[Reflections on treatments for infertility and the possible occurrence of ovarian carcinomas]

Recenti Prog Med. 2017 Mar;108(3):136-140. doi: 10.1701/2656.27236.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

In the last decade the use of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) significantly increased and, due to the improved quality of the procedures and management of patients, it has led to progressively better outcomes. In parallel, the latest literature data show an increased incidence of ovarian cancer, that to date does not have a protocol with high sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis. Considering the accumulating evidence about the etiology of ovarian cancer, it has been postulated a correlation between the increasing use of necessary and propaedeutic pharmacological treatments for ART and the increased incidence of this tumor. Despite the current data in the literature do not allow to draw definitive conclusions, the aim of this work is to propose a brief comment on the possible correlation between fertility treatments and the occurrence of ovarian cancer, particularly in women with BRCA mutations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • BRCA1 Protein / genetics
  • BRCA2 Protein / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infertility, Female / therapy*
  • Mutation
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / adverse effects
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA1 protein, human
  • BRCA2 Protein
  • BRCA2 protein, human