Current Research

Research for uterine cancer is ongoing. The following advances may still be under investigation in clinical trials and may not be approved or available at this time. Always discuss all diagnostic and treatment options with your doctor.

Genetics. Advances in DNA technology have helped scientists understand how genetic mutations (changes) of tumor suppressor genes (genes that prevent tumor growth), such as PTEN, p53, and Rb, can cause cancer. A uterine cancer with these mutations seems to be less responsive to conventional treatment and is more likely to recur. By testing for these genetic changes, doctors may be able to decide which treatment is appropriate for each woman.

Targeted therapy. Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. Erlotinib (Tarceva) is a drug that blocks a protein needed for a cancer cell to grow and is being tested for women with uterine cancer. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a monoclonal antibody, which is a drug designed to attach to and block a growth factor protein called HER2. Researchers think that HER2 helps cancer cells grow.

Radiation therapy after chemotherapy. For advanced uterine cancer, doctors are exploring the use of radiation therapy after chemotherapy.

Multiple drug combinations. Different types of drugs kill cancer cells in different ways. Using a combination of drugs may increase the chance that the tumor will be destroyed.

Hyperthermia therapy and chemotherapy. Hyperthermia therapy kills cancer cells by increasing body temperature; it also may make cancer cells respond better to chemotherapy.

Improved drug delivery. Chemotherapy is incorporated into fat molecules called liposomes to improve how the drug works.

Fertility preservation. The use of the hormone progesterone is being researched as a treatment for women with early-stage uterine cancer who want to have children in the future.

To find clinical trials specific to your diagnosis, talk with your doctor or search online clinical trial databases now.