A randomized, controlled clinical trial comparing the effects of aromatase inhibitor (letrozole) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (triptorelin) on uterine leiomyoma volume and hormonal status

Leiomyomas beyond the uterus; benign metastasizing leiomyomatosis with paraaortic metastasizing endometriosis and intravenous leiomyomatosis: a case series and review of the literature

Uterine leiomyomas affect 20-30 % of women 35 years and older. Extrauterine leiomyomas are rare and present a greater diagnostic challenge. Those unusual growth patterns occur more often in women of reproductive age with a history of hysterectomy or surgery for uterine leiomyomas. They have been reported in the literature in case reports and small case series and include benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML), disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis, intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL), parasitic leiomyomas, and retroperitoneal growth. In this case series we present a case of BML with a first report of concomitant endometriosis metastasis to paraaortic lymphnodes, and a case of IVL. The findings and surgical management of those cases, as well as a review of the literature pertinent to those entities, are also presented.

Current evidence supporting "letrozole" for ovulation induction

Aromatase inhibitor “letrozole” was first introduced as a potential ovulation induction (OI) drug almost a decade back. Large number of studies has been published using letrozole for OI: In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women, clomiphene citrate (CC) resistant women, for intrauterine insemination and also in various protocols of mild stimulation for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). Letrozole appears to be a good option, with its oral route of administration, cost, shorter half-life and negligible side effects. However, the verdict on efficacy and safety of letrozole is still uncertain. This review explores the current scientific data supporting letrozole for OI.

Uterine fibroids: clinical manifestations and contemporary management

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomata) are extremely common lesions that are associated with detrimental effects including infertility and abnormal uterine bleeding. Fibroids cause molecular changes at the level of endometrium. Abnormal regulation of growth factors and cytokines in fibroid cells may contribute to negative endometrial effects. Understanding of fibroid biology has greatly increased over the last decade. Although the current armamentarium of Food and Drug Administration-approved medical therapies is limited, there are medications approved for use in heavy menstrual bleeding that can be used for the medical management of fibroids. Emergence of the role of growth factors in pathophysiology of fibroids has led researchers to develop novel therapeutics. Despite advances in medical therapies, surgical management remains a mainstay of fibroid treatment. Destruction of fibroids by interventional radiological procedures provides other effective treatments. Further experimental studies and clinical trials are required to determine which therapies will provide the greatest benefits to patients with fibroids.

Quantitative serial MRI of the treated fibroid uterus

Objective

There are no long-term medical treatments for uterine fibroids, and non-invasive biomarkers are needed to evaluate novel therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study was to determine whether serial dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and magnetization transfer MRI (MT-MRI) are able to detect changes that accompany volume reduction in patients administered GnRH analogue drugs, a treatment which is known to reduce fibroid volume and perfusion. Our secondary aim was to determine whether rapid suppression of ovarian activity by combining GnRH agonist and antagonist therapies results in faster volume reduction.

Methods

Forty women were assessed for eligibility at gynaecology clinics in the region, of whom thirty premenopausal women scheduled for hysterectomy due to symptomatic fibroids were randomized to three groups, receiving (1) GnRH agonist (Goserelin), (2) GnRH agonist+GnRH antagonist (Goserelin and Cetrorelix) or (3) no treatment. Patients were monitored by serial structural, DCE-MRI and MT-MRI, as well as by ultrasound and serum oestradiol concentration measurements from enrolment to hysterectomy (approximately 3 months).

Results

A volumetric treatment effect assessed by structural MRI occurred by day 14 of treatment (9% median reduction versus 9% increase in untreated women; P = 0.022) and persisted throughout. Reduced fibroid perfusion and permeability assessed by DCE-MRI occurred later and was demonstrable by 2–3 months (43% median reduction versus 20% increase respectively; P = 0.0093). There was no apparent treatment effect by MT-MRI. Effective suppression of oestradiol was associated with early volume reduction at days 14 (P = 0.041) and 28 (P = 0.0061).

