Treatment of Uterine Cancer

Introduction

Uterine cancer also known as endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers affecting women worldwide. Early diagnosis and timely treatment significantly improve survival rates, making awareness and education essential. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with uterine cancer, understanding the available treatment of uterine cancer can help you make confident, informed decisions. 

What Is Uterine Cancer?

Uterine cancer begins in the uterus, most commonly in the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). Less often, it develops in the muscle wall of the uterus, known as uterine sarcoma. Regardless of type, early detection and personalized treatment are key to successful management.

Some common signs of uterine cancer include

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
2. Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
3. Postmenopausal bleeding
4. Pain during intercourse

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a gynecologist immediately for evaluation.

How Uterine Cancer Is Diagnosed

Before planning treatment, doctors perform several diagnostic tests to determine the type, stage, and extent of cancer. These may include

1. Pelvic exam
2. Transvaginal ultrasound
3. Endometrial biopsy
4. Hysteroscopy
5. MRI or CT scan
6. Blood tests

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your oncologist will create a personalized treatment plan based on the cancer stage, your age, overall health, and treatment goals.

Treatment of Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Let’s explore each treatment option in detail.

1. Surgery for Uterine Cancer :- Surgery is the primary and most effective treatment for early-stage uterine cancer. The goal is to remove the cancerous tissue completely.
2. Hysterectomy :- The most common surgery for uterine cancer is a total hysterectomy, which involves removing Uterus and Cervix. In some cases, surgeons may also remove Fallopian tubes or Ovaries (salpingo-oophorectomy) . Removing these organs helps prevent the cancer from spreading.
3. Lymph Node Dissection :- Nearby lymph nodes may be removed to check whether cancer has spread beyond the uterus.
4. Minimally Invasive Surgery :- Modern hospitals prefer laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy, which offers

• Smaller incisions
• Faster recovery
• Less pain
• Shorter hospital stay

These techniques are safe and highly effective for many patients.

2. Radiation Therapy :- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It is used

• When surgery is not possible
• After surgery to prevent recurrence
• For advanced or metastatic cancer

Types of Radiation Therapy

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Delivers radiation from outside the body.
2. Brachytherapy: A specialized treatment where radioactive material is placed inside the vagina close to the tumor site.

Radiation therapy effectively reduces the risk of local recurrence and is often combined with other treatments.

3. Chemotherapy :- Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is usually recommended for

• Advanced-stage uterine cancer
• Cancer that has spread to other organs
• High-risk or aggressive tumors
• Recurrence cases

Common chemotherapy drugs include paclitaxel, carboplatin, and doxorubicin. Treatment is often given in cycles, with rest periods in between to allow the body to recover.

4. Hormone Therapy :- Hormone therapy is particularly effective for cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, meaning the cancer cells grow in response to estrogen or progesterone.

Hormone therapy may be recommended for

• Early-stage cancer in women who want to preserve fertility
• Advanced-stage or recurrent cancer
• Patients who cannot undergo surgery

Hormone therapy options include

• Progestin pills
• Intrauterine hormone devices
• Combination hormone treatments

This type of therapy helps slow cancer growth and reduce tumor size.

5. Targeted Therapy :- Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules in cancer cells to block their growth. Unlike chemotherapy, it affects only cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

It is used for

• Advanced uterine cancer
• Cancer that does not respond to standard treatments

Common targeted drugs include

• Bevacizumab (anti-angiogenic therapy)
• mTOR inhibitors

These treatments are often combined with other cancer therapies.

6. Immunotherapy :- Immunotherapy helps your body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It has shown promising results for certain types of uterine cancer, especially those with genetic mutations like MSI-H or dMMR.

Common immunotherapy drugs include

• Pembrolizumab
• Dostarlimab

Immunotherapy is usually used for advanced-stage disease or when traditional treatments fail.

Factors That Influence Treatment Choice

Your doctor will consider several factors before recommending a treatment plan, such as

1. Stage and grade of cancer
2. Type of uterine cancer
3. Age and overall health
4. Desire for fertility preservation
5. Tumor size and location
6. Genetic test results

A multidisciplinary team including gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists often collaborates to determine the best treatment plan.

Recovery After Uterine Cancer Treatment

Recovery depends on the type of treatment you receive. Most women recover from surgery in 4–6 weeks, while recovery from radiation or chemotherapy may take longer.

Here’s what to expect

After Surgery

• Mild pain or discomfort
• Restricted physical activity
• No heavy lifting for several weeks

After Radiation Therapy

• Fatigue
• Skin irritation
• Pelvic discomfort

After Chemotherapy

• Nausea
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Low immunity

Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor recovery and detect any signs of recurrence.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

Uterine cancer has one of the best survival rates among gynecologic cancers when detected early. For early-stage endometrial cancer, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%. The outlook depends on factors such as cancer stage, type, age, and treatment response.

Conclusion

The treatment of uterine cancer has advanced significantly, offering multiple effective options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Early detection remains the most crucial factor in achieving the best outcomes. If you notice any symptoms or risk factors, seek medical attention promptly. With proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, most women can overcome uterine cancer and return to a healthy life.