New study provides breakthrough in pig-to-human kidney transplantation

A pioneering study has provided unprecedented insights into the immune response following pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation.

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(Monday 30 June 2025, London, United Kingdom) A pioneering study has provided unprecedented insights into the immune response following pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation.1

The findings, presented today at the ESOT Congress 2025, mark a significant step forward in overcoming the biggest challenge in xenotransplantation: rejection by the human immune system.

Using cutting-edge spatial molecular imaging, researchers mapped how human immune cells interact with pig kidney tissue in transplanted organs, revealing critical early markers of rejection and potential intervention strategies. The study, led by Dr. Valentin Goutaudier and a collaborative international research team (Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration & NYU Langone Transplant Institute), highlights key molecular mechanisms that could shape the future of xenotransplantation.

One of the most striking discoveries was that human immune cells were found in every part of the pig kidney's filtering system after the transplant. Researchers observed early molecular signs of antibody-mediated rejection as soon as Day 10 and peaking at Day 33, reinforcing previous findings that rejection begins rapidly but progresses over time.2 By tracking these immune responses for up to 61 days, the team identified a crucial window for targeted therapeutic intervention.

“Our study provides the most detailed molecular map to date of how the human immune system engages with a transplanted pig kidney,” explained Dr. Goutaudier. “By pinpointing specific immune cell behaviours and gene expressions, we can refine anti-rejection treatments and improve transplant viability.”

The study’s innovative approach used a bioinformatic pipeline to distinguish human immune cells from pig structural cells, allowing for precise mapping of immune infiltration patterns. Notably, macrophages and myeloid cells were the most prevalent immune cell types across all time points, further confirming their role as key mediators in xenograft rejection.

When targeted therapeutic interventions were introduced, immune-mediated signs of rejection were successfully weakened. Combined with novel spatial insights into how immune cells interact with pig kidney tissue, this marks a major breakthrough — paving the way for more refined anti-rejection strategies. These advances come at a pivotal time as the first US-based clinical trials of pig kidney transplantation into living human recipients begin in 2025.

With xenotransplantation poised to address the global organ shortage crisis, these findings bring researchers one step closer to making genetically modified pig kidneys a viable long-term solution. The next phase will focus on optimising anti-rejection treatments, refining genetic modifications in donor pigs, and developing early detection protocols to monitor and manage rejection responses.

“Understanding the specific immune interactions at a molecular level allows us to develop targeted interventions that can prevent rejection before it escalates,” explained Dr. Goutaudier. “This research lays the groundwork for safer and more effective pig-to-human transplants in the near future.”

As scientific progress accelerates, researchers remain cautiously optimistic that genetically modified pig kidneys could become a routine transplant option within the next decade. However, regulatory approvals will require consistent demonstration of safety and efficacy in diverse patient populations.

 

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Note to editors:

A reference to the ESOT Congress 2025 must be included in all coverage and/or articles associated with this study.

For more information or to arrange an expert interview, please contact Luke Paskins on press@esot.org.

About the study author:

Dr. Valentin Goutaudier is a researcher in transplant immunology and xenotransplantation, affiliated with the Paris Institute for Transplantation and Organ Regeneration (PITOR) and Inserm U970. His work focuses on understanding immune responses in allo- and xenotransplantation, utilising advanced molecular imaging and bioinformatics to develop targeted anti-rejection therapies. The PITOR work on kidney xenotransplantation is performed in collaboration with the NYU Langone Transplant Institute led by Prof. Robert A. Montgomery.

About ESOT:

The European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) was founded 40 years ago and is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in organ transplantation. Facilitating a wealth of international clinical trials and research collaborations over the years, ESOT remains committed to its primary aim of improving patient outcomes in transplantation. With a community of over 8000 members from around the world, ESOT is an influential international organisation and the facilitator of the biennial congress which hosts approximately 3500 experts who come to meet to explore and discuss the latest scientific research.

