Current status of molecular-targeted drugs for endometrial cancer (Review)

Endometrial cancer is a common gynecological malignant tumor in Western countries and its incidence has also been on the increase in Asia. Genetic abnormalities related to onset and progression of malignancy in the endometrial membrane and signaling system have been identified and the developmental mechanism of endometrial cancer is becoming elucidated. The identification of the molecules related to these abnormalities has led to new potential treatment regimens for endometrial cancer, using molecular-targeted drugs. The current chemotherapy for endometrial cancer often causes systemic side effects that require discontinuation of the treatment. Furthermore, a treatment regimen for cancers of rare histological types has not been established. Recent studies on endometrial cancer revealed patterns of genetic disorders that differ among the histological types. Genetic and molecular information that underlie pathological changes and is associated with DNA mismatch repair genes and epigenetic regulation was also identified. Targeting of these mechanisms with molecular-targeted drugs has been performed with the aim of linking treatment to the carcinogenic mechanism at the molecular and genetic levels. However, the response rates with single-agent therapy are generally low and several problems remain unresolved. Trials of combinations of molecular-targeted drugs with currently available treatments and identification of factors determining sensitivity are required to overcome these difficulties.