Advancements in Uterine Cancer Treatment at the University of Iowa

Katie Colling, a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the cancer biology program at the University of Iowa, is leading research that explores new hormone therapies for uterine cancer. Her work focuses on five new progestins that have demonstrated greater efficacy in laboratory tests compared to current clinical drugs. This research has been pivotal in securing a $12.8 million grant from the National Cancer Institute for a collaborative project involving the University of New Mexico, University of Utah, and University of Kansas, aimed at advancing hormone therapy for endometrial cancer.

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Uterine cancer is the fourth-most common cancer among women and has recently surpassed ovarian cancer as the deadliest form of gynecologic cancer. The National Cancer Institute reports that the five-year survival rate for uterine cancer was just over 80% from 2016 to 2021, with approximately 14,000 deaths attributed to the disease in 2025. Current treatment often involves surgery that removes reproductive organs, leaving patients unable to conceive, which poses significant challenges for those wishing to retain their fertility.

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Colling's research, conducted under the guidance of Professor Kristina Thiel, involves testing various progestins on tumor cell cultures, known as organoids, to assess their impact on tumor growth and cell death. Colling has identified five progestins that outperform existing treatments, which have been in use since the 1970s. She emphasizes the need for further investigation into why many available progestins have not been utilized for uterine cancer treatment, given their widespread use in other areas of women's health.

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Colling's interest in cancer research is deeply personal; her grandmother's battle with breast cancer significantly influenced her career path. She aims to develop safer and more effective therapies for cancer patients, particularly in light of the toxicities associated with current treatments. The next phase of her research will involve testing the most promising progestin candidates in mice, with plans to integrate this data into clinical trials.

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Both Colling and Thiel stress the importance of public education regarding uterine cancer symptoms and the significance of early detection. Thiel highlighted that abnormal bleeding is one of the earliest signs of uterine cancer, urging women to seek medical advice promptly. Colling recently won the 2025 Three Minute Thesis competition, where she effectively communicated her research to a general audience, underscoring the necessity of making scientific findings accessible to the public.

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The research conducted by Katie Colling and her team at the University of Iowa represents a significant step forward in the treatment of uterine cancer. With promising results from new progestins and substantial funding from the National Cancer Institute, there is hope for developing therapies that not only treat cancer effectively but also preserve the reproductive health of patients. As the research progresses, the emphasis on public education and awareness remains critical in the fight against this increasingly prevalent disease.

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