Conclusion

DCE-MRI is sensitive to the vascular changes thought to accompany successful GnRH analogue treatment of uterine fibroids and should be considered for use in future mechanism/efficacy studies of proposed fibroid drug therapies. GnRH antagonist administration does not appear to accelerate volume reduction, though our data do support the role of oestradiol suppression in GnRH analogue treatment of fibroids.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00746031

Expression of a mitochondrial progesterone receptor (PR-M) in leiomyomata and association with increased mitochondrial membrane potential

CONTEXT

Clinical evidence supports a role for progestins in the growth of leiomyomata (fibroids). The mechanism(s) for this is thought to involve gene regulation via the nuclear progesterone receptors. Recently a mitochondrial progesterone receptor (PR-M) has been identified with evidence of a progesterone/progestin-dependent increase in cellular respiration. This observation raises a possible new mechanism whereby progesterone/progestin may affect the growth of fibroids.

OBJECTIVE

The goals of this research were to determine differential expression of PR-M in normal myometrium compared with the edge of a fibroid within the same uterus, to demonstrate a progestin-dependent increase in mitochondria membrane potential using an immortalized human myometrial cell line and to examine mitochondrial membrane potential in transfected cells expressing the complete coding sequence of PR-M.

DESIGN

Protein levels of PR-M, PR-B, PR-A, mitochondrial porin, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were determined in the myometrium and adjacent edge of a fibroid in 10 subjects undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications. Mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by fluorescent emission of 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolecarbocyanide iodine in hTERT-HM cells treated with R5020 and in transfected hTERT-HM cells determined by the fluorescent emission of tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester.

RESULTS

Higher levels of PR-M and mitochondrial porin were found in the fibroid edge compared with adjacent myometrium. Progestin increased mitochondrial membrane potential in hTERT-HM cells, which was not affected by a translation inhibitor. This effect was exaggerated in hTERT-HM cells expressing PR-M after transient transfection.

CONCLUSION

These studies suggest a mechanism whereby progesterone/progestin may affect the growth of fibroids by altering mitochondrial activity.

Ulipristal acetate: a novel pharmacological approach for the treatment of uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female genital tract. The management of symptomatic fibroids has traditionally been surgical; however, alternative pharmacological approaches have been proposed to control symptoms. To date, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs are the only available drugs for the preoperative treatment of fibroids. However, the US Food and Drug Administration recently authorized ulipristal acetate (UPA), an oral selective progesterone-receptor modulator, for the same indication. UPA is a new, effective, and well-tolerated option for the preoperative treatment of moderate and severe symptoms of uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age. According to clinical data, UPA shows several advantages: it is faster than leuprolide in reducing the fibroid-associated bleeding, it significantly improves hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in anemic patients, and it grants a significant reduction in the size of fibroids, which lasts for at least 6 months after the end of the treatment. Furthermore, UPA displays a better tolerability profile when compared to leuprolide; in fact, it keeps estradiol levels at mid follicular phase range, thereby reducing the incidence of hot flushes and exerting no impact on bone turnover. On the grounds of this evidence, the administration of 5 mg/day ulipristal acetate for 3 months is suggested for different patient categories and allows for planning a treatment strategy tailored to meet an individual patient's needs.

Proceedings from the Third National Institutes of Health International Congress on Advances in Uterine Leiomyoma Research: comprehensive review, conference summary and future recommendations

BACKGROUND Uterine fibroids are the most common gynecologic tumors in women of reproductive age yet the etiology and pathogenesis of these lesions remain poorly understood. Age, African ancestry, nulliparity and obesity have been identified as predisposing factors for uterine fibroids. Symptomatic tumors can cause excessive uterine bleeding, bladder dysfunction and pelvic pain, as well as associated reproductive disorders such as infertility, miscarriage and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Currently, there are limited noninvasive therapies for fibroids and no early intervention or prevention strategies are readily available. This review summarizes the advances in basic, applied and translational uterine fibroid research, in addition to current and proposed approaches to clinical management as presented at the 'Advances in Uterine Leiomyoma Research: 3rd NIH International Congress'. Congress recommendations and a review of the fibroid literature are also reported. METHODS This review is a report of meeting proceedings, the resulting recommendations and a literature review of the subject. RESULTS The research data presented highlights the complexity of uterine fibroids and the convergence of ethnicity, race, genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors, including lifestyle and possible socioeconomic parameters on disease manifestation. The data presented suggest it is likely that the majority of women with uterine fibroids will have normal pregnancy outcomes; however, additional research is warranted. As an alternative to surgery, an effective long-term medical treatment for uterine fibroids should reduce heavy uterine bleeding and fibroid/uterine volume without excessive side effects. This goal has not been achieved and current treatments reduce symptoms only temporarily; however, a multi-disciplined approach to understanding the molecular origins and pathogenesis of uterine fibroids, as presented in this report, makes our quest for identifying novel targets for noninvasive, possibly nonsystemic and effective long-term treatment very promising. CONCLUSIONS The Congress facilitated the exchange of scientific information among members of the uterine leiomyoma research and health-care communities. While advances in research have deepened our knowledge of the pathobiology of fibroids, their etiology still remains incompletely understood. Further needs exist for determination of risk factors and initiation of preventive measures for fibroids, in addition to continued development of new medical and minimally invasive options for treatment.

