as changes progressed toward cancer. However, no single marker reliably signaled when surgery should happen, so regular surveillance and shared decision-making remain important. (Read the full paper)

Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.

Surgery, radiation, and diagnostic tools are being refined

Most endometrial cancers are found early and treated with surgery, sometimes followed by radiation. This month's openly available research focused on tools that could make diagnosis and radiation planning more accurate.

• Simple blood tests may help tell cancer apart from benign changes in the uterine lining. In 374 people at Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital in China, a ratio of two common blood proteins, fibrinogen and albumin, improved how well an ultrasound-based model distinguished endometrial cancer from benign lesions, and lower nutrition scores and higher ratios were linked to higher-risk tumor features. The study was retrospective at a single hospital, so larger studies are needed before this is used in care. (Read the full paper)

• Artificial intelligence may make radiation planning more consistent across hospitals. Researchers trained a computer model on scans from 207 people across five centers to outline the area that needs radiation after surgery for endometrial cancer. Expert reviewers scored the model's outlines higher than those from other approaches, and outlines needed an average of under four minutes of correction. (Read the full paper)

Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.

Fertility-sparing treatment research focuses on who responds best

Some younger people with early, low-grade endometrial cancer can choose hormone-based treatment that preserves the uterus instead of immediate hysterectomy. No paper on this topic was available to summarize in full this month, but the published work, including research on which molecular groups respond best and on current practice patterns, is listed in the citations.

Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are widening options for advanced and recurrent disease

Immunotherapy uses drugs called checkpoint inhibitors to release the brakes on the immune system so it can attack cancer. It has become a key treatment for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, especially MMRd tumors. This month's research looked at new combinations, real-world use, retreatment, side-effect management, and future cell therapies.

• A new immunotherapy and targeted drug combination showed activity in tumors that are not MMRd, a group that tends to respond less to immunotherapy alone. In the phase II ETER200 trial, 85 people with advanced, previously treated endometrial cancer received the immunotherapy drug benmelstobart together with the targeted drug anlotinib. About a third saw their tumors shrink, and responses lasted a median of 15.2 months, although serious side effects, most often high blood pressure, occurred in 69%. Larger randomized trials are planned. (Read the full paper)

• Real-world results with the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab in Portugal matched what trials have shown. Across 13 hospitals, 43 people with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer were treated, and tumors shrank in 53% of those receiving dostarlimab alone and 85% of those receiving it with chemotherapy. Only 14% had serious side effects, and the authors note that an early access program helped people get treatment sooner. (Read the full paper)

• Immunotherapy may still help some people whose cancer returns after a first course. Researchers reviewed 36 people with recurrent endometrial cancer who received a second immunotherapy regimen, most often pembrolizumab with lenvatinib. Tumors shrank in 28%, more than half had their disease controlled, and the median time before the cancer grew again was 8.1 months. Prospective studies are needed to identify who benefits most. (Read the full paper)

• How steroids are tapered after a serious immunotherapy side effect may matter. A study of 63 people with gynecologic cancers, 41% with endometrial cancer, found that steroid tapers shorter than 28 days or outside national guideline recommendations were more often followed by the need for additional medicines or restarting steroids. If you have a serious side effect, ask your team how your steroid plan will be managed. (Read the full paper)

• Not everyone with MMRd endometrial cancer responds to immunotherapy, and the tissue around the tumor may be part of the reason. Tumors that did not respond had denser, more disorganized collagen, the fibrous scaffolding around cancer cells, which was linked to fewer cancer-fighting T cells inside the tumor. A score combining collagen and immune measurements separated responders from non-responders in this group, but it needs testing in larger studies. (Read the full paper)

• A cell therapy approach called tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, which grows a person's own tumor-fighting immune cells in the lab and returns them in large numbers, is being explored for endometrial cancer. TILs from 10 endometrial tumors grew equally well using human platelet lysate, a more reliable lab ingredient than the human serum used today. This is early preclinical work aimed at making future TIL treatments easier to produce. (Read the full paper)

Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.

Uterine sarcoma remains hard to spot before surgery

Uterine sarcomas, including leiomyosarcoma, are rare cancers that start in the muscle or supporting tissue of the uterus. They can look like benign fibroids before surgery, which makes early recognition difficult.

