Treatment Options for Endometrial Cancer

Treating hundreds of endometrial cancer patients each year, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center is ready to treat your unique cancer with the highest standard of care. With the results of your diagnostic tests and assigned cancer stage, our specialists from both Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute —including gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists and pathologists —will work closely together to develop a unique treatment plan that works best for your cancer.

Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals also work closely with patients and their families to meet each patient’s unique circumstances and needs. We want you to feel like you are an active participant in your care. Please talk to your care team about your treatment goals.

Learn treatment-related questions to ask during your healthcare appointments.

Fertility Preservation

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can affect fertility in both women and men and it's essential to talk about these effects before starting treatment. The Adult Fertility Preservation Program at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center understands how important fertility is for long-term quality of life. Our team of gynecologic oncologists collaborates closely with other specialists to offer comprehensive care. We specialize in designing treatment plans that preserve fertility for those who wish to have children now or in the future.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatment options may be recommended in addition to surgery or instead of surgery to control the spread of your cancer and manage your symptoms. Non-surgical treatment options include:

Radiation therapy: This treatment method uses high-energy rays to eliminate or control cancer cells. There are two main approaches:

  • External radiation therapy directs radiation beams at cancer cells from outside the body. External radiation, facilitated by a linear accelerator (LINAC), targets cancer cells through the skin.
  • Internal radiation therapy involves implanting radiation pellets into the cancerous area. During internal radiation (brachytherapy) the radiation oncologist places a tube in the vagina to deliver radiation directly to the tumor site.

Hormone therapy: This therapy aims to eliminate or block the hormones that may contribute to cancer growth. By interfering with hormone receptors, this treatment approach helps to control the progression of endometrial cancer.

Chemotherapy: This employs drugs to destroy cancer cells, reduce their size and impede their ability to divide. It can be administered orally, intravenously or via injection into a muscle, allowing the drugs to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Regional chemotherapy targets specific areas by delivering drugs directly into the spinal column, an organ or body cavity. In some cases, chemotherapy may also be used in combination with immunotherapy. Learn more about chemotherapy for endometrial cancer.

Immunotherapy: This therapy helps the body’s immune system fight diseases, including cancer. Normally, the immune system has "checkpoints" that prevent it from attacking healthy cells. But cancer cells can trick these checkpoints to avoid being attacked. Some drugs, called immune checkpoint inhibitors, are designed to block these tricks, and can be used to treat certain endometrial cancers.

Clinical trials: Patients can participate in research studies designed to enhance current treatment options or explore new approaches for cancer management.

Surgical Treatment Options

When it comes to treating endometrial cancer, your surgeon will tailor the approach based on various factors, including the cancer's stage and location. Learn more about surgical treatment options for endometrial cancer. 

 

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