Hysterectomy Linked too Lower Recurrence rates in Endometrial Cancer Patients Post-Childbirth & Hormone Therapy
Seoul, Korea – A new study reveals that hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus) significantly reduces the risk of endometrial cancer recurrence in women of childbearing age who have given birth following hormone therapy for early-stage disease. The findings, published in the November 2025 issue of Gynecologic Oncology, the official journal of the American Society of Gynecologic Oncology, offer crucial guidance for treatment decisions.
Researchers, led by Professor Shim Seung-hyuk of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Konkuk University Hospital, conducted a large-scale analysis involving data from seven university hospitals across Korea. The study examined 72 patients diagnosed with early-stage endometrial cancer who achieved complete remission after hormone treatment and subsequently experienced childbirth. Data collection spanned from 2005 to 2022.
The results demonstrated a stark difference in recurrence rates between those who underwent hysterectomy and those who preserved their uterus. Of the 14 patients who had a hysterectomy, none experienced cancer recurrence during the follow-up period (0% recurrence). Conversely, recurrence was observed in 13 out of 58 patients (22.4%) who chose to keep their uterus.
Notably, the study identified a important risk factor: patients with a prior history of cancer recurrence before childbirth faced a 3.8-fold increased risk of recurrence after childbirth if their uterus was preserved. Professor Shim Seung-hyuk stated the research provides “an critically important standard to select patients with a high risk of recurrence after childbirth.”
“Through this study, we have established a basis for considering more active recurrence prevention strategies, including hysterectomy, for patients with early-stage endometrial cancer who have given birth after hormone treatment,” Professor Shim Seung-hyuk explained.”In particular, it has provided critically important clues for screening high-risk groups.”
The research team emphasizes this is the first large-scale data demonstrating the benefit of hysterectomy in reducing recurrence rates for this specific patient population. They recommend careful consideration of hysterectomy surgery for patients who have given birth after hormone treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer.