• No test can yet reliably rule out a hidden sarcoma before uterus-preserving treatment for presumed fibroids. A narrative review found that unexpected sarcomas are reported in roughly 0.1% to 0.4% of people treated for presumed fibroids, with risk rising with age, and that MRI performs better than ultrasound but cannot exclude sarcoma. The authors propose weighing remaining risk alongside whether the chosen treatment produces tissue that can be examined. If you are considering a fibroid treatment that does not remove tissue, it is worth discussing this with your doctor. (Read the full paper)

• Stage and grade, not where the tumor starts, drove survival in leiomyosarcoma. Among 240 adults with leiomyosarcoma, including uterine cases, treated at Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad, India, cancer that had spread at diagnosis, age 50 or older, and high-grade tumors were linked to shorter survival. After accounting for these factors, whether the tumor started in the uterus or elsewhere was not independently linked to outcome. (Read the full paper)

Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.

Life after treatment: physical activity, diet, metabolic health, and bladder health

More people are living longer after endometrial cancer, and long-term health, including heart health, weight, and pelvic function, matters a great deal. This month's research looked at what helps people feel and stay well after treatment.

• Physical activity programs appear workable and may improve quality of life after endometrial cancer. A scoping review led by Leanne Shearsmith at the University of Leeds identified 12 programs, most from the US, and found that most reported gains in quality of life, physical function, and confidence. Pain, fatigue, and caregiving duties made it harder to keep going, while social support helped, so programs that fit into daily life may work best. (Read the full paper)

• Healthy eating patterns are linked to lower endometrial cancer risk, but the evidence after diagnosis is still thin. An umbrella review found that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with 29% lower odds of developing endometrial cancer, and that a combined healthy diet and lifestyle approach was linked to a 46% lower risk. Evidence on recurrence, survival, and quality of life after diagnosis was limited, so more research is needed. (Read the full paper)

• Urinary incontinence is common after endometrial cancer and often goes unaddressed. A systematic review of six studies found that obesity and age were important risk factors and that treatments such as radiation may affect the pelvic floor. The authors call for routine screening and better management as part of survivorship care, so it is worth raising any bladder symptoms with your care team. (Read the full paper)

• Blood fat levels before surgery may be linked to long-term outcomes. In 194 people treated in China, those with high triglycerides or low HDL ("good") cholesterol before surgery had shorter overall survival. The study was retrospective and cannot show that treating cholesterol changes outcomes, but it adds to evidence that metabolic health matters in endometrial cancer. (Read the full paper)

Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.

Epidemiology, access, and health disparities research

Who develops endometrial cancer, and how quickly they are diagnosed, varies by age, weight, environment, and community. This month's research examined risk factors, awareness, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Age and obesity were the strongest predictors of who developed endometrial cancer in a large US cohort. Researchers followed 81,171 women in the All of Us Research Program for a median of 6.6 years and found that obesity more than doubled risk and diabetes raised it by 27%. Non-Hispanic White women had a higher rate of diagnosis than non-Hispanic Black women in this cohort, and the authors call for prevention efforts focused on obesity and awareness of symptoms. (Read the full paper)

• Community pharmacies could help raise awareness of uterine cancer warning signs among women from ethnic minority communities. In interviews with 15 pharmacy staff, researchers at the University of Leicester found low awareness of uterine cancer and its red-flag symptoms, but strong interest in reaching women in their communities. Staff said formal training and clear referral routes would be needed first. (Read the full paper)

• The COVID-19 pandemic had a measurable effect on endometrial cancer care in the U.S. In a national SEER cancer registry analysis, new endometrial cancer diagnoses fell 5.5% in 2020, people diagnosed that year were slightly more likely to have advanced-stage disease, and short-term cancer-specific survival was modestly worse. The drop in diagnoses likely reflects delayed care rather than fewer cancers. (Read the full paper)

Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.

General and basic-science uterine cancer research

Laboratory, computational, and early drug-development studies explore how uterine tumors grow, interact with the immune system, and resist treatment. None of this work changes care today, but it is listed in the citations so researchers can find it.

Check the citations section for a comprehensive list of publications associated with this topic.

What Does This Mean for Me?

If you have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer: Ask whether your tumor has had molecular testing (POLE, mismatch repair, and p53). The results can affect your risk group and whether more or less treatment is recommended. A good question for your care team: "What is my tumor's molecular type, and how does it change my treatment plan?"

