Fertility-Sparing Treatment in Gestational Choriocarcinoma: Evaluating Oncological and Obstetrical Outcomes in Young Patients

Med Sci Monit. 2023 Nov 14:29:e942078. doi: 10.12659/MSM.942078.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Gestational choriocarcinoma (GC) is an uncommon neoplasia that occurs in women who may not have completed a procreation plan. The aim of this study was to evaluate oncological and obstetrical outcomes in young patients with GC after fertility-sparing treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS The eligibility criteria for the study were histopathological diagnosis of GC, age ≤40 years, and treatment with systemic chemotherapy. Patients who underwent upfront hysterectomy were excluded. The response to treatment was assessed according to beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) serum measurement. Complete response and progression were considered if the beta-hCG dropped to a normal range and increased (or reached a plateau), respectively. The birth rate was calculated as the number of women who gave birth after treatment divided by the total number of patients. RESULTS A total of 18 patients fulfilled the study's eligibility criteria. A complete response and progression to first-line chemotherapy were found in 13 (72.22%) and 5 (27.78%) patients, respectively. Salvage treatment was administered to patients with progression. Overall, 16 (88.88%) patients achieved complete response after treatment and 2 (11.12%) died. GC relapse was diagnosed in 1 patient 62 months after treatment. The birth rate was 22.22%, and a total of 6 children were born. All pregnancies ended in term delivery. No congenital abnormalities were detected in the newborns. CONCLUSIONS GC is a life-threatening form of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, mainly due to its rapid course and resistance to chemotherapy. Most patients with GC will not be able to bear children after treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Choriocarcinoma* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease* / diagnosis
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproduction