Oncologic and pregnancy outcomes of fertility-sparing treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate in women with premalignant and malignant endometrial lesions : a case series

Abstract

Introduction: Current trends of delaying childbearing and the increasing incidence of endometrial cancer in nulliparous woman necessitate research and development of fertility sparing treatments. Hormonal therapy with progestins offers an alternative to surgical treatment for a select group of patients of reproductive-age, who wish to preserve their reproductive potential. Materials and methods: The study evaluates the effectiveness of medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer, atypical endometrial hyperplasia or atypical polypoid adenomyoma, seeking to preserve fertility. This prospective case series encompasses nine patients (6 with endometrial cancer, 2 with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and 1 with atypical polypoid adenomyoma) treated in the period between 2015 and 2022 with high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy. Treatment and monitoring were conducted at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics in Skopje, R. Macedonia, with clinical assessments carried out every three to six months via hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy or exploratory curettage. Results: Primary response was achieved in 4 patients (44.4 %). Secondary response was achieved in the remaining 5 cases (55.6 %). Therefore, all 9 patients (100 %) showed complete response to progestin treatment in the time interval 3–9 months. Recurrence occurred in 3 cases (33.3 %) after follow-up of 15, 33 and 84 months, respectively. During the study period, 2 patients (22.2 %) underwent definitive surgery with hysterectomy because of disease recurrence (both with endometrial cancer, stage IA). Fertility was achieved in 1 patient (11.1 %), who had a full-term delivery with caesarean section. Conclusion: Conservative treatment approach to patients with endometrial cancer aiming to preserve fertility can be safe and have acceptable outcomes in terms of oncologic response as well as pregnancy results, with high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy being an effective option. The selection of endometrial cancer patients, for whom fertility-sparing progestin therapy is appropriate, is of great importance to achieve the best outcomes. Continuous and careful monitoring of patients undergoing conservative treatment is essential, due to the risk of disease recurrence and progression.