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Endometrial Carcinoma

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If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma, you may be trying to learn as much as possible about the disease and its treatments. Read on to find out more.

The information on this website should be discussed with your healthcare professional and does not replace their advice.

What is endometrial carcinoma?

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common cancer of the womb (uterus). In addition, cancer of the womb is the most common gynaecological cancer in New Zealand.

Endometrial carcinoma is also known as endometrial cancer. This cancer begins in the tissues that line the inside of a woman’s womb.

There are two main types of endometrial carcinoma.

An icon depicting the uterus, with an encircled number 1 sitting next to the uterus.

Type 1 cancers

  • Linked to a woman having excess oestrogen
  • Most common
  • Grow slowly
  • Less prone to spreading than type 2
  • Known as endometrioid cancers
  • Most are adenocarcinomas, which start in the glands
An icon depicting the uterus, with an encircled number 2 sitting next to the uterus.

Type 2 cancers

  • Not linked to oestrogen
  • Much less common than type 1 cancers
  • Grow faster than type 1
  • More likely to spread than type 1

Treatment with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)

Your doctor will plan your treatment according to your individual circumstances. These include the type and stage of your cancer, treatment history and general health.

KEYTRUDA is an immunotherapy that may be used in combination with a certain targeted therapy to treat advanced endometrial carcinoma if:

  • You have received prior treatment for your cancer and it is no longer working, and
  • Your cancer cannot be cured by surgery or radiation.

Talk to your doctor to see if KEYTRUDA may be right for you.

KEYTRUDA is not funded in New Zealand for the treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Glossary

Expand for more information on terms and definitions related to endometrial carcinoma.


Terms you may find useful:

Carcinoma
The most common type of cancer. It is formed by epithelial cells. These cells cover the inside and outside of our body – for example, the lining of the uterus.

Oncologist
A doctor who specialises in treating cancer with drug therapies – for example, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Oestrogen
A sex hormone that supports human reproduction.

Prognosis
The expected outcome of your cancer. Your doctor is the best person to ask about your prognosis, but it is not possible for anyone to predict the exact course of cancer.

Tumour
A new or abnormal growth of tissue on or in the body. Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Uterus
The part of a woman’s body where a baby grows. It is also called the womb.

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Questions to ask your doctor

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Patient Resources

References:

Cancer Council Australia. 2021. Understanding Cancer of the Uterus. A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends.
Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-uterus-cancer-booklet
Accessed on 27/03/2022

Ministry of Health. 2021. New cancer registrations 2019.
Available at: https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/new-cancer-registrations-2019
Accessed on 24/01/2022

Cancer Council Australia. 2021. Understanding Immunotherapy. A guide for people affected by cancer.
Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-immunotherapy-fact-sheet
Accessed on 02/06/2022

KEYTRUDA Data Sheet

KEYTRUDA Consumer Medicine Information

National Cancer Institute. 2021. What is Cancer?
Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer
Accessed on 01/09/2023

NZ-KEY-00875. TAPS DA 2339KN TAPS NP20132. First Issued February 2024.