The Australian National Endometrial Cancer Study (ANECS) – Progress to Date
Purpose: To establish an integrated approach to endometrial cancer research by collecting epidemiological and clinical data and biological samples from a nationwide population-based group of more than 1500 women newly diagnosed with endometrial cancer, a comparable group of cancer-free women, and approximately 400 selected relatives of cases reporting a family history of cancer. Endometrial cancer is the most common invasive gynaecological cancer. Several histological subtypes are recognised, with poor survival for some, but few epidemiological studies have distinguished between different types. Also, little is known regarding the role of germline genetic factors in endometrial cancer risk, except that an increased cancer risk exists among relatives. Specific aims of this study are to: clarify existing and identify new modifiable risk factors, and their interaction with genetic factors, by subtype; examine the genetic basis to disease within multiple-case families; establish and maintain a biorepository and epidemiological, molecular and clinical database for ongoing studies.
Methods: The study is recruiting women with endometrial cancer via collaborating clinicians at hospitals, population controls identified via the electoral roll, and relatives of cases reporting a family history of cancer. Participants are interviewed to collect information on risk factors, and asked to complete a dietary questionnaire and provide a blood sample. Patients consent to collection of a tumour tissue sample and access to medical records. DNA from cases with a strong family history of endometrial and other cancers will be screened for mutations in the HNPCC and PTEN genes.
Results/Conclusions: A network of more than 40 collaborating clinicians has been established for case recruitment and provision of pathology expertise. Recruitment is underway, protocols for blood collection and blood product banking are established, and collection of fresh tumour tissue, and tumour blocks designated for research, has been initiated. A subset of cases with a strong family history of cancer have been selected for genetic screening. An update of study progress, including results from genetic testing, will be presented.