Etonogestrel Subdermal Implant-Associated Regression of Endometrial Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Apr;133(4):780-782. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003152.

Abstract

Background: Endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia is a precursor lesion to endometrial adenocarcinoma. Total hysterectomy is the preferred management, but systemic or locally acting progestin therapies are acceptable alternatives. The use of the etonogestrel subdermal implant for treatment of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia has not been studied.

Case: A 36-year-old woman, G2P2002, with obesity presented with abnormal uterine bleeding. Her endometrial specimen demonstrated endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia. She declined both hysterectomy and conventional medical management. The etonogestrel implant was offered as an alternative to no treatment. After etonogestrel implant insertion, serial biopsies showed regression of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia. Sixteen months after implant insertion, biopsy showed inactive and atrophic endometrium.

Conclusion: The etonogestrel subdermal implant should be considered for further study for the treatment of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia in women who decline surgical management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Contraceptive Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage*
  • Desogestrel / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Implants*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Endometriosis / drug therapy
  • Endometriosis / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Subcutaneous Tissue
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / prevention & control

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Hormonal
  • Drug Implants
  • etonogestrel
  • Desogestrel