Dienogest and the Risk of Endometriosis Recurrence Following Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether dienogest therapy after endometriosis surgery reduces the risk of endometriosis recurrence compared with expectant management.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, LILACS, clinicaltrials.gov, and International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Registry were searched from inception to March 2019 for observational and randomized controlled trials.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Medical Subject Heading terms and keywords such as "dienogest," "endometriosis," and "recurrence" were used to identify relevant studies.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The search yielded 328 studies, 10 of which were eligible for inclusion, representing 1184 patients treated with dienogest and 846 expectantly managed controls. Among these studies, 9 looked exclusively at endometrioma recurrence, whereas 1 used reappearance of symptoms as evidence of disease recurrence. Data on both incidence of and time to recurrence of endometriosis were extracted. The incidence rate of endometriosis recurrence in patients treated with dienogest was 2 per 100 women over a mean follow-up of 29 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-3.11) versus 29 per 100 women managed expectantly over a mean follow-up of 36 months (95% CI, 25.66-31.74). The likelihood of recurrence was significantly reduced with postoperative dienogest (log odds -1.96, CI, -2.53 to -1.38, p <.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving dienogest after conservative surgery for endometriosis had significantly lower risk of postoperative disease recurrence than those who were expectantly managed.

Use of dienogest in endometriosis: a narrative literature review and expert commentary

Objective: Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, and the main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Progestins have been the mainstay of endometriosis suppression, of which dienogest has become an important option in many parts of the world. This is an expert literature review, with recommendations on the use of dienogest in the context of various clinical considerations when treating endometriosis.Methods: A search of PubMed was conducted for papers published between 2007 and 2019 on the use of dienogest in endometriosis. Experts reviewed these and included those they considered most relevant in clinical practice, according to their own clinical experience.Results: Evidence regarding the long-term use (>15 months) of dienogest for the management of endometriosis is presented, with experts concluding that the efficacy of dienogest should be assessed primarily on its impact on pain and quality of life. Fertility preservation, the option to avoid or delay surgery, and managing bleeding irregularities that can occur with this treatment are also considered. Counseling women on potential bleeding risks before starting treatment may be helpful, and evidence suggests that few women discontinue treatment for this reason, with the benefits of treatment outweighing any impact of bleeding irregularities.Conclusions: Overall, the evidence demonstrates that dienogest offers an effective and tolerable alternative or adjunct to surgery and provides many advantages over combined hormonal contraceptives for the treatment of endometriosis. It is important that treatment guidelines are followed and care is tailored to the woman's individual needs and desires.

A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, comparative study of dienogest at 1 mg/day in patients with primary and secondary dysmenorrhea

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dienogest (DNG), a progestational 19-norsteroid, in patients with primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.

DESIGN

Phase III, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

Clinical study sites in Japan.

PATIENT(S)

Ninety-four women with dysmenorrhea.

INTERVENTION(S)

Random assignment to receive DNG (1 mg/day, orally) or placebo for 12 weeks; patients treated for anemia before randomization in cases of complicated anemia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Change in the dysmenorrhea score from baseline to week 12 of treatment with visual analog scale used for pain assessment.

RESULT(S)

The DNG group was superior to the placebo group in terms of the change from baseline in the dysmenorrhea score at week 12 of treatment in patients with dysmenorrhea. In both primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, the DNG group was superior to the placebo group for each diagnostic category. The mean serum estradiol concentrations were similar between the DNG and the placebo groups. Although the incidence of irregular uterine bleeding was higher in the DNG group, there were no severe or serious events. Most events of genital bleeding were spotting or breakthrough bleeding, suggesting DNG was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION(S)

In both primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, DNG at 1 mg/day relieved pain and was well tolerated.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

JapicCTI-173547(en).

Long-term use of dienogest for the treatment of primary and secondary dysmenorrhea

AIM

To investigate the safety and efficacy of dienogest (DNG), a progestational 19-norsteroid, administered for 52 weeks in patients with primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.

METHODS

A total of 147 patients with dysmenorrhea received 1 mg of DNG orally each day for 52 weeks. The dose could be increased to 2 mg/day at or after Week 12 according to the investigator's determination. The primary safety endpoint was evaluation of adverse events, and the secondary safety endpoint was evaluation of adverse drug reactions. The number of days and severity of genital bleeding were assessed according to records in the patients' diary. Lower abdominal pain and/or low back pain because of dysmenorrhea were assessed according to the dysmenorrhea score.

RESULTS

The most frequent adverse drug reaction was irregular uterine bleeding (94.6%). Most subjects completed the 52-week administration. Genital bleeding was more likely to occur in subjects with secondary dysmenorrhea than in those with primary dysmenorrhea, and in subjects with "uterine myoma or adenomyosis" than in those with "endometriosis alone." In any of the categorizations, there tended to be fewer days with genital bleeding as the treatment period increased in length, and most of the genital bleeding cases were mild. The change from baseline in the dysmenorrhea score (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) was -3.7 ± 1.6 at Week 24 of treatment and -4.0 ± 1.3 at Week 52.

CONCLUSION

This study showed favorable tolerability of the long-term use of DNG to patients with dysmenorrhea and a sustainable pain relief effect.

