testing and genetic testing for endometrial cancer
This section covers the following topics:
tests
tests look at samples of blood, tumor or other tissue for changes or abnormalities caused by cancer. These tests can give doctors clues about the cancer, including:
- how fast the cancer is growing
- which treatments are most likely to work
- whether or not the cancer is responding to treatment or growing
- whether or not the cancer has come back after remission
Biomarkers for treatment selection
tests may be used to select treatments, and help patients avoid side effects from treatments that will not work for them. tests used to select a specific treatment are sometimes called "companion diagnostic tests." These tests may be done on tumor tissue or (in many cases) on blood. See our Testing section for more information.
- Experts recommend testing all endometrial cancers for an abnormality known as MSI-H (“ high") also known as "" ( or ).
- cancers are common in people with a gene mutation. People with advanced or MSI-high endometrial cancer may respond well to a type of known as an immune checkpoint inhibitor.
- People with advanced, recurrent endometrial cancer that is not MSI-H, may benefit from a combination of the , Lenvima (lenvatinib) and the agent Keytruda.
- Examples of additional tests used in endometrial cancer include:
- A rare type of endometrial cancer—known as a uterine sarcoma—may have a genetic change called an NTRK fusion, which can be found on tumor testing. Endometrial with an NTRK fusion may benefit from the Vitrakvi (larotrectinib).
- receptor testing is used for advanced and recurrent endometrial cancers.
- testing is used to find advanced or recurrent endometrial cancers that may respond to drugs that target the protein.
- Additional tumor testing may help identify people who are elegible for certain clinical trials.
Genetic testing for inherited mutations
About 10 percent of endometrial cancers are caused by an . Genetic testing can help people with endometrial cancer and their relatives learn more about their cancer risks and medical options.
Who should get genetic testing?
Genetic testing for hereditary endometrial cancer is recommended in the following situations:
- endometrial cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- or MSI-H endometrial cancer
- cancer in people with a personal or family history of other cancers
See our section on genetic testing for a more complete list of who should consider genetic testing.
Get Support
The following organizations offer peer support services for people with or at high risk for endometrial cancer:
- FORCE peer support
- Our Message Boards allow people to connect with others who share their situation. Once you register, you can post on the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation.
- Private Facebook Group.
- Virtual and in-person support meetings.
- Join a Zoom community group meeting.
- SHARE is a nonprofit that provides support and information for women with breast, ovarian or endometrial cancer.
-
ECANA is an online resource for Black people with endometrial cancer.
updated: 08/28/2022
Related Resources
The following organizations have resources related to endometrial cancer.
- FORCE related resources:
- Information: Endometrial cancer screening and prevention
- Information: Endometrial cancer treatment
- Information: Biomarkers, targeted and immunotherapies for endometrial cancer
- Information: damage repair and cancer treatment (including information on MMR)
- XRAY category: Endometrial cancer
- Video playlist: Endometrial cancer
- FORCE blogs: Endometrial cancer
- Spot Her is an initiative focused on endometrial cancer.
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network patient guide, Uterine Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Uterine Sarcoma.
- Cancer.net information on endometrial cancer.
- The Foundation for Women's Cancer information on endometrial cancer.
updated: 08/25/2023
Paying For Care
Paying for testing
Insurance companies are required to cover the costs for cancer treatment. Health plans may vary on the amount of out-of-pocket costs and coverage for specific doctors, facilities, tests or treatments. Your doctor's office and treating hospital should disclose how much your treatment may cost you and work with you on a plan to cover the cost of your care.
Medicare will cover the cost for genetic testing and testing for people who meet certain criteria. Medicare coverage varies based on where you live. Visit this site to find and contact your regional Medicare provider for more information about coverage. The Medicaid website has a link to state Medicaid programs, which list specific eligibility for each state.
If you need information about finding an insurance plan, watch our video: Choosing Wisely: How to Pick Insurance Plans.Visit our Health Insurance Appeals page for additional information on insurance appeals.
Some laboratories have assistance programs that help cover the cost for tumor testing:
- Caris Tumor Profiling Financial Assistance Form
- Foundation Medicine Billing and Financial Assistance
- Myriad Cares
- Tempus Billing and Financial FAQs
Organizations that offer co-pay assistance:
Other resources:
- The American Cancer Society provides information and resources on covering the cost of cancer care. Public assistance, such as Medicaid may be available if you are ineligible for other programs.
- Triage Cancer offers tools and resources to help individuals cope with the financial aspects of a cancer diagnosis.
updated: 05/20/2023