References:

1. Goutaudier V., Williams, C., Morgand, E., et al.  Application of a Novel Spatial Transcriptomic 6000-Plex Panel in Pig-to-Human Xenotransplantation. Presented at ESOT Congress 2025; 30th June 2025; London, United Kingdom.
2. Loupy, A., Goutaudier, V., Giarraputo, A. et al. (2023). Immune response after pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation: A multimodal phenotyping study. The Lancet, 402(10408), 1158–1169. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01855-3
3. Montgomery RA, Stern JM, Lonze BE, Tatapudi VS, Mangiola M, Wu M, Weldon E, Lawson N, Deterville C, Dieter RA, Sullivan B, Boulton G, Parent B, Piper G, Sommer P, Cawthon S, Duggan E, Ayares D, Dandro A, Fazio-Kroll A, Kokkinaki M, Burdorf L, Lorber M, Boeke JD, Pass H, Keating B, Griesemer A, Ali NM, Mehta SA, Stewart ZA. Results of Two Cases of Pig-to-Human Kidney Xenotransplantation. N Engl J Med. 2022 May 19;386(20):1889-1898. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2120238. PMID: 35584156.

 

Flying smart: triple-camera drone detects crop stress for smarter sesame farming

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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A small drone fleet near a young sesame experimental plot

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Credit: Yaniv Tubul

A new study unveils an advanced drone-based system that offers, for the first time, a smarter way to monitor sesame health. By combining hyperspectral, thermal, and RGB imagery with deep learning, researchers have developed a powerful method for detecting simultaneous nitrogen and water deficiencies in field-grown sesame. This innovative approach leverages cutting-edge UAV-imaging technology and artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy of stress detection in crops. The integration of multiple data sources enables identification of combined nutrient and water-related deficiencies. This significant step forward in the field of precision farming not only enhances crop management but also supports more sustainable and efficient use of water and fertilizers, key components in building climate-resilient food systems.

[Hebrew University of Jerusalem]– A team of researchers led by Dr. Ittai Herrmann at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in collaboration with Virginia State University, University of Tokyo and the Volcani Institute, has applied an advanced drone-based system that accurately detects combined nitrogen and water deficiencies in field-grown sesame paving the way for more efficient and sustainable farming.

Published in the ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, the study showcases how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with hyperspectral, thermal, and RGB sensors can work in tandem with artificial intelligence models to diagnose complex crop stress scenarios. Traditional remote sensing methods often fall short in detecting combined environmental stresses like water and nutrient shortages. This study is among the first to successfully address this challenge in an indeterminate crop such as sesame.

“By integrating data from multiple UAV-imaging sources and training deep learning models to analyze it, we can now distinguish between stress factors that were previously challenging to tell apart,” said Dr. Herrmann. “This capability is vital for precision agriculture and for adapting to the challenges of climate change.”

The team’s multimodal ensemble approach improved classification accuracy of combined nutrient and water stress from just 40–55% using conventional methods to an impressive 65–90% with their custom-developed deep learning system.

The field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot. Seeds were supplied by Prof, Zvi Peleg. Rom Tarshish, an MSc student at the time, grew sesame plants under varied irrigation and nitrogen treatments and acquired plant traits and leaf level spectral data. Dr. Maitreya Mohan Sahoo analyzed the UAV-imagery through machine learning pipelines to generate maps of leaf nitrogen content, water content, and other physiological traits, which helped identify early stress markers.

Sesame, a climate-resilient oilseed crop with growing global demand, was chosen due to its nutritional importance and potential for expansion into new agro-ecosystems. This new remote-sensing method may enable growers to reduce fertilizer and water use while maintaining yield, improving both economic and environmental outcomes.

Drone above a sesame

Drones against the backdrop of a young sesame experimental plot

Crdit

Yaniv Tubul

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Journal

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

DOI

10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2025.02.011 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Multimodal ensemble of UAV-borne hyperspectral, thermal, and RGB imagery to identify combined nitrogen and water deficiencies in field-grown sesame

 

Study reveals most common medical emergencies in schools

Findings can help schools prioritize readiness efforts for timely response, including staff training and availability of key medications

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

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The three most common reasons schools called emergency medical services (EMS) were for neurological crises such as seizures, psychiatric conditions or substance abuse, and trauma related injuries, according to data from the national EMS registry analyzed by researchers from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

During the study period (2018-2022), school-based medical emergencies constituted 11 percent of EMS encounters for children and two-thirds resulted in transport to the hospital. Findings, published in Pediatrics, can help schools prioritize training so staff can respond even before EMS arrival.

“While many schools have taken steps to ensure they are prepared for medical emergencies, many can still enhance their preparedness,” said lead author Michael Harries, MD, MAT, MA, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow at Lurie Children’s. “Our study results highlight specific target areas for training of school staff, given that timeliness of treatment in an emergency is essential. We also stress that certain emergency medications should be available in the school setting, including benzodiazepine for seizures, epinephrine for food allergies and albuterol for asthma.”

The authors point out that national advocacy efforts around passing Seizure Safe Schools legislation are ongoing and effective. Nineteen states passed relevant legislation as of 2022. The model bill recommended by the Epilepsy Foundation seeks to ensure not only that staff are trained, but that seizure medication is available and first-aid responders are legally protected.

The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on medical emergencies in schools, issued in 2022, specifies the available training programs for school staff, and the medications and equipment that schools should have on hand to respond quickly to potentially life-threatening emergencies.

The study found that physical trauma occurred more frequently in elementary school age students (17 percent), while psychiatric conditions and substance abuse were more common among adolescents (18 percent).

“Given the ongoing mental health crisis in youth, we were not surprised to find that psychiatric conditions and substance abuse were among the most common emergencies in schools,” said senior author Sriram Ramgopal, MD, Emergency Medicine physician at Lurie Children’s and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Our findings underscore the need for schools to proactively address mental health needs of students, especially teenagers. This may include establishing relationships with local mental health care facilities and improved training for staff on how best to respond to a psychiatric crisis. Overall, we need consistent policies across the country to ensure that all schools are prepared for common medical emergencies.”

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is the only independent, research-driven children’s hospital in Illinois and one of less than 35 nationally. This is where the top doctors go to train, practice pediatric medicine, teach, advocate, research and stay up to date on the latest treatments. Exclusively focused on children, all Lurie Children’s resources are devoted to serving their needs. Research at Lurie Children’s is conducted through Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children’s is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. It is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Emergency medicine-focused research at Lurie Children’s is conducted through the Grainger Research Program in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.  

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Journal

PEDIATRICS

 

What are they vaping? Study reveals alarming surge in adolescent vaping of THC, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids

A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine calls for public health policies to protect teenagers from vaping’s long-term harm

Elsevier

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Ann Arbor, July 1, 2025 - Novel research has revealed that adolescent vaping of current delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) has increased between 2021 and 2023. Also, adolescents are increasingly unsure about the substances they vaped in their e-cigarettes. A new study appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, sheds light on this alarming trend and contributes to informing evidence-based public health policies and harm reduction strategies aimed at protecting youth from the long-term consequences of vaping.

Vaping of substances other than nicotine has become increasingly popular among adolescents in the United States. The current study analyzed national trends of adolescent cannabis vaping from the National Youth Tobacco Survey for 2021, 2022, and 2023, comprising a total of 69,899 US middle and high school students (aged 11 to 18 years).

Lead investigator Jack Chung, BApsych (Hons), National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, and School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, says, “We found a significant increase in adolescent vaping of THC, CBD, and SCs from 2021 to 2023. THC vaping peaked in 2022 while the use of SCs continued to increase. Adolescents increasingly expressed uncertainty about the substances they were vaping; for example, uncertain respondents answering ’don’t know’ if they have vaped SCs tripled across the years. Our results also showed that females had a higher prevalence of THC, CBD, and SCs vaping compared to males.”

In 2023, it is estimated that 7.4% (or 2.55 million) of US adolescents were currently vaping THC, while 2.9% (or 999,000) were vaping CBD, and 1.8% (or 620,000) were vaping SCs. Individuals who vape cannabis exhibit more mental health symptoms compared to those who use traditional combustion methods of dry herbs and flowers. SCs are typically lab-synthesized to mimic the effects of naturally occurring cannabinoids and often bind more strongly to brain receptors, leading to more intense and unpredictable health consequences.

Mr. Chung remarks, “One of the most unexpected findings from our study was the continued rise in adolescent use of SCs. This trend is particularly alarming given that these substances are often accessed through unregulated, illicit markets, where there are no safety standards or quality controls. The growing popularity of SCs among youth raises serious concerns about potential health risks and highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and regulatory oversight. These synthetic cannabinoids products could potentially be deadly, with many adolescents unknowingly vaping these harmful and synthetic substances.”

Co-investigator Gary C.K. Chan, PhD, National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, adds, "We still know very little about the long-term health effects of cannabis vaping, which makes it even more important to understand what's in your vape."

This study is one of the first to track national adolescent vaping prevalence of THC, CBD, and SCs independently, given that most recent studies categorized various cannabinoids vaping under the umbrella term “cannabis vaping,” despite their vastly different psychological and health effects.

Mr. Chung concludes, “Experimentation with substance use among teenagers is often driven by peer influence, curiosity, and a desire for social acceptance. This age group may also be increasingly exposed to cannabis-related marketing on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, as well as social media influencers and celebrities. I hope this study will raise awareness of youth cannabis vaping and divert public health resources into better psychoeducation on adolescent vaping, as well as tailored harm reduction interventions to protect our young generations.”

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Journal

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

DOI

10.1016/j.amepre.2025.107655 

Method of Research

Data/statistical analysis

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Adolescent Cannabis Vaping Trends (2021−2023): Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol, and Synthetic Cannabinoids

Article Publication Date

1-Jul-2025

Brazilian neuroscientist reveals how viral infections transform the brain through microscopic detective work

UC Davis researcher develops groundbreaking animal models to understand how viruses like COVID-19 trigger neurological damage and accelerate Alzheimer's disease

Genomic Press

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Danielle Beckman, PhD, University of California, Davis, USA.

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DAVIS, California, USA, 1 July 2025 – In a comprehensive Genomic Press Innovators & Ideas interview, Dr. Danielle Beckman reveals how her passion for microscopy has evolved into a mission to understand viral impacts on brain health, offering hope for patients suffering from post-viral neurological symptoms.

From Rio to Revolutionary Research

Dr. Beckman's journey from aspiring writer in Rio de Janeiro to leading neurovirology researcher exemplifies scientific determination. Her journey began to change during an undergraduate physiology course where she discovered her fascination with the brain. "I vividly remember that class and how fascinated I became with the brain," Dr. Beckman recalls. This pivotal moment launched her into neuroscience research, where she has remained dedicated ever since.

The personal dimension of her research became evident when her grandmother developed dementia symptoms. "This experience deepened my curiosity about what happens in the brain at the cellular level in Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia," she explains. This emotional connection drives her current work investigating how viral infections contribute to neurodegenerative processes.

Breakthrough Models Transform Understanding

Working under the mentorship of renowned neurobiologist Professor John Morrison at UC Davis, Dr. Beckman has revolutionized our understanding of viral neuroimmunology. Her team has developed novel rhesus monkey models that illuminate cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease, Long COVID, and viral-induced brain pathology.

The research demonstrates how viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can infect neurons and trigger neuroinflammation within a few days after infection. "Unlike HIV, which induces a slower, progressive inflammatory process, our lab observed that SARS-CoV-2 can infect neurons and trigger neuroinflammation within just seven days," Dr. Beckman notes. These findings help explain the rapid onset of "brain fog" and cognitive symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients.

Microscopic Obsession Yields Macro Impact

Dr. Beckman's dedication to advanced microscopy techniques has proven instrumental in her discoveries. "I enjoy working with microscopy, as it allows me to create beautiful images of the brain while investigating profound questions about how different cell types interact and contribute to disease," she explains. This technical expertise enables her to observe cellular-level changes that contribute to neurological symptoms.

Her research has established critical connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative processes. The work shows how viruses affect the same brain regions involved in memory and cognition, providing scientific evidence for post-viral cognitive symptoms. What implications might this have for our understanding of other viral infections and their long-term neurological consequences?

Long COVID Community Connection

As an active member of the World Health Network's Long COVID advisory group, Dr. Beckman bridges laboratory research with patient advocacy. "Over the past few years, I have connected with many people in the Long COVID community and formed friendships with individuals who are severely ill and desperately seeking help," she shares. This connection to affected communities drives her commitment to translational research.

Her ambitious goal reflects the urgency of the situation: "My biggest dream is to make a significant impact on the lives of people with neurological conditions following a viral infection." Currently, no approved treatments exist for Long COVID, highlighting the critical need for her research approach.

Accelerating Alzheimer's Research

Beyond COVID-19, Dr. Beckman's work addresses broader questions about inflammatory events contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. Her team has developed two novel monkey models for Alzheimer's disease research over eight years, focusing on amyloid pathology and tau propagation. These models represent significant advances in translational research, offering better platforms for therapy testing than traditional rodent models.

The primate models express the same versions of tau protein found in human brains, unlike rodents that only have one form. "We think the macaque is a better model, because it expresses the same versions of tau in the brain as humans do," Dr. Beckman explains. This similarity makes the models more relevant for understanding human neurodegenerative processes.

Diversity and Mentorship in Science

Dr. Beckman's commitment extends beyond research to fostering diversity in neuroscience. As a Brazilian and Latina woman, she has faced numerous obstacles reaching her current position. "From an early age, girls like me must combat prejudice, often hearing that we are not on the same level and that the STEM fields are not meant for us," she reflects.

Her pride in completing her education in Latin America challenges common perceptions about scientific training quality. "I take great pride in having completed all my education in Latin America, where the training we receive is just as good as that in wealthier countries," she emphasizes. This perspective influences her mentorship approach with trainees from underrepresented backgrounds.

Future Therapeutic Directions

The research implications extend far beyond academic understanding. Her focus on understanding viral disruption of brain homeostasis provides a framework for developing interventions that could prevent or mitigate neurological damage.

How might her discoveries about viral-induced neuroinflammation inform treatment strategies for other neurodegenerative conditions? The potential applications span from immediate Long COVID interventions to long-term Alzheimer's prevention strategies.

Dr. Danielle Beckman's Genomic Press interview is part of a larger series called Innovators & Ideas that highlights the people behind today's most influential scientific breakthroughs. Each interview in the series offers a blend of cutting-edge research and personal reflections, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the scientists shaping the future. By combining a focus on professional achievements with personal insights, this interview style invites a richer narrative that both engages and educates readers. This format provides an ideal starting point for profiles that explore the scientist's impact on the field, while also touching on broader human themes. More information on the research leaders and rising stars featured in our Innovators & Ideas – Genomic Press Interview series can be found in our publications website: https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/.

The Genomic Press Interview in Brain Medicine titled "Danielle Beckman – a neuroscientist driven by a microscopic obsession: Unravel how viruses play a role in brain pathology," is freely available via Open Access on 1 July 2025 in Brain Medicine at the following hyperlink: https://doi.org/10.61373/bm025k.0077.

About Brain Medicine: Brain Medicine (ISSN: 2997-2639, online and 2997-2647, print) is a high-quality medical research journal published by Genomic Press, New York. Brain Medicine is a new home for the cross-disciplinary pathway from innovation in fundamental neuroscience to translational initiatives in brain medicine. The journal's scope includes the underlying science, causes, outcomes, treatments, and societal impact of brain disorders, across all clinical disciplines and their interface.

Visit the Genomic Press Virtual Library: https://issues.genomicpress.com/bookcase/gtvov/

Our full website is at: https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/

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Journal

Brain Medicine

DOI

10.61373/bm025k.0077 

Method of Research

News article

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Danielle Beckman – a neuroscientist driven by a microscopic obsession: Unravel how viruses play a role in brain pathology

Article Publication Date

1-Jul-2025

 

U.S. uterine cancer incidence and mortality rates expected to significantly increase by 2050

Black women may face disproportionately higher rates than white women

American Association for Cancer Research

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Bottom Line: Uterine cancer incidence and mortality rates are projected to increase significantly over the next three decades in the United States, with incidence-based mortality expected to be nearly three times higher in Black women compared with white women by 2050.

Journal in Which the Study was Published: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

Author: Jason D. Wright, MD, chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Columbia University

Background: While incidence and mortality rates for most cancer types have been on the decline in the United States, cases of uterine cancer increased an average of 0.7% each year between 2013 and 2022 and age-adjusted death rates increased 1.6% annually between 2014 and 2023, according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Black women are disproportionally affected with a death rate from uterine cancer that is about twice as high compared with women of other races or ethnicities. 

“Overall, uterine cancer is one of the few cancers where both incidence and mortality have been increasing, and prior studies have consistently shown significant racial disparities among Black and white women,” said Wright, who is the lead author of the study. “Understanding future trends will help inform the development of robust strategies to reduce the burden and improve outcomes.” 

How the Study was Conducted: As part of the NCI’s Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET), Wright and his colleagues built the Columbia University Uterine Cancer Model (UTMO). This natural history model of uterine cancer simulates the trajectories for incidence and mortality based on characteristics from a sample population, taking into account factors such as age (between 18 and 84), race (Black and white), birth cohort (grouped in 10-year intervals starting in 1910-1920), stage (as determined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer), and histologic subtype (the more common endometrioid uterine cancer vs. non-endometrioid cancers, which tend to have a worse prognosis). Survival estimates are based on current available treatments with the model unable to account for potential advances in therapeutics.    

To validate the model, Wright and his team used UTMO to predict the median age of diagnosis, survival rate, and distribution of diagnosis by stage for uterine cancer in 2018, and found those projections were comparable to the actual SEER data from that year.   

Following this validation, they estimated the future rates of uterine cancer based on publicly available sources through 2018.

Results: Incidence was projected to increase from 57.7 cases per 100,000 in 2018 to 74.2 cases per 100,000 in 2050 for white women and from 56.8 cases per 100,000 to 86.9 cases per 100,000 for Black women. Incidence-based mortality was projected to increase from 6.1 per 100,000 to 11.2 per 100,000 among white women and from 14.1 per 100,000 to 27.9 per 100,000 among Black women.  

Further, while the incidence of endometrioid tumors is projected to increase considerably in both Black (34.2 per 100,000 to 50.5 per 100,000) and white (49.2 per 100,000 to 63.4 per 100,000) women, the increased incidence of non-endometrioid tumors was more significant in Black (from 22.5 per 100,000 to 36.3 per 100,000) than white (from 8.5 per 100,000 to 10.8 per 100,000) women. 

The model also showed that should hysterectomy rates continue to decrease and obesity rates continue to increase, the incidence and mortality rates for uterine cancer would increase more drastically for both white and Black women. Obesity is a known risk factor for uterine cancer, and while an increase in the use of obesity treatments like GLP-1s could instead cause obesity rates to decline, Wright explained it is hard to predict if that will be the case. Hysterectomy is known to reduce the risk of uterine cancer, but due to the availability of nonsurgical treatments for gynecologic disease, hysterectomy rates are projected to decline 25.7% from 2020 to 2035.  

Author’s Comments: “There are likely a number of factors that are associated with the increased burden of uterine cancer in Black women,” Wright said. “They more commonly have aggressive types of uterine cancer, face delayed diagnosis resulting in later-stage disease at diagnosis, and there are often delays in their treatment.”

Wright and his colleagues also performed a stress test of the model by incorporating hypothetical screening and intervention methods that could detect uterine cancer and precancerous changes prior to clinical diagnosis. The screening and intervention methods were most effective when introduced at age 55 with declines in cancer incidence that lasted up to 15 years in white women and up to 16 years in Black women. 

“The stress testing suggests that if there was an effective screening test, we may be able to substantially reduce the burden of disease,” Wright said. “While there is presently no screening or prevention that is routinely used for uterine cancer, we are currently examining the potential impact of integrating screening for this cancer into practice.” 

Study Limitations: Limitations of the study include the fact that the model is based only on population-level estimates, and some of the risk factors, though representing the highest quality of data available, could be outdated. Additionally, not all potential risk factors for uterine cancer were incorporated into the model, but Wright said they are working to develop more precise estimates of other risk factors. Other limitations include the smaller number of annual cases of non-endometrioid tumors, lack of data on uterine sarcomas, and inclusion of data on only Black and white women. 

Funding & Disclosures: The study was supported by funds from the NCI. Wright has received royalties from UpToDate, honoraria from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and research support from Merck. 

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Journal

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention

DOI

10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-24-1422 

Article Title

Projected Trends in the Incidence and Mortality of Uterine Cancer in the United States

Article Publication Date

1-Jul-2025

COI Statement

Wright has received royalties from UpToDate, honoraria from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and research support from Merck.