Uterine sparing management in patients with endometrial cancer: a narrative literature review

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2022 Jul;42(5):823-829. doi: 10.1080/01443615.2021.2006164. Epub 2022 Jan 6.

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract. Approximately 25% of cases occur in premenopausal women, and up to 5% of cases occur in women who are younger than 40 years old. The survival rate in these cases is 99%; therefore, uterine-sparing management could be considered under strict criteria selection and the strong desire of the woman to preserve uterus and fertility. Diagnosis should be performed after a hysteroscopic biopsy instead of dilatation and curettage. The highest remission rate was achieved after combining a hysteroscopic resection with hormonal therapy compared to single hormonal treatment. The most common regiments are the following progestins: megestrol acetate (MA) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) taken orally with a daily dosage of 160 mg-320 mg for MA and 250 mg-600 mg for MP. Evaluations at three and six months could be performed by office endometrial biopsy and/or hysteroscopic directed biopsy especially in the presence of levonorgestrel intrauterine system, and in cases of remission, either a pregnancy attempt or maintenance therapy should be considered. After childbearing, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is recommended, whereas ovarian preservation could be considered depending on the patient's age and whether they fulfil the strict criteria selection.

Keywords: Endometrial cancer; conservative treatment; fertility sparing; progestin therapy; uterine sparing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Endometrial Hyperplasia* / surgery
  • Endometrial Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation*
  • Humans
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Levonorgestrel
  • Pregnancy
  • Uterus / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Levonorgestrel