Sarah Nicole Hamilton

Treatment and outcomes in undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma

Undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma is a rare type of uterine malignancy. This study assesses disease characteristics, treatment and survival outcomes in patients with undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma treated at BC Cancer. All patients diagnosed with undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma between 2000 and 2019 at BC Cancer were reviewed centrally. Clinical, pathologic, treatment and outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Multivariable analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis. Fifty-two patients were included, 33% had undifferentiated carcinoma and 67% dedifferentiated carcinoma. Sixty-nine percent of those who had mismatch repair (MMR) testing of their tumor had an abnormal profile. The 5-year DFS was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]=71%-89%) for stage I/II, 29% (95% CI=28%-40%) for stage III and 10% (95% CI 1%-19%) for stage IV. The 5-year OS was 84% (95% CI=75%-92%) for stage I/II, 38% (95% CI=26%-50%) for stage III and 12% (95% CI=1%-24%) for stage IV. Multivariate analysis showed that receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy, lower stage and better Eastern Cooperative Group performance status were associated with improved DFS (p<0.05). Patients with stage I/II undifferentiated and dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma had excellent survival outcomes, those with stage III/IV had worse outcomes, similar to previously reported. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were associated with improved DFS. MMR testing should be performed for these patients due to the high incidence of abnormal profiles.

Long-Term Toxicities of Adolescent and Young Adults Who Underwent Radiation Therapy for Cervix Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Purpose: Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cervical cancer who undergo radiation therapy are at risk of significant long-term health sequelae. We seek to evaluate long-term toxicities and their impacts on survivors. Methods: Patients treated for cervical cancer with radiation therapy between ages 18 and 39 in the years 2000–2010 in British Columbia were eligible. One hundred eligible patients were identified and mailed a package containing a questionnaire devised by a multidisciplinary team and validated patient-reported quality of life surveys for patients with cervical cancer, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-30 and CX-24. Results: A total of 22 responses were received. The average time since treatment was 17.0 years (range 12–22). Fertility preservation prior to treatment was discussed with 41% of respondents and offered to 36%. A single respondent had a child after treatment through adoption. The mean EORTC Quality of Life score was rated as 63.9. Mean functional status scores include 84.4, 83.3, 67.1, 70.6, and 77 for physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning, respectively. Elevated symptom scores include sexual/vaginal functioning (53.5), sexual worry (55.6), diarrhea (38.1), body image concerns (41.7), peripheral neuropathy (39.7), and menopausal symptoms (38.1). Many patients (32%) indicated sexual and vaginal health symptoms impacting quality of life. Other common symptoms include permanent bowel changes (27%), bladder changes (27%), mood disorders (27%), and lymphedema (18%). Multiple respondents (18%) commented on regrets for not pursuing fertility preservation. Conclusions: Long-term survivors of AYA cervix cancer have significant concerns, mood disorders, premature menopausal symptoms, and fertility issues. Respondents indicated a desire for improved fertility counseling.