The place of selective progesterone receptor modulators in myoma therapy

Minerva Ginecol. 2016 Jun;68(3):313-20. Epub 2016 Mar 1.

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are the most commonly encountered benign uterine tumors in women of reproductive age. As progesterone is known to play a key role in promoting myoma growth, the goal of the study was to analyze the efficacy of selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs). From four studies, it was concluded that UPA (ulipristal acetate) treatment was able to control myoma-associated uterine bleeding in over 90% of cases and significantly reduce myoma volume in more than 80% of women. The results of long-term intermittent therapy (PEARL III and PEARL IV studies) (4 courses of 3 months) demonstrated that more than one course of UPA is able to maximize its potential benefits in terms of control of bleeding and fibroid volume reduction. The treatment was considered safe, even at the level of endometrial changes. With the advent of SPRMs, new algorithms should be discussed, as there is no doubt that there is a place for medical therapy with SPRMs in the current armamentarium of fibroid management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / drug therapy*
  • Leiomyoma / pathology
  • Norpregnadienes / administration & dosage
  • Norpregnadienes / pharmacology
  • Norpregnadienes / therapeutic use
  • Progesterone / metabolism
  • Receptors, Progesterone / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Progesterone / metabolism
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / drug therapy
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Norpregnadienes
  • Receptors, Progesterone
  • Progesterone
  • ulipristal acetate