Molecular Profiling of Endometrial Cancer: An Exploratory Study in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Simple SummaryThe incidence rate of endometrial cancer is rising globally. The molecular subtypes of endometrial cancer are independent of histology and have strong prognostic value in high-risk cancer. However, molecular profiling has not made it to clinical practice in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Therefore, we aimed to explore the feasibility of molecular profiling to examine the distribution of endometrial cancer subtypes and identify areas of need for implementation.Background: Aotearoa, New Zealand, has one of the fastest-rising rates of endometrial cancer (EC) worldwide, increasing particularly in younger Maori and Pasifika women. There is a move towards using molecular profiling to direct treatment for each EC subtype. Aim: This study aimed to explore the molecular profiling of primary EC tissue in Aotearoa. Methods: We used the PORTEC guidelines for the molecular subtyping of 90 patients' samples into four categories: POLE-mutated, p53 abnormal, mismatch repair deficient (MMRd) and no specific molecular profile (NSMP). The CTNNB1 mutation and L1CAM expression were also included in the analysis. POLE and CTNNB1 mutations were analysed using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). Novel mutations were assessed using VarSome. MMRd, L1CAM and p53 abnormalities were analysed using immunohistochemistry. Results: In total, 15 samples were MMRd, 9 were p53 abnormal, 8 were POLE-mutated and the rest (56) were NSMP. Eleven samples had exon 3 CTNNB1 mutations and eleven novel POLE mutations were described. Conclusion: Surrogate markers for POLE mutations should be investigated. The validation of POLE variants and CTNNB1 mutations as part of an Aotearoa-based molecular panel is warranted.

Automated summary

The study aimed to explore molecular profiling of primary endometrial cancer tissue in New Zealand. Results showed that some of the samples had abnormalities that require further investigation.