feMMe Molecular Project

Currently, hysterectomy is the standard treatment for endometrial cancer, but it does not suit all women. Elderly or obese women can develop surgical complications at higher rates, and young women lose the opportunity to bear children. For these women, we need treatment options that are equally effective but less invasive.

Levonorgestrel delivered through an intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is a novel substitute treatment to replace hysterectomy. In our feMMe clinical trial, this approach was well tolerated, and in 50 per cent of patients there was no remaining endometrial cancer found at six months. Unfortunately, we cannot predict yet who will benefit from this treatment. If we can determine who will respond, clinicians could specifically offer this treatment to women who will likely benefit.

In the latest project, researchers will use blood and tissue samples collected as part of the feMMe trial, to identify predictive biomarkers of LNG-IUD response that indicate whether a patient will or will not benefit from this new treatment. Using the findings, they will develop a personalised decision tool that clinicians and patients can use to decide on the best treatment.