Work

Long-term oncologic outcomes of pulmonary metastasectomy for lung-confined recurrent endometrial cancer: a single-institution case series

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Pulmonary recurrence in endometrial cancer is generally regarded as a manifestation of systemic disease and is primarily managed with systemic therapy. However, the clinical significance of lung-confined recurrent endometrial cancer and the role of pulmonary metastasectomy remain uncertain. Objective: To evaluate the long-term oncologic outcomes of pulmonary metastasectomy in patients with lung-confined recurrent endometrial cancer and to explore whether lung-confined recurrence represents a clinically distinct pattern of recurrence. Study Design: This retrospective single-institution case series included consecutive patients with lung-confined recurrent endometrial cancer who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy between January 2005 and July 2026. Clinicopathological characteristics, long-term oncologic outcomes, and perioperative outcomes were evaluated. Results: Six patients underwent pulmonary metastasectomy for lung-confined recurrent endometrial cancer. The median interval from primary surgery to first pulmonary recurrence was 45.5 months (range, 19-227 months). Complete (R0) pulmonary resection was achieved in all patients without severe surgery-related adverse events. During a median follow-up of 103.5 months (range, 47-250 months) from primary surgery, all 6 patients remained alive, and 5 of 6 achieved durable disease-free status. Following the first pulmonary metastasectomy, 1 patient developed subsequent lung-confined recurrence and underwent repeat pulmonary metastasectomy, achieving additional long-term disease control. Notably, the 2 patients with synchronous bilateral pulmonary metastases also achieved durable disease-free survival following complete staged bilateral resection. Conclusion: Pulmonary metastasectomy may provide durable long-term disease control in carefully selected patients with lung-confined recurrent endometrial cancer. Recognition of lung-confined recurrent endometrial cancer as a clinically distinct pattern of recurrence may support a shift from routine systemic therapy alone toward a more individualized multidisciplinary treatment strategy incorporating pulmonary metastasectomy.

Source: AJOG Global Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2026.100705

Authors: Minami Kawanaka, Akiho Nishimura, Takeshi Motohara

Institution: Kumamoto University

Language: English

Topic: Endometrial and Cervical Cancer Treatments

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,980