Efficacy of megestrol acetate in treatment of 21 young patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background: Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of genital system which is commonly seen after menopause. Rises in the age of marriage non-surgical methods, using systemic progestins, have been evaluated to treat the young patients with well-differentiated endometrial cancer who wish to preserve their fertility. Methods: Twenty one infertile patients with stage Ia well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma were enrolled in a quasi-experimental study. The treatment initiated with 160mg/d of megestrol acetate then continued with 320mg/d for non-responsive cases. Patients follow up with FD&C and hysteroscopy. Patients divided in two groups on the basis of response to therapy and persistent. The responsive patients were introduced to IVF group and evaluated for later fertility and birth of alive newborns for three years. Results: This study showed a response rate of 85.71% and 14.29% undergoing TAH. The mean duration of treatment was 5.85±2.00 month. The response to therapy was observed in 27.78% with dose of 160mg/d and the remaining patients with 320mg/d. Pregnancy occurred in 27.78%, 2 of which ended up in a term delivery and the others ended before term. Recurrence happened in 16.67% that 66.67% of them experienced remission again. Conclusion: Use of 320mg/d seems to be associated with a better therapeutic response. Serious complications were not observed with this dose. Furthermore, continuance of the drug for three month following a normal pathology report was decreased the rate of recurrence.

Keywords

• Endometrial adenocarcinoma
• Megestrol acetate
• Well differentiated