If your cancer is advanced or has come back: Immunotherapy options are growing, including combinations for tumors that are not mismatch repair-deficient, and some people may benefit from immunotherapy again after an earlier course. If you have a serious side effect, ask how steroids will be tapered. Ask: "Which immunotherapy or clinical trial options fit my situation?"

If you are living after treatment: Physical activity programs may improve quality of life after treatment, and bladder leakage is common and worth raising. Bring up any urinary symptoms, weight, or cholesterol concerns with your care team, since these are part of good survivorship care.

If you have Lynch syndrome or are considering treatment for fibroids: Lynch syndrome carriers should keep up with surveillance and talk with a genetic counselor and gynecologist about the timing of preventive surgery. If you are considering a fibroid treatment that does not remove tissue, ask your doctor how the small chance of a hidden sarcoma has been assessed.

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

The citations below are grouped to match the sections above. "Directly referenced" papers are the ones summarized in that section; the remaining entries are on-topic papers either not discussed above or behind access restrictions.

Molecular testing is changing how endometrial cancer is classified and treated

Directly referenced:

1. Galeano Reyes SA, et al. "Integrated Molecular Classification of Endometrial Cancer: Impact on Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Clinical Management-A Systematic Review." Cancers (Basel). October 14, 2026. PMID 42938851. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18203316

2. Liu Y, et al. "Endometrial cancer molecular classification: research advances and clinical application." Front Oncol. October 5, 2026. PMID 42898997. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2026.1947939

3. Tirnovanu VG, et al. "Beyond Molecular Classification: The Incremental Value of Prognostic Biomarkers in Endometrial Cancer." J Clin Med. October 20, 2026. PMID 42941666. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15208154

4. van Leeuwen L, et al. "Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses do not indicate timing of prophylactic hysterectomy: a retrospective analysis of endometrial biopsies in Lynch syndrome carriers." Fam Cancer. October 15, 2026. PMID 42878963. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10689-026-00611-x

Additional open-access citations:

5. Hussain SS, et al. "Targeted Hotspot Mutation Analysis of KRAS, TP53, and PTEN in Endometrial Cancer Revealed by Next-Generation Sequencing." Curr Oncol. October 6, 2026. PMID 42930168. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33100601 (KRAS, TP53, and PTEN hotspot sequencing)

Related citations, access restricted:

6. Abe A, et al. "A Lynch syndrome patient with multiple cancers who was found to have a novel pathogenic variant generating aberrant splicing of MLH1." Jpn J Clin Oncol. October 8, 2026. PMID 42407056. https://doi.org/10.1093/jjco/hyag101 (subscription access)

7. Arai T, et al. "Age- and sex-specific prevalence of deficient mismatch repair protein expression in gastric, colorectal, and endometrial cancers: a center-based study of older Japanese patients." Jpn J Clin Oncol. October 1, 2026. PMID 42820669. https://doi.org/10.1093/jjco/hyag172 (subscription access)

8. Li X, et al. "Current status and targeted therapies in endometrial cancer: Molecular classification-driven treatment strategies (Review)." Oncol Lett. October 2026. PMID 42598125. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2026.15791 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

9. Gao Y, et al. "Early-Stage Risk Redistribution After Clinicopathologic Restaging From FIGO 2009 to FIGO 2023 in Endometrial Cancer." J Obstet Gynaecol Res. October 2026. PMID 42843822. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.70529 (subscription access)

10. Caindec AMS, et al. "Histological predictors of mismatch repair deficiency in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma." Pathol Res Pract. October 2026. PMID 42320351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prp.2026.156590 (subscription access)

11. Zhao S, et al. "Latent Class Analysis-Derived Classification and Cancer-Specific Death in Endometrial Carcinoma: A Population-Based Cohort Study." JCO Precis Oncol. October 2, 2026. PMID 42826362. https://doi.org/10.1200/PO-26-00393 (license unconfirmed)

12. Silk T, et al. "Molecular characterization of NSMP endometrial cancer and its relevance for treatment." Gynecol Oncol. October 2026. PMID 42685640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.08.017 (subscription access)

13. Sakai K, et al. "Updates on molecular classification and treatment in endometrial cancer." Jpn J Radiol. October 2026. PMID 42313370. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-026-02031-4 (subscription access)

