Conservative treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate plus levonorgestrel intrauterine system for early-stage endometrial cancer in young women: pilot study

Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2011 May;21(4):673-7. doi: 10.1111/IGC.0b013e3181fd9a06.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the feasibility of using medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) to treat early-stage endometrial cancer in young women who want to preserve their reproductive potential.

Methods: Prospective observational study of 5 young patients (mean [SD] age, 38.4 [4.8] years; range, 33-41 years) with a grade 1 endometrial cancer that is presumably confined to the endometrium. The subjects were given a daily oral dose of 500 mg of MPA and LNG-IUS placement. They were followed with dilation and curettage every 3 months.

Results: Complete remission was shown in 4 of 5 patients, and one patient showed partial remission. Biopsy results were negative in 2 patients at 3 months, in 1 patient at 6 months, and in 1 patient at 12 months. No treatment-related complications occurred. No recurrence was found during the follow-up period (mean [SD], 10.2 [3.6] months; range, 6-16 months).

Conclusions: The concomitant use of MPA with LNG-IUS is feasible for conservative treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer in young women who want to preserve their reproductive potential.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Algorithms
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Carcinoma, Endometrioid / drug therapy*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / prevention & control
  • Intrauterine Devices, Medicated* / adverse effects
  • Levonorgestrel / administration & dosage*
  • Levonorgestrel / adverse effects
  • Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / administration & dosage*
  • Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / adverse effects
  • Pilot Projects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Levonorgestrel
  • Medroxyprogesterone Acetate