ABSTRACT

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 39 080 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed in 2007 making this the fourth most common cancer in women.1

In addition to the significant effects on the patients and their families, endometrial cancer places a significant burden on the healthcare system. Specifically, the Agency for Healthcare and Quality Research estimated that over $770M, was spent on the inpatient management of patients with endometrial cancer in 2004.2 An improved understanding of the molecular etiology of endometrial cancer offers to facilitate development of future chemopreventive agents and improved therapeutics for patients with more advanced forms of this disease. Development of molecularly based therapies will ultimately provide a more targeted approach toward decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease as well as the significant monetary affects on the American healthcare system. In addition, novel molecular diagnostic techniques provide opportunities for prediction of prognosis that could direct more targeted surgery and adjuvant therapies.