Major determinants of survival in recurrent endometrial cancer - The role of secondary cytoreductive surgery: A multicenter study

Objective The main objective of the study was to assess the influence of different clinical and therapeutic variables on the oncological outcomes of patients with endometrial cancer relapse. In particular, we evaluated the impact of cytoreductive surgery with the achievement of complete gross resection. Methods This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted in three centers in Italy and including all patients with first relapse of endometrial cancer from January 2010 to December 2021. Results Data from 331 women with recurrent endometrial cancer were analyzed. Secondary cytoreductive surgery was performed in 56.2% of cases (186 patients). Complete gross resection was achieved in 178 patients (95.7%). Complete gross resection conferred a statistically significant survival benefit both for post-relapse survival and post-relapse free survival (3 years post-relapse survival: 75.4% vs 56.4%, p<0.001; 3 years post-relapse free survival: 32.6% vs 26.5%, p=0.027). At multivariate Cox regression analysis, age ≥75 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status ≥2, the advanced-metastatic risk group, complete gross resection, and multiple site relapses were identified as independent significant predictors for post-relapse survival; regarding post-relapse free survival, only age ≥75, the high and advanced-metastatic risk groups, and complete gross resection confirmed their statistical significance. Conclusions Secondary cytoreductive surgery with achievement of complete gross resection was confirmed to be an independent positive predictor for survival in patients with recurrent endometrial cancer and should be considered a valid primary treatment in the therapeutic decision-making process.