14. Van de Vijver KK, et al. "Updates on the Molecular Classification of Endometrial Carcinoma." Adv Anat Pathol. October 19, 2026. PMID 42895052. https://doi.org/10.1097/PAP.0000000000000556 (subscription access)

Surgery, radiation, and diagnostic tools are being refined

Directly referenced:

15. Hu J, et al. "Diagnostic Value of FAR, CAR, and PNI in Differentiating Benign From Malignant Endometrial Lesions and Assessing High-Risk Pathological Features." Ann Ital Chir. October 14, 2026. PMID 42894914. https://doi.org/10.62713/aic.4881

16. Qu A, et al. "Radiomics-Guided Automatic Delineation for Clinical Target Volume of Endometrial Cancer: Limited Sample Multicenter Study." Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. October 2026. PMID 41997452. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2026.04.014

Related citations, access restricted:

17. Macchia G, et al. "Adjuvant radiotherapy in FIGO stage III dMMR endometrial cancer: evidence and perspectives in the molecular era." EClinicalMedicine. October 7, 2026. PMID 42893049. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.104257 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

18. Keymeulen S, et al. "Assessment of laparotomy conversion, unplanned readmission, and perioperative mortality for minimally invasive surgery in endometrial cancer." Am J Obstet Gynecol. October 2026. PMID 42263927. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2026.05.024 (subscription access)

19. Novara L, et al. "Does severe obesity define a threshold over which robotic sentinel lymph node mapping outperforms laparoscopic mapping in endometrial cancer?" Surg Oncol. October 2026. PMID 42636612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suronc.2026.102535 (subscription access)

20. Nakao K, et al. "Early Adoption of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Stage IA Endometrial Cancer: A Regional Multicenter Study in Japan." J Obstet Gynaecol Res. October 2026. PMID 42833680. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.70528 (subscription access)

21. Meng W, et al. "Multiparametric MRI Radiomics-Based Interpretable Machine Learning Model for the Prediction of Lymphovascular Space Invasion in Endometrial Cancer." Acad Radiol. October 2026. PMID 42476832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2026.06.067 (subscription access)

22. Gong J, et al. "Obesity and perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted surgery for endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis." J Robot Surg. October 28, 2026. PMID 42955146. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11701-026-04116-8 (subscription access)

23. Yachida N, et al. "Positive peritoneal cytology and recurrence patterns in endometrial cancer according to postoperative recurrence risk classification: a retrospective cohort study." Int J Clin Oncol. October 2026. PMID 42417928. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10147-026-03124-w (subscription access)

24. Dimakos J, et al. "Preoperative and postoperative pathology concordance in endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia: A retrospective cohort study." Int J Gynaecol Obstet. October 2026. PMID 41992926. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.71020 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

25. Xu Y, et al. "Radical Hysterectomy for Non-Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer With Cervical Involvement: A Retrospective Cohort Study." J Surg Oncol. October 2026. PMID 42460510. https://doi.org/10.1002/jso.70337 (subscription access)

26. Takada A, et al. "Radiomic prediction of substantial LVSI in endometrial cancer using reduced field of view DWI- a feasibility study." Eur J Radiol. October 2026. PMID 42320140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2026.113012 (subscription access)

27. Durmuş AB, et al. "The diagnostic value of serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels in endometrial cancer among obese women." Gynecol Oncol. October 2026. PMID 42805118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.09.004 (subscription access)

28. Güzel F, et al. "The Eye-Black Sign on 18F-FDG PET/CT in Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Without Prior Systemic Therapy: A Rare Imaging Pitfall." Clin Nucl Med. October 2026. PMID 42257566. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLU.0000000000006566 (subscription access)

Fertility-sparing treatment research focuses on who responds best

Related citations, access restricted:

29. Gu P, et al. "Efficacy and related factors of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system combined with metformin in fertility-preserving treatment for atypical endometrial hyperplasia and early endometrial cancer: A retrospective cohort study." Int J Gynaecol Obstet. October 2026. PMID 42037511. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.71037 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

30. Odgers H, et al. "Fertility-Sparing Treatment of Endometrial Cancer: Survey of Australian Practice." Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. October 2026. PMID 42750454. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.70176 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

