Recurrent endometrial cancer: A retrospective study

ObjectiveThe value of follow-up after treatment for endometrial cancer will be discussed.Study designWe evaluated our clinical experience, including mode of detection, of patients with recurrent endometrial cancer treated in the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam over a 20-year period. Clinical data and histopathological features from 64 patients were analyzed. Survival was analyzed with a Kaplan–Meier curve.ResultsTwenty-two patients had a local recurrence, 30 had a distant recurrence and 12 had simultaneous local and distant recurrent disease. Ninety-five percent of the local recurrences and 67% of the distant recurrences were detected within three years. Twenty-seven patients had a screen-detected recurrence, 34 had an interval screening recurrence and two had a chance finding recurrence. The overall survival rate at two years was 70% and at five years 53%. Patients with a screen-detected recurrence had a 5-year survival rate of 62%, while patients with interval screening and chance finding recurrences had a 5-year survival rate of 47%.ConclusionA follow-up program in the first three years after primary treatment of endometrial cancer is useful in detecting recurrent disease. We have no reason to use a different program of follow-up in patients with low risk primary disease.