Assessment of different pre and intra-operative strategies to predict the actual ESMO risk group and to establish the appropriate indication of lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer

Abstract

Purpose of investigation: The objective of this study was to evaluate the best pre- and intra-operative strategy to determine the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) risk group.

Materials and methods: Retrospective study on patients supported for endometrial cancer between 2006 and 2011. Twelve algorithms, integrating endometrial biopsy for histological type and tumour grade, and ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)±intra-operative examination for determination of myometrial invasion, were built. The diagnostic values of each algorithm to predict high- and low-risk group were calculated.

Results: During the study period, 159 patients were operated for endometrial cancer. On these 159 patients, 103 met the inclusion criteria. For the prediction of high-risk group, the best algorithm was endometrial biopsy and ultrasound, combined with MRI in case of myometrial invasion <50%±intra-operative examination in case of myometrial invasion <50% on MRI. For the prediction of low-risk group, the 2 best algorithms were endometrial biopsy and ultrasound or MRI, combined with MRI or ultrasound in case of myometrial invasion <50% and intra-operative examination in case of discrepancy between both exams. There was no internal or external validation.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that the best strategy to predict actual ESMO risk group is endometrial biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound±MRI and intra-operative examination in case of myometrial invasion <50% on ultrasound.

Keywords: Endometrial cancer; Intra-operative examination; Lymphadenectomy; MRI; Ultrasound.