In a groundbreaking development for cancer treatment, Westmead Hospital in Sydney is at the forefront of an international trial aiming to personalize and refine the treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer. The trial, led by Professor Alison Brand AM, a Staff Specialist Surgeon in the Department of Gynaecological Oncology at Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), seeks to transform the standard care practices for this increasingly common cancer.
“Endometrial cancer has become the most prevalent cancer affecting female reproductive organs in Australia,” stated Professor Brand. The disease, which targets the lining of the womb, represents a significant portion of the gynaecological cancer cases treated in western Sydney. “At Westmead Hospital, endometrial cancers account for half of all gynaecological cancer cases we see,” she added.
The trial focuses on a specific genetic alteration known as the POLE mutation, which has been linked to notably positive outcomes in endometrial cancer patients. “We have compelling new evidence that endometrial cancers with a POLE mutation often lead to exceptionally favorable outcomes, potentially eliminating the need for additional treatment and thereby reducing the risk of complications and side effects,” Professor Brand explained.
This international study is pioneering an approach that tailors cancer treatment to the genetic makeup of the tumor, particularly aiming to minimize or eliminate adjuvant therapy—additional treatment typically administered following primary interventions like surgery. “Our trial seeks to validate this finding and establish a safer, more tailored approach to adjuvant therapy,” said Professor Brand.
Adjuvant therapy, often used to enhance the effectiveness of the primary treatment, can bring about significant side effects. By customizing treatment based on genetic profiles, the trial aspires to not only improve patient outcomes but also lessen the physical and emotional toll on patients, as well as reduce the strain on healthcare systems.
The trial has seen enthusiastic participation from eligible patients, many of whom are eager to undergo less intensive treatment. “Patients are happy to receive less treatment, and thereby fewer side effects, if they know it is safe,” noted Professor Brand.
If successful, the trial could lead to a paradigm shift in the treatment of endometrial cancer, promoting a more targeted and less invasive approach that prioritizes patient quality of life. “We’re not just treating cancer; we’re revolutionizing the way we approach it,” Professor Brand emphasized.
As the trial progresses, Professor Brand remains dedicated to advancing the field of gynaecological oncology and improving treatment outcomes. “I’m excited by the opportunity to offer women in WSLHD, and the other Local Health Districts we serve, the latest and very best treatment in the world,” she concluded.
This innovative trial, with its potential to reshape endometrial cancer care, marks a significant stride toward personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to the unique genetic profiles of patients, ensuring safer and more effective outcomes.