Aromatase inhibitors for uterine fibroids

BACKGROUND

Uterine fibroids, also called uterine leiomyomas or myomas, are the most common benign tumours in women of reproductive age. Albeit generally benign, uterine fi broids can have a major impact on women's health and quality of life by contributing to abnormal uterine bleeding and causing pelvic pressure symptoms (such as increased urinary frequency, pelvic pain and constipation). Traditional treatments for symptomatic fi broids include a variety of surgical techniques. However, because of the high recurrence rate, as well as possible pain and infertility caused by the formation of postoperative adhesions, this approach may not be advisable. Safer and more effective medical therapy has long been awaited. Both in vitro studies and clinical trials have suggested that use of the aromatase inhibitors (AIs), a class of anti-oestrogens, might inhibit fi broid growth, thereby eliminating the need for surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) in women with uterine fibroids.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases (from inception to August 21, 2013): Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. In addition, the reference lists of included trials were searched, and experts in the field were contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in women of reproductive age comparing the effects of any AI versus placebo, no treatment or any medical treatment/surgery were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Selection of eligible trials, assessment of trial quality and data extraction were performed independently by two review authors. If data were available, we planned to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for analysis of dichotomous data and mean differences for continuous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

MAIN RESULTS

Only one trial involving 70 participants was included. This trial did not report our primary review outcome (relief of symptoms of fibroids). The only secondary review outcomes reported by this trial were adverse effects (hot flushes) and reduction in fibroid size. Significantly fewer women reported hot flushes in the letrozole group than in the GnRHa group (0/33 vs 26/27, P < 0.05). Use of letrozole reduced fibroid volume by 46% and use of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (GnRHa) by 32% after 12 weeks of treatment; these proportions were not significantly different. The included trial did not report data on fibroid volume in a form that permitted calcuation of an odds ratio. Morevoer it was unblinded and included only 60/70 women in analysis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence is insufficient to support the use of AI drugs in the treatment of women with uterine fibroids.

The impact and management of fibroids for fertility: an evidence-based approach

Fibroids affect 35% to 77% of reproductive-age women. When selecting a treatment plan for symptomatic fibroids, the fibroid location, size, and number must be considered. Myomectomy remains the preferred method for women with fibroid-related infertility who wish to have children or maintain fertility. Currently available medical therapies reduce symptoms in the short term but may involve side effects when used long term. Initial fertility studies are encouraging but trials are needed. Recent medical advances have led to minimally invasive approaches for women with fibroid disease, but there is a strong demand for additional treatment options.

Novel hormone treatment of benign metastasizing leiomyoma: an analysis of five cases and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate novel hormonal therapies in patients with unresectable benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) disease.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

National Institutes of Health (NIH).

PATIENT(S)

Five subjects with the diagnosis of BML based on imaging and/or histopathologic diagnosis.

INTERVENTION(S)

Four patients were treated with single or combination therapy of leuprolide acetate and/or an aromatase inhibitor. One patient was treated with an antiprogestin (CDB-2914).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Response to therapy was measured by tumor burden on cross-sectional imaging employing RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) 1.1 guidelines.

RESULT(S)

Four patients treated with single or combination therapy of leuprolide acetate and/or an aromatase inhibitor demonstrated stable disease with reduction in tumor burden. The fifth patient treated with antiprogestin (CDB-2914) had degeneration of her tumor, progression of its size, and an improvement in symptoms.

CONCLUSION(S)

Hormone treatment with GnRH agonist and/or aromatase inhibition may be a therapeutic option to reduce tumor burden in unresectable BML disease or for those patients who wish to avoid surgical intervention. RECIST 1.1 guidelines, while traditionally used to evaluate tumor response to cancer therapeutics, may be useful in evaluating BML tumor burden response to hormone therapy.

