Cancer in pregnancy: maternal and fetal implications

Hum Reprod Update. 2001 Jul-Aug;7(4):384-93. doi: 10.1093/humupd/7.4.384.

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in women during their reproductive years, and complicates approximately 0.1% of all pregnancies. When cancer occurs during gestation it poses immense pressure on the pregnant patient, her relatives and her physicians. As cancer is diagnosed during gestation, it raises conflicts between optimal maternal therapy and fetal well-being. In this review, the available data are analysed regarding the impact of pregnancy on the course of the disease, and the effects of the malignant process and its treatment on both the mother and her fetus. Here, attention is focused on the most common malignancies associated with pregnancy; cervical and breast cancer, malignant melanoma and lymphoma. In addition, attention is focused on the available data regarding the impact of cytotoxic and radiation treatments on the mother and fetus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Embryonic and Fetal Development / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lymphoma / pathology
  • Lymphoma / therapy
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanoma / physiopathology
  • Melanoma / therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / therapy
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / therapy