Mismatch Repair Deficiency as a Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker in Endometrial Cancer: A Review on Immunohistochemistry Staining Patterns and Clinical Implications

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jan 15;25(2):1056. doi: 10.3390/ijms25021056.

Abstract

Among the four endometrial cancer (EC) TCGA molecular groups, the MSI/hypermutated group represents an important percentage of tumors (30%), including different histotypes, and generally confers an intermediate prognosis for affected women, also providing new immunotherapeutic strategies. Immunohistochemistry for MMR proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2) has become the optimal diagnostic MSI surrogate worldwide. This review aims to provide state-of-the-art knowledge on MMR deficiency/MSI in EC and to clarify the pathological assessment, interpretation pitfalls and reporting of MMR status.

Keywords: MMR deficiency; MSI; endometrial cancer; histomolecular prognostic risk assessment; immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Brain Neoplasms*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Endometrial Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary*
  • Prognosis
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Biomarkers

Supplementary concepts

  • Turcot syndrome

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.