Uterine leiomyoma: available medical treatments and new possible therapeutic options

CONTEXT

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids or myomas) are benign tumors of the uterus and are clinically apparent in up to 25% of reproductive-age women. Heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss are generally associated with leiomyoma. Although surgical and radiological therapies are frequently used for the management of this tumor, medical therapies are considered the first-line treatment of leiomyoma.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION AND SYNTHESIS

A review was conducted of electronic and print data comprising both original and review articles on pathophysiology and medical treatments of uterine leiomyoma retrieved from the PubMed or Google Scholar database up to June 2012. These resources were integrated with the authors' knowledge of the field.

CONCLUSION

To date, several pathogenetic factors such as genetic factors, epigenetic factors, estrogens, progesterone, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular matrix components have been implicated in leiomyoma development and growth. On the basis of current hypotheses, several medical therapies have been investigated. GnRH agonist has been approved by US Food and Drug Administration for reducing fibroid volume and related symptoms. In addition, the FDA also approved an intrauterine device, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena), for additional use to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in intrauterine device users only. Currently, mifepristone, asoprisnil, ulipristal acetate, and epigallocatechin gallate have been shown to be effective for fibroid regression and symptomatic improvement which are all in clinical trial. In addition, some synthetic and natural compounds as well as growth factor inhibitors are now under laboratory investigation, and they could serve as future therapeutic options.

Aromatase inhibitor treatment of menorrhagia and subsequent pregnancy in a patient with familial hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical management of menorrhagia in a woman with hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT).

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Large translation research hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A 26-year-old nulligravid woman with familial HPT-JT presented with life-long menorrhagia resistant to progesterone intrauterine device (IUD) therapy and a desire for fertility.

INTERVENTION(S)

Aromatase inhibitor therapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Clinical response to therapy and pregnancy.

RESULT(S)

Imaging demonstrated an enlarged endometrial lining and thickening of the junctional zone. At operative hysteroscopy, multiple atypical endometrial polyp-like lesions filled the entire uterine cavity and were removed. Histologic evaluation demonstrated the lesions to be adenomyomas with an abundance of aromatase expression. Postoperative treatment included an aromatase inhibitor. The patient's menorrhagia, which had previously been resistant to progesterone IUD therapy, resolved with the aromatase inhibitor. After 10 months of this treatment, the aromatase inhibitor was discontinued and a repeated hysteroscopy revealed a markedly improved uterine cavity. The patient subsequently became pregnant on her first natural cycle and delivered a healthy term infant.

CONCLUSION(S)

Aromatase inhibitors may represent a novel treatment for benign uterine pathology in HPT-JT.

Leiomyoma fibrosis inhibited by liarozole, a retinoic acid metabolic blocking agent

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of liarozole on leiomyoma cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression in immortalized leiomyoma cells.

DESIGN

Laboratory study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

None.

INTERVENTION(S)

Tissue culture, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Proliferation, messenger RNA (mRNA), and ECM protein expression.

RESULT(S)

Proliferation of leiomyoma cells was inhibited by treatment with liarozole at suprapharmacologic concentrations. The mRNA and protein expression of COL1A1, COL4A2, versican, fibromodulin, and fibronectin was increased in untreated leiomyoma cells compared with untreated patient-matched myometrial cells. Extracellular matrix mRNA expression was decreased in a dose-dependent manner in leiomyoma cells treated with pharmacologic concentrations of liarozole. In addition, myometrial cells treated with liarozole demonstrated no statistically significant alteration in ECM regulation.

CONCLUSION(S)

Liarozole inhibited ECM protein production at pharmacologic concentrations in immortalized human leiomyoma cells. Retinoic acid metabolic blocking agents represent a potential therapeutic drug family for human leiomyomas.

AAGL practice report: practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of submucous leiomyomas

Submucous leiomyomas or myomas are commonly encountered by gynecologists and specialists in reproductive endocrinology and infertility with patients presenting with 1 or a combination of symptoms that include heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. There exists a variety of interventions that include those performed under hysteroscopic, laparoscopic and laparotomic direction; an evolving spectrum of image guided procedures, and an expanding number of pharmaceutical agents, each of which has value for the appropriately selected and counseled patient. Identification of the ideal approach requires the clinician to be intimately familiar with a given patient's history, including her desires with respect to fertility, as well as an appropriately detailed evaluation of the uterus with any one or a combination of a number of imaging techniques, including hysteroscopy. This guideline has been developed following a systematic review of the evidence, to provide guidance to the clinician caring for such patients, and to assist the clinical investigator in determining potential areas of research. Where high level evidence was lacking, but where a majority of opinion or consensus could be reached, the guideline development committee provided consensus recommendations as well.

