Our Approach to Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is the most common form of gynecologic cancer. Fortunately, in many cases, it is caught early and responds well to treatment.

The majority of uterine cancers develop when the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, begins to grow out of control. This is why uterine cancer is also referred to as “endometrial cancer.” In rare instances, tumors can grow in the network of muscles and tissues that hold the uterus in place. When this occurs, it’s called “uterine sarcoma.”

The gynecologic oncology program at Siteman Cancer Center is the largest in the Midwest. Every year, we see over 300 patients with endometrial cancer. As a Siteman patient, you will get the most advanced, evidence-based care available.

Siteman has been a national leader in endometrial cancer care since 2009, when we received a prestigious SPORE (or “Specialized Program of Research Excellence”) grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to study and develop new approaches to treatment. It was the first SPORE grant ever awarded for endometrial cancer research. Then, in 2013, Washington University gynecologic oncologists at Siteman published a landmark study that sequenced the genetic code of endometrial cancer. In 2023, the program was awarded a SPORE grant again, extending  research in endometrial cancer. Every day, we are working to build on these accomplishments.

Like many women with uterine cancer, you’re probably used to taking care of others. At Siteman, we will take care of you. We are in this together.

The Siteman difference

Siteman Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Missouri. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks us among the top cancer facilities in the nation. As an NCI institution, we provide first-class patient care, conduct ground-breaking research, and train exceptional residents and fellows who will go on to become some of the best physicians in the country.

Since its founding in 1999, Siteman has been leading the charge against cancer from the middle of the Midwest. Our Washington University oncologists and scientists have an impressive track record of discoveries that have fundamentally changed how cancer is treated.

Team-based, specialist care

When you become a Siteman patient, you will be treated by a multi-disciplinary team of oncologists who specialize in gynecologic cancers. This means that they care for women with cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancers, and they study these cancers in the laboratory, searching for even better approaches to treatment. Our specialists serve to make national guidelines for patients with endometrial cancer.

Patient cases are regularly presented at weekly multi-disciplinary tumor boards, where faculty members from gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology and pathology weigh in and offer their expertise to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient.

Through this team-based approach, Siteman’s Washington University gynecologic oncologists provide safe, innovative, and comprehensive care. As a Siteman patient, you can have confidence in your treatment plan.

Safer surgeries

Most patients with uterine cancer will be treated with surgery. At Siteman, our exceptional Washington University gynecologic oncologists perform minimally-invasive procedures whenever possible to minimize risks and encourage faster recoveries.

Genetic counseling

In some cases, uterine cancer can be caused by inherited genetic mutations, most frequently mutations that occur with Lynch Syndrome. Siteman offers endometrial cancer patients the opportunity to pursue genetic testing and counseling to see if genetic mutations are driving their cancer. Identifying a mutation can help your physicians design a more effective treatment plan for you. It can also benefit other members of your family who may not be aware they are at risk.

Read about how Siteman helps patients with genetic counseling.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are research studies evaluating new drugs, procedures and protocols. They allow patients to access novel therapies before they are available for general use. Siteman Cancer Center offers more clinical trials than any other facility in the region. When you come to Siteman, your team will see if any trials could be a good match for you. Sometimes, clinical trials can save the lives of patients.

 

Palliative care

Many patients are reluctant to ask for palliative care because they fear it means giving up on a cure or remission. But the real goal of palliative care is to help manage symptoms and treatment side effects so you can have a higher quality of life during treatment and enjoy time with family and friends. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage of your illness.

Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers and chaplains who work together with your oncologists. The palliative care team makes recommendations on extended pain management and any other support the patient or family needs. We are always mindful of patients’ and families’ lifestyles and spiritual beliefs and integrate them into the care plan.