31. Raffone A, et al. "Molecular groups predict response to fertility-sparing treatment of endometrial carcinoma: a systematic review and metanalysis." Gynecol Oncol. October 2026. PMID 42697027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.08.021 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are widening options for advanced and recurrent disease

Directly referenced:

32. Liang S, et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Benmelstobart Plus Anlotinib in Advanced Endometrial Cancer: Results of a Multi-Cohort, Phase II Study (ETER200)." MedComm (2020). October 21, 2026. PMID 42910366. https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.71081

33. Quinto Pereira M, et al. "Real-World Use of Dostarlimab in Endometrial Cancer: A Portuguese Multicenter Study." Acta Med Port. October 1, 2026. PMID 42874040. https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.24371

34. Chalif J, et al. "A second chance? Outcomes of immunotherapy retreatment after prior checkpoint inhibitor exposure in endometrial and cervical cancer." Gynecol Oncol. October 13, 2026. PMID 42868630. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.10.005

35. Velasquez J, et al. "How slow should we go? Variation and outcomes of steroid tapering for immunotherapy-related toxicities in gynecologic cancer." Gynecol Oncol. October 20, 2026. PMID 42900968. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.10.012

36. Grau Bejar JF, et al. "Extracellular matrix collagen remodeling predicts resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in mismatch repair-deficient endometrial cancer." J Immunother Cancer. October 22, 2026. PMID 42914563. https://doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2026-016463

37. Iwema W, et al. "Human platelet lysate enables robust expansion of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes from endometrial cancer." Front Immunol. October 14, 2026. PMID 42953178. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1873651

Additional open-access citations:

38. Lievense J, et al. "Platform-based manufacturing of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes derived from different solid tumor types." Front Immunol. October 5, 2026. PMID 42898410. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1854761 (tumor-agnostic TIL manufacturing platform including endometrial tumors)

Related citations, access restricted:

39. Chen RY, et al. "An atypical presentation of Pembrolizumab-induced bullous pemphigoid in a patient with uterine serous carcinoma." Gynecol Oncol Rep. October 2026. PMID 42698946. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gore.2026.102188 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

40. Nixon AB, et al. "Blood-based biomarkers in patients with recurrent, persistent, or metastatic endometrial cancer treated with olaparib and cediranib: Results from NRG-GY012." Cancer. October 15, 2026. PMID 42870635. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.70649 (subscription access)

41. Lee JY, et al. "E7386 plus lenvatinib in patients with advanced endometrial cancer that progressed on platinum-based chemotherapy and an anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy: a single-arm, open-label, global phase 1b/2 dose-expansion cohort." EClinicalMedicine. October 2026. PMID 42830785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.104206 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

42. Bello Roufai D, et al. "Efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab-lenvatinib in metastatic endometrial cancer: results from the French multicenter early access program." ESMO Open. October 2026. PMID 42810020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esmoop.2026.108585 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

43. Wenham RM, et al. "Farletuzumab ecteribulin, a folate receptor alpha (FRα) antibody-drug conjugate, in select advanced cancers: An open-label, multicenter, phase 1/2 dose-finding study." Gynecol Oncol. October 5, 2026. PMID 42833056. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.08.023 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

44. Slomovitz BM, et al. "First-line pembrolizumab versus carboplatin plus paclitaxel in participants with mismatch repair-deficient advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (KEYNOTE-C93/GOG-3064/ENGOT-en15): interim analysis of a multicentre, open-label, randomised, active-comparator controlled, phase 3 trial." Lancet. October 26, 2026. PMID 42933458. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(26)02095-7 (subscription access)

45. Thayer EG, et al. "High rates of venous thromboembolism in endometrial cancer patients requiring systemic therapy: an opportunity for risk assessment and intervention." Gynecol Oncol. October 2026. PMID 42667794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.08.019 (subscription access)

46. Abdeen CS, et al. "Incidence and clinical impact of venous thromboembolism during immunotherapy for gynecologic cancer." Gynecol Oncol. October 22, 2026. PMID 42913285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.10.020 (subscription access)

47. Passarelli A, et al. "Mutations in Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer: An Exploratory Molecular Profiling From the Phase II MITO END-3 Study." JCO Precis Oncol. October 16, 2026. PMID 42886889. https://doi.org/10.1200/PO-26-00484 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

