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.
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.
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ECANA is an online resource for Black people with endometrial cancer.
updated: 08/28/2022