Dealing with uterine fibroids in reproductive medicine

Women who wish to conceive are nowadays more likely to present with uterine fibroids, mainly because of the delay in childbearing in our society. The relationship between uterine fibroids and human reproduction is still controversial and counselling patients might sometimes be challenging. This paper is to assist those involved in the management of patients of reproductive age presenting with uterine fibroids. The interference of fibroids on fertility largely depends on their location. Submucous fibroids interfere with fertility and should be removed in infertile patients, regardless of the size or the presence of symptoms. Intramural fibroids distorting the cavity reduce the chances of conception, while investigations on intramural fibroids not distorting the cavity have so far given controversial results. No evidence supports the systematic removal of subserosal fibroids in asymptomatic, infertile patients. Myomectomy is still the 'gold standard' in fibroid treatment for fertility-wishing patients. In experienced hands, hysteroscopic myomectomy is minimally invasive, safe, and effective. Abdominal and laparoscopic myomectomy might be challenging, but potential risks could be reduced by new strategies and techniques.

The role of progesterone signaling in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyoma

Uterine leiomyomas are benign tumors that originate from the myometrium. Evidence points to ovarian steroid hormones, in particular, progesterone as major promoters of leiomyoma development and growth. While progesterone action in leiomyomas involves the classical nuclear receptor effects on gene regulation, there is growing evidence that signaling pathways are directly activated by the progesterone receptor (PR) and that PR can interact with growth factor signaling systems to promote proliferation and survival of leiomyomas. Studies investigating the genomic and non-genomic actions of PR and its role in leiomyoma growth are summarized here. Studies testing various selective progesterone receptor modulators for the treatment of leiomyomas are also highlighted. An increased understanding of the mechanisms associated with progesterone-driven growth of leiomyomas is critical in order to develop more efficient and targeted therapies for this prevalent disease.

Leiomyoma: genetics, assisted reproduction, pregnancy and therapeutic advances

PURPOSE

Uterine leiomyomas are common, benign, reproductive tract tumors affecting a majority of reproductive aged women. They are associated with gynecologic morbidity and detrimentally affect reproductive potential. The etiology of leiomyomas is poorly understood and their diagnosis prior to treatment with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) represents a management dilemma. The purpose of this paper is to review known genetic and molecular contributions to the etiologies of leiomyomas, describe their impact on ART outcomes and reproductive potential, and review alternative therapies and future directions in management.

METHODS

A critical review of the literature pertaining to genetic component of uterine leiomyomas, their impact on ART and pregnancy and leiomyoma therapeutics was performed.

RESULTS

Uterine leiomyomas are characterized by complex molecular mechanisms. Their location and size determines their potential detriment to ART and reproductive function and novel therapeutic modalities are being developed.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of uterine leiomyomas and their potential detrimental influence on ART and reproductive function warrants continued well-designed studies to ascertain their etiology, optimal treatment and novel less morbid therapies.

Etiology, diagnosis, and management of uterine leiomyomas

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign gynecologic tumors. While the true etiology of leiomyomas remains unknown, their origin is thought to be multifactorial including genetic, hormonal, and tissue growth factor variations. Leiomyomas are predominantly found in women of reproductive age and are the leading indication for hysterectomy worldwide. Menstrual irregularities, pain, and fertility difficulties may arise from leiomyoma presence, although many women remain asymptomatic. Diagnosis can be made via ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, when precise mapping of the tissue is needed. Many treatment options are available ranging from surgical to medical and should be chosen depending on symptom severity, number and size of leiomyomas, patient age, fertility desires, and patient preferences. The objective of this article is to present a practical clinical perspective on uterine leiomyomas and an overview of contemporary treatment options.

