Should all patients with serous and clear cell endometrial carcinoma receive adjuvant chemotherapy?

Abstract

Uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) and uterine clear cell carcinoma (UCCC) represent two rare subtypes that have an increased risk of recurrence and worse overall survival compared with the more common endometrioid endometrial cancers. Meaningful data in the form of prospective randomized trials is lacking for both advanced and early-stage UPSC and UCCC. Data extrapolated from prospective trials in advanced endometrioid endometrial cancer and retrospective trials on early-stage UPSC suggest that adjuvant platinum and taxane-based chemotherapy may provide a survival benefit for these patients. Future trials specifically examining UPSC and UCCC are needed to elucidate the optimal treatment regimen for these patients. Given the current data, the option of chemotherapy should be considered in treatment-planning discussions for all patients with UPSC and UCCC. © 2010 Future Medicine Ltd.