48. Ralphs E, et al. "Real-world treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization, and costs associated with high-risk endometrial cancer in England: a retrospective cohort study." J Med Econ. October 1, 2026. PMID 42821774. https://doi.org/10.1080/13696998.2026.2738356 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

49. Rose PG, et al. "Response of undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial cancer to pembrolizumab: a case report." Anticancer Drugs. October 2026. PMID 42068992. https://doi.org/10.1097/CAD.0000000000001824 (subscription access)

50. Lorusso D, et al. "Sacituzumab tirumotecan versus treatment of physician's choice in previously treated endometrial cancer (TroFuse-005/ENGOT-en23/GOG-3095): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial." Lancet. October 26, 2026. PMID 42933460. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(26)02099-4 (subscription access)

51. Kuchar M, et al. "Stevens-Johnson syndrome precipitating days after treatment for dostarlimab-induced autoimmune encephalitis: a case report." Gynecol Oncol Rep. October 2026. PMID 42835466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gore.2026.102219 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

52. Assavapokee N, et al. "Trends in immunotherapy utilization among older adults with advanced endometrial cancer: An NCDB analysis." Gynecol Oncol. October 16, 2026. PMID 42887398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.10.010 (subscription access)

Uterine sarcoma remains hard to spot before surgery

Directly referenced:

53. Solomon Condriuc IP, et al. "Pretreatment Assessment of Occult Uterine Sarcoma Risk Before Uterus-Preserving Treatment of Presumed Fibroids: A Narrative Review." Life (Basel). October 16, 2026. PMID 42942324. https://doi.org/10.3390/life16101738

54. Pinninti R, et al. "Clinical Heterogeneity and Survival Disparities in Leiomyosarcoma: An Exploratory Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study." J Clin Med. October 4, 2026. PMID 42882154. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15197693

Related citations, access restricted:

55. Lee GM, et al. "Advances in uterine sarcoma management: A mini-review of clinical practice and molecular insights." Gynecol Oncol Rep. October 2026. PMID 42835191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gore.2026.102217 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

56. Doherty ME, et al. "ATR inhibitors and gemcitabine synergize to induce cell death in TP53-mutant, ATRX-wildtype uterine leiomyosarcoma." Mol Cancer Ther. October 29, 2026. PMID 42952303. https://doi.org/10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-26-0434 (subscription access)

57. Dave D, et al. "Hysterectomy-corrected, age-specific incidence and survival of uterine sarcomas by histotype, race and ethnicity in the United States, 2000-2019." Am J Obstet Gynecol. October 28, 2026. PMID 42951232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2026.10.034 (subscription access)

58. Bahitli FM, et al. "PD-L1 Expression in Uterine Mesenchymal Tumors: A Comparative Immunohistochemical Analysis." J Obstet Gynaecol Res. October 2026. PMID 42773568. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.70508 (subscription access)

Life after treatment: physical activity, diet, metabolic health, and bladder health

Directly referenced:

59. Shearsmith L, et al. "Physical activity interventions in women treated for endometrial cancer: a scoping review." J Cancer Surviv. October 2026. PMID 41313524. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-025-01938-7

60. Al Ramadhani R, et al. "Dietary and lifestyle quality and endometrial cancer: Incidence and survivorship outcomes-An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses." PLoS One. October 14, 2026. PMID 42873780. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0360238

61. Mohammed Ali Al Saleh F, et al. "The relationship between endometrial cancer and urinary incontinence: systematic review." Front Glob Womens Health. October 2, 2026. PMID 42890221. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2026.1898627

62. Li S, et al. "Association Between Preoperative Dyslipidemia and the Prognosis of Patients With Endometrial Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study." Kaohsiung J Med Sci. October 2026. PMID 41804053. https://doi.org/10.1002/kjm2.70195

Related citations, access restricted:

63. Ye X, et al. "Quality of Life, Immune Function, and Treatment Outcomes with Astragalus Injection in Endometrial Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study." J Vis Exp. October 30, 2026. PMID 42965369. https://doi.org/10.3791/73055 (license unconfirmed)

Epidemiology, access, and health disparities research

Directly referenced:

64. Adekanmbi V, et al. "Risk factors for endometrial cancer incidence and regional and ethnic disparities in the USA." J Glob Health. October 23, 2026. PMID 42924636. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.16.04368

65. Omar H, et al. "How community pharmacies can raise uterine cancer awareness among women from ethnic minority populations." Int J Pharm Pract. October 3, 2026. PMID 42828509. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riag140

66. Tan C, et al. "Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers: A retrospective cohort study based on the SEER database." Medicine (Baltimore). October 16, 2026. PMID 42888541. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000051038

Additional open-access citations:

67. Zhang R, et al. "Elevated exposure to Benzophenone-type Ultraviolet filters Is associated with increased endometrial cancer Risk: Mediation by key metabolites." Environ Int. October 2026. PMID 42777537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2026.110532

Related citations, access restricted:

68. Noll F, et al. "Molecular classification, biomarker testing, and access to modern therapies in endometrial cancer across Latin America: an International Gynecologic Cancer Society survey." Int J Gynecol Cancer. October 2026. PMID 42833756. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgc.2026.104963 (subscription access)

69. Wijayabahu AT, et al. "Regional and statewide hysterectomy-corrected endometrial cancer incidence and five-year relative survival in Texas." Cancer Epidemiol. October 2026. PMID 42480416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canep.2026.103160 (subscription access)

General and basic-science uterine cancer research

Additional open-access citations:

70. Tu Y, et al. "AKNA serves as a prognostic biomarker and restrains endometrial cancer progression via STING activation and macrophage reprogramming." Front Immunol. October 5, 2026. PMID 42898530. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1905624 (AKNA as a prognostic marker and STING activation)

71. Lake RJ, et al. "Auranofin Potentiates Cisplatin Response in the Setting of Context-Dependent NOTCH-Associated Signaling States in Endometrial Cancer." Cancer Res Commun. October 1, 2026. PMID 42809705. https://doi.org/10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-26-0404 (auranofin and cisplatin response, preclinical)

72. Lee HN, et al. "Cancer cell CD73 loss promotes a dual inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment in endometrial carcinoma." Cancer Res Commun. October 22, 2026. PMID 42913692. https://doi.org/10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-26-0167 (CD73 loss and the tumor immune environment)

73. Kim K, et al. "Differences between mitotically old and young endometrial tumors." J Pathol. October 2026. PMID 42417110. https://doi.org/10.1002/path.70090 (mitotic age of tumors from methylation clocks)

74. Wang X, et al. "Estradiol Promotes Tumor Progression in ERα-Low Endometrial Cancer via the GPER/SphK1 Pathway." J Biochem Mol Toxicol. October 2026. PMID 42763886. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbt.71112 (estradiol signaling in ER-low tumors, preclinical)

75. Li DM, et al. "Functional single-cell omics in gynecological cancers immunotherapy: from heterogeneity dissection to clinical translation." Front Immunol. October 12, 2026. PMID 42936408. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1981010 (single-cell omics in gynecologic cancer immunotherapy, review)

76. Ouyang X, et al. "Hypothesis-Generating Single-Cell Analysis of the Endometrial Cancer Immune Microenvironment With Complementary Multiomics Evidence." Int J Genomics. October 18, 2026. PMID 42894744. https://doi.org/10.1155/ijog/5125648 (single-cell immune analysis, hypothesis-generating)

77. Wang J, et al. "Integrative Multi-Omics and Single-Cell Analysis Prioritizes YWHAB Within Ubiquitination-Related Transcriptional Programs in Endometrial Carcinoma." Genes (Basel). October 21, 2026. PMID 42938432. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17101316 (multi-omics prioritization of YWHAB)

78. Li Y, et al. "Multi-Niche Microbiome Alterations in Endometrial Cancer: Drivers, Biomarkers and Translational Targets." Int J Womens Health. October 25, 2026. PMID 42960262. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S643435 (microbiome alterations, review)

79. Seol HS, et al. "PPP1R3C functions as a tumor suppressor in endometrial cancer through promotion of glycogen synthesis." BMB Rep. October 2026. PMID 41781186. https://doi.org/10.5483/BMBRep.2025-0134 (PPP1R3C and glycogen synthesis, preclinical)

80. Ji S, et al. "Regulation of FN1 levels in endometrial cancer cells: Probiotics activate the p62-dependent autophagy-lysosome pathway to reduce tumor metastasis." Pathol Res Pract. October 2026. PMID 42531796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prp.2026.156628 (probiotics and tumor spread, preclinical)