Bone health in estrogen-free contraception

Estrogens and progestogens influence the bone. The major physiological effect of estrogen is the inhibition of bone resorption whereas progestogens exert activity through binding to specific progesterone receptors. New estrogen-free contraceptive and its possible implication on bone turnover are discussed in this review. Insufficient bone acquisition during development and/or accelerated bone loss after attainment of peak bone mass (PBM) are 2 processes that may predispose to fragility fractures in later life. The relative importance of bone acquisition during growth versus bone loss during adulthood for fracture risk has been explored by examining the variability of areal bone mineral density (BMD) (aBMD) values in relation to age. Bone mass acquired at the end of the growth period appears to be more important than bone loss occurring during adult life. The major physiological effect of estrogen is the inhibition of bone resorption. When estrogen transcription possesses binds to the receptors, various genes are activated, and a variety modified. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) stimulates bone resorption, and estrogen blocks osteoblast synthesis of IL-6. Estrogen may also antagonize the IL-6 receptors. Additionally, estrogen inhibits bone resorption by inducing small but cumulative changes in multiple estrogen-dependent regulatory factors including TNF-α and the OPG/RANKL/RANK system. Review on existing data including information about new estrogen-free contraceptives. All progestins exert activity through binding to specific progesterone receptors; hereby, three different groups of progestins exist: pregnanes, gonanes, and estranges. Progestins also comprise specific glucocorticoid, androgen, or mineralocorticoid receptor interactions. Anabolic action of a progestogen may be affected via androgenic, anti-androgenic, or synadrogenic activity. The C 19 nortestosterone class of progestogens is known to bind with more affinity to androgen receptors than the C21 progestins. This article reviews the effect of estrogens and progestogens on bone and presents new data of the currently approved drospirenone-only pill. The use of progestin-only contraceptives leading to an estradiol level between 30 and 50 pg/ml does not seem to lead to an accelerate bone loss.

Comparison of long-term use of combined oral contraceptive after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist plus add-back therapy versus dienogest to prevent recurrence of ovarian endometrioma after surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare long-term use of combined oral contraceptive (COC) after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist plus add-back therapy with dienogest (DNG) treatment as medical treatments after surgery for ovarian endometrioma.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study analyzed 52 reproductive-aged women who underwent surgery for ovarian endometrioma and received postoperative medical treatment with either COC after GnRH agonist (n = 20) or DNG (n = 32) for 24 months. Changes in quality-of-life (QOL) and bone mineral density (BMD) were compared according to treatment. In addition, recurrence of pain and lesions were compared.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics did not differ in demographic profiles and factors associated with endometriosis or QOL. During 24 months of treatment, no differences in any component of QOL were found between the two groups. BMD at the lumbar spine significantly decreased after the first 6 months of treatment in both COC after GnRH agonist (-3.5%) and DNG (-2.3%) groups, but the groups did not differ statistically. After 6 months, further decrease in BMD was not observed until 24 months in both groups. In addition, no cases of pain or endometrioma recurrence were found.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that long-term use of COC after GnRH agonist plus add-back therapy is comparable to dienogest as a long-term postoperative medical treatment for endometriosis.

Symptom-alleviating effect and adverse effect of dienogest in Korean women with endometriosis

The purpose was to evaluate the effects of dienogest on Korean women with endometriosis. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted for 100 premenopausal women. They had taken or were taking 2 mg of dienogest daily. We assessed the pelvic pain score and quality-of-life (QOL) score before and after taking dienogest as well as the prevalence of short-term (≤12 weeks) and long-term adverse effects (>52 weeks). Patients were classified into three groups: dienogest treatment immediately following surgery (A), dienogest treatment for a recurrence of endometriosis after surgery (B), or dienogest treatment without any surgery (C). In groups A and C, the median pain score (from 5 to 0, p <.001; from 7 to 1.5, p <.001) and median QOL score (from 10 to 5, p = .002; from 7.5 to 6.5, p = .008) were significantly decreased. Irregular bleeding and decreased menstrual flow were more prevalent in patients with dienogest intake of fewer than 12 weeks, while amenorrhea, weight gain, hair loss, and dorsal pain were more prevalent in patients with dienogest treatment of over 52 weeks. Accordingly, proper counseling is necessary when prescribing dienogest.

Dienogest therapy during the early stages of recurrence of endometrioma might be an alternative therapeutic option to avoid repeat surgeries

AIM

We aimed to evaluate whether hormonal therapy immediately after postsurgical recurrence of ovarian endometrioma controls disease progression and can be an alternative therapeutic option to avoid multiple repeat surgeries.

METHODS

We enrolled 146 patients treated for endometrioma at the University Hospital of Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine between 2009 and 2015. After laparoscopic cystectomy using the stripping technique, opening of cul-de-sac obliterations and complete resection of the deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions, the patients either received no treatment (n = 83), oral contraceptives (OC; n = 32) or dienogest (DNG; n = 27), depending on their medical history. Four patients were excluded because they changed their regimens during the follow-up period. All patients were followed up every 3 months. Patients who developed recurrence of endometrioma immediately received DNG, OC or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.

RESