Nearly 80 researchers, physicians, trainees and patient advocates gathered at the North Carolina Botanical Garden on Oct. 24 for the first UNC Lineberger Endometrial Cancer Center of Excellence (ECCE) retreat.
The half-day event focused on a critical mission: advancing research and clinical care for endometrial cancer, a disease where mortality rates are rising and significant gaps in patient outcomes persist.
As one of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center’s disease‑focused research programs, the ECCE aims to bring experts together to address these growing challenges. While many cancers have seen improved survival rates, endometrial cancer remains understudied, with certain patient populations facing much higher risks of aggressive disease.
“I was thrilled about our turnout for our very first ECCE retreat,” said Victoria Bae-Jump, MD, PhD, director of the Endometrial Cancer Center of Excellence at UNC Lineberger and professor in the division of gynecologic oncology at UNC‑Chapel Hill. “Our hope is that this retreat inspires new collaborations in endometrial cancer — a field that faces worsening outcomes and alarming gaps in survival. We look forward to building our research and membership as we look toward our next retreat in fall 2026.”
NCI grant to fuel endometrial cancer research
A highlight of the retreat was the announcement of a five-year, $11.2 million Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant from the National Cancer Institute.
This major funding will directly support the ECCE’s efforts to improve survival rates. The grant will fuel studies into the biological and clinical factors that lead to different outcomes among patients, with a specific focus on closing the current survival gaps seen in North Carolina.
Multi-disciplinary research highlights
The retreat featured scientific presentations across three main areas of focus:
- Population science: ECCE team members discussed the collaboration behind the Carolina Endometrial Cancer Study and explored clinical solutions for patients in rural areas who face barriers to specialized care.
- Laboratory-based research: Scientists shared progress on experimental vaginal ecosystems and the development of new intrauterine devices (IUDs) designed to deliver chemotherapy directly to the site of the cancer.
- Clinical and translational science: Presenters shared data on how metabolic factors, such as diet and exercise, influence cancer risk and how new medications like GLP-1 agonists might play a role in prevention and treatment.
Strengthening collaborative impact
The retreat provided a unique space for lab-based scientists to connect with frontline clinicians and patient advocates. By bringing these groups together, the ECCE aims to move discoveries from the bench to the bedside more quickly, ensuring that innovative trials and treatments reach the patients who need them most.
About the Endometrial Cancer Center of Excellence
The UNC Lineberger Endometrial Cancer Center of Excellence (ECCE) brings together a multidisciplinary group of faculty, staff and researchers to provide high-level patient care and generate discoveries that lead to more effective cures.
As part of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the ECCE is committed to reversing the rising mortality rates of endometrial cancer through state-of-the-art research, innovative clinical trials and comprehensive care for the people of North Carolina.