Fertility preservation in endometrial carcinoma: Case series of 11 patients

Abstract

Introduction: Endometrial cancer comprises 7.1% of all new cancer cases in females. Carcinoma of the endometrium is one of the long-term complications of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) due to unopposed estrogen action due to chronic anovulation. The standard treatment involves hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, due to its hormonal sensitivity. In endometrial cancer without infiltration to the myometrium and no extrauterine involvement, conservative treatment can be offered to women who wish to preserve fertility. Results: We report 11 cases of endometrial carcinoma either diagnosed during workup for infertility or referred for fertility preservation (FP) before definitive treatment. About 72.7% (7/11) of patients had PCOS, it becomes important for clinicians to suspect and rule out endometrial carcinoma by regular endometrial surveillance which, includes transvaginal ultrasound and/or endometrial biopsy in all PCOS women who have abnormal uterine bleeding, prolonged amenorrhea, unopposed estrogen exposure, and thick endometrium especially on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. About 36.36% (4/11) of our patients were not convinced for FP and were either lost to follow-up or underwent definitive therapy. Thus, it is important that all patients with endometrial carcinoma should be counseled not only by the oncologist but also by a reproductive endocrinologist and a psychosocial counselor, both together and separately. This will enable the patient to make a right choice of the treatment modality. Conclusion: Conservative treatment with progestogen therapy in selected young patients with well-differentiated carcinoma limited to the endometrium helps in preserving fertility. If they fail to conceive in the first attempt of in vitro fertilization, it is mandatory to monitor them for recurrence till a definitive treatment is planned. If definitive treatment is required fertility can be preserved either by oocyte or embryo freezing. Some women with low risk of ovarian involvement can benefit by ovarian tissue cryopreservation.