Cancer types · Common solid tumours
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer begins in the lining of the uterus. Alongside traditional features such as grade and stage, it is now commonly described by molecular subgroup.
The four groups are POLE-mutated, mismatch-repair deficient, p53-abnormal and no specific molecular profile. These groups help frame prognostic and treatment questions, and an MMR result can point towards Lynch syndrome.
Clinical and molecular questions that often arise
- Which molecular subgroup does the tumour fall into?
- Was MMR or MSI status assessed, and does it suggest Lynch syndrome?
- How do the molecular subgroup and stage together shape the questions being discussed?
- For serous or advanced disease, are HER2 or other markers relevant?
Information that may be part of an individual assessment
- Histopathology with histotype and grade.
- Immunohistochemistry for MMR proteins and p53, and POLE testing where available.
- Hormone-receptor and, in selected types, HER2 testing.
- Staging imaging as appropriate.
Which investigations are appropriate is decided by the treating team for each person.
Molecular profiling and biomarker interpretation
Depending on the setting, molecular and biomarker questions in endometrial cancer may involve:
- POLE mutation status
- MMR or MSI status
- p53 status
- HER2 in serous carcinoma
- Estrogen and progesterone receptors
Biomarkers, panels and available tests vary by subtype, disease setting, assay and guideline version. A detected alteration is not automatically actionable.
How KPCIRC pathways may apply
POAS
POAS may help interpret a molecular report against the endometrial molecular classification and organise evidence and trial questions for advanced or recurrent disease.
Molecular Tumour Board
MTB discussion may help when the molecular subgroup and traditional risk features point in different directions.
Second opinion and progression review
A second opinion may help clarify adjuvant-treatment questions. Progression review can organise recurrence findings and prior treatment.
Hereditary risk and screening
Lynch syndrome is the most common inherited cause of endometrial cancer, and endometrial cancer is sometimes the first cancer in a family with Lynch syndrome. Cowden syndrome (PTEN) is less common. An abnormal MMR result may prompt risk assessment and genetic counselling.
How to access the relevant pathway
Patients and families
- Talk to your treating oncologist about whether an additional review may help.
- Request a consultation and tell us which question you want answered.
- Share records only when asked, through the secure route.
Referring doctors
- Define the clinical question and the pathway: POAS, MTB, second opinion or progression review.
- Start a case enquiry without patient identifiers.
- Scope, fees and timing are confirmed before any review proceeds.
Questions and limitations
What does “molecular subgroup” mean for me?
It is a way of grouping tumours by their biology. Your treating team uses it together with stage and other features; it is not a prediction for an individual on its own.
Why might I be offered Lynch syndrome assessment?
Because an MMR-deficient tumour can sometimes be caused by an inherited variant. Assessment helps clarify whether relatives might benefit from counselling.
Does this page apply to my situation?
This page is educational. It explains common questions but cannot account for individual circumstances. Your treating clinician is best placed to interpret your reports and plan your care.
Educational content reviewed against the KPCIRC service scope. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment recommendation or a statement that a specialist or service is available for this cancer type.