Endometrial Cancer in Reproductive Age: Fertility-Sparing Approach and Reproductive Outcomes

Cancers (Basel). 2022 Oct 22;14(21):5187. doi: 10.3390/cancers14215187.

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries and approximately 7% of the women with endometrial cancer are below the age of 45. Management of endometrial cancer in young women who desire to maintain fertility presents a unique set of challenges since the standard surgical treatment based on hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy is often not compatible with the patient's goals. A fertility-preserving approach can be considered in selected patients with early stage and low-grade endometrial cancer. An increasing amount of data suggest that oncologic outcomes are not compromised if a conservative approach is utilized with close monitoring until childbearing is completed. If a fertility-preserving approach is not possible, assisted reproductive technologies can assist patients in achieving their fertility goals.

Keywords: assisted reproductive technology; conservative management; early stage; endometrial cancer; fertility-sparing; hysteroscopy; oocyte cryopreservation; progestin.

Publication types

  • Review