Risk-specific follow-up for endometrial carcinoma patients.
OBJECTIVE
To propose a risk-specific follow-up protocol for endometrial carcinoma patients.


METHODS
A retrospective cohort of endometrial carcinoma patients was used to identify risk factors for recurrence. Based on a profile of risk factors, women were classified at either low or high risk for recurrence (median follow-up 70 months). The classification system was validated on a subsequent cohort.


RESULTS
Surgical stage, grade, and histology were found to be significant predictors (P < 0.001) of recurrence. In the original cohort, patients with stage Ia, grade 1 or 2, or stage Ib, grade 1 adenocarcinoma, had a recurrence rate of 4/98 (4.1%). The remaining high-risk patients had a recurrence rate of 37/158 (23.4%). When applied to the subsequent cohort, the rates were similar: low risk 3/113 (2.7%) and high risk 30/140 (21.4%). Seventy-five percent of recurrences occurred within 3 years of diagnosis and the majority were heralded by site-specific symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Women with endometrial carcinoma can be successfully classified for low or high risk of recurrence. It is proposed that low-risk patients not be maintained on routine follow-up and that a tailored schedule of follow-up be used for high-risk patients. These changes would serve patients more appropriately and use health care resources more efficiently.
Shumsky
A G
AG
Department of Gynecology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Cancer Board, Calgary, Canada.
Brasher
P M
PM
Stuart
G C
GC
Nation
J G
JG
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000628:therapy; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors