Potential contribution of the uterine microbiome in the development of endometrial cancer.

Background: Endometrial cancer studies have led to a number of well-defined but mechanistically unconnected genetic and environmental risk factors. One of the emerging modulators between environmental triggers and genetic expression is the microbiome. We set out to inquire about the composition of the uterine microbiome and its putative role in endometrial cancer.

Molecular characterization of endometrial cancer: a correlative study assessing microsatellite instability, MLH1 hypermethylation, DNA mismatch repair protein expression, and PTEN, PIK3CA, KRAS, and BRAF mutation analysis.

Endometrial cancer is associated with numeric and structural chromosomal abnormalities, microsatellite instability (MSI), and alterations that activate oncogenes and inactivate tumor suppressor genes. The aim of this study was to characterize a set of endometrial cancers using multiple molecular genetic and immunohistochemical techniques. Ninety-six cases were examined for genomic alterations by MSI, MLH1 promoter hypermethylation, p53 and mismatch repair protein expression (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2), and PTEN, PIK3CA, KRAS, and BRAF mutation analysis.

Lobular involution: localized phenomenon or field effect?

As women age, the lobules in their breasts undergo involution. We have shown that, in women with benign breast disease, progressive involution assessed near the benign lesion is associated with lower breast cancer risk. However, it is unknown whether the extent of involution is variable or uniform across the entire breast.

Direct uterine sampling with the Tao brush sampler using a liquid-based preparation method for the detection of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia: a feasibility study.

Background: Endometrial cytology sampling devices for direct uterine sampling have been shown in previous studies to be a reliable and relatively painless method for detecting endometrial lesions. The purpose of the current study was to determine the performance characteristics of endometrial cytology for the detection of malignancy and atypical hyperplasia using liquid-based cytology specimens collected with the Tao brush sampler.

Methods: Brushings of the endometrial cavity were obtained from 139 hysterectomy specimens before routine histopathologic evaluation.