81. Casanova J, et al. "The Proliferation-Invasion Dichotomy: Transcriptomic Signatures of lncRNA and Ubiquitin-Proteasome Networks in Hypermutated Endometrial Cancer." Int J Mol Sci. October 9, 2026. PMID 42941729. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27208954 (lncRNA and ubiquitin networks in hypermutated tumors)

Related citations, access restricted:

82. Estrada-Estrada E, et al. "Analysis of changes in the phenotypic profile and frequencies of peripheral blood myeloid-derived suppressor cells in patients with endometrial cancer before and after surgical treatment." Cell Immunol. October 2026. PMID 42715880. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cellimm.2026.105153 (subscription access)

83. Zhan J, et al. "Cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune evasion in endometrial cancer: current evidence and therapeutic perspectives." Med Oncol. October 26, 2026. PMID 42931843. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-026-03471-8 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

84. Bhutta ZA, et al. "Evaluation of Punicalagin as a multi‑targeted therapeutic agent against endometrial cancer." Int J Oncol. October 2026. PMID 42495773. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2026.5922 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

85. Singh V, et al. "Integration of miRNA profiling and proteomics to determine the target(s) implicated in endometrial cancer cells exposed to zearalenone." Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. October 2026. PMID 42520894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2026.117974 (subscription access)

86. Hu J, et al. "Investigating the Role of ALPK2 in Endometrial Cancer Progression: From Biological Function to Clinical Translation." Reprod Sci. October 2026. PMID 42082823. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-026-02109-4 (subscription access)

87. Dinh TA, et al. "Metastatic High-Grade Endometrioid Carcinoma to the Lung With Pilomatrix Carcinoma-Like Morphology: Potential for Misdiagnosis as Non-Small Cell Carcinoma." Am J Surg Pathol. October 2026. PMID 42516013. https://doi.org/10.1097/PAS.0000000000002591 (subscription access)

88. Swathi CM, et al. "Mimosa pudica L. extract attenuates endometrial hyperplasia and proliferation of its malignant cell lines: transcript-level insights from a dual in vivo-in vitro model." Mol Biol Rep. October 23, 2026. PMID 42909521. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-026-12910-8 (subscription access)

89. Chen X, et al. "Modulating the gut-reproductive tract axis: microbial influence on gynaecological cancer pathogenesis and treatment." Gut. October 7, 2026. PMID 41667242. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2025-337778 (subscription access)

90. Welp AM, et al. "Mutated p53 results in altered type I interferon pathway expression and signaling in endometrial cancer." Gynecol Oncol. October 2026. PMID 42705125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2026.08.016 (subscription access)

91. Norkaityte I, et al. "Nucleocytoplasmic transport in gynaecological cancer: From mechanisms to therapeutic potential (Review)." Int J Oncol. October 9, 2026. PMID 42852615. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2026.5945 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

92. Chao A, et al. "RPL22 suppresses tumor growth in undifferentiated/dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma through IFIT3 downregulation." J Mol Med (Berl). October 29, 2026. PMID 42955326. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-026-02732-3 (subscription access)

93. Liu Y, et al. "rsRNA-28S-21 promotes endometrial cancer by regulating ferroptosis through the NSUN5-FTH1/FTL pathway." Gene. October 2, 2026. PMID 42826770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2026.150434 (subscription access)

94. Ran Y. "Subtype-specific mechanisms of lipid metabolism in gynecological malignancies and novel targeted intervention strategies (Review)." Oncol Lett. October 2026. PMID 42597907. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2026.15800 (restricted license, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

95. Li HK, et al. "Targeted α-Therapy withAt-Labeled Trastuzumab Overcomes Trastuzumab Resistance in Uterine Serous Carcinoma in Mice." J Nucl Med. October 22, 2026. PMID 42914180. https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.126.273073 (subscription access)

96. Chang R, et al. "Upregulation of NKAIN1 Predicts Poor Prognosis and Shapes Immune Infiltration in Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma: An Integrated Bioinformatic and Experimental Study." Anticancer Agents Med Chem. October 20, 2026. PMID 42973342. https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715206497497261013044829 (subscription access)

A note on how this digest was made: This edition was built by searching PubMed for papers published in October 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.