Medical treatment of uterine leiomyoma

Uterine leiomyomas (also called myomata or fibroids) are the most common gynecologic tumors in the United States. The prevalence of leiomyomas is at least 3 to 4 times higher among African American women than in white women. Pathologically, uterine leiomyomas are benign tumors that arise in any part of the uterus under the influence of local growth factors and sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. These common tumors cause significant morbidity for women and they are considered to be the most common indication for hysterectomy in the world; they are also associated with a substantial economic impact on health care systems that amounts to approximately $2.2 billion/year in the United States alone. Uterine myomas cause several reproductive problems such as heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure, infertility, and several obstetrical complications including miscarriage and preterm labor. Surgery has traditionally been the gold standard for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas and has typically consisted of either hysterectomy or myomectomy. In recent years, a few clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of orally administered medications for the management of leiomyoma-related symptoms. In the present review, we will discuss these promising medical treatments in further detail.

Innovative oral treatments of uterine leiomyoma

Uterine fibroids (leiomyoma), the benign tumors of the uterine wall, are very common cause of morbidity in reproductive age women usually in the form of excessive vaginal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, miscarriage and infertility. These tumors are the leading indication for hysterectomy in the United States. Uterine fibroids are about 4 times higher in blacks compared to whites and constitute a major health disparity challenge. The estimated cost of uterine fibroids is up to $34.4 billion annually. Additionally, women who suffer from this disease and desire to maintain their future fertility have very limited treatment choices. Currently, there is no effective long-term medicinal treatment for uterine fibroids. While surgery has traditionally been the gold standard for the treatment of uterine fibroids, there is growing interest towards orally administered medications for the management of leiomyoma-related symptoms. In this paper, we will discuss these promising innovative oral medical treatments in detail.

Current and emerging treatments for uterine myoma - an update

Uterine myomas, the most common benign, solid, pelvic tumors in women, occur in 20%–40% of women in their reproductive years and form the most common indication for hysterectomy. Various factors affect the choice of the best treatment modality for a given patient. Asymptomatic myomas may be managed by reassurance and careful follow up. Medical therapy should be tried as a first line of treatment for symptomatic myomas, while surgical treatment should be reserved only for appropriate indications. Hysterectomy has its place in myoma management in its definitiveness. However, myomectomy, rather than hysterectomy, should be performed when subsequent childbearing is a consideration. Preoperative gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment before myomectomy decreases the size and vascularity of the myoma but may render the capsule more fibrous and difficult to resect. Uterine artery embolization is an effective standard alternative for women with large symptomatic myomas who are poor surgical risks or wish to avoid major surgery. Its effects on future fertility need further evaluation in larger studies. Serial follow-up without surgery for growth and/or development of symptoms is advisable for asymptomatic women, particularly those approaching menopause. The present article is incorporated with multiple clear clinical photographs and simplified elaboration of the available management options for these tumors of uterine smooth muscle to facilitate clear understanding.

Aromatase inhibitors for ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) were originally developed for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Their use in reproductive medicine has been extensively studied in the past decade. We reviewed the current strategies for ovulation induction for anovulatory women, mostly women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and the scientific basis for use of AIs in reproductive medicine. The AI, letrozole, is effective in ovulation induction in women with PCOS resistant to clomifene citrate and ovarian stimulation for intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Letrozole is an attractive option with its oral route of administration, cost, safety profile and effectiveness in ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation. Letrozole has the potential to be the first-line treatment option for ovulation induction in PCOS women, while its use in ovarian stimulation for IVF deserves further study.

Beneficial effects of dienogest on uterine myoma volume: a retrospective controlled study comparing with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

PURPOSE

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors of reproductive age women, but there is no effective medical therapy to data. Aim of this study was to examine and compare the efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) versus dienogest in premenopausal women with uterine myoma.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 55 premenopausal patients with endometriosis, who received dienogest (2 mg daily) for 6 months regarding coexistence of uterine myoma between January 2008 and June 2010. To compare these data in a case-control study, we analyzed a matched control group of 12 patients treated with leuprolide acetate (1.88 mg monthly) for 6 months having uterine myoma.

RESULTS

Of the 55 patients treated with dienogest, six were associated with coexistent myoma node. Total myoma volume significantly decreased to 59.7 ± 7.0% of initial in dienogest group and 51.9 ± 5.5% in GnRHa group. Reduction rate in myoma volume was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Uterine myoma volume was successfully reduced by use of dienogest. Consideration of GnRHa disadvantages may lead to short- or long-term management of women with myoma who are to be managed transiently, and who wish to avoid surgical intervention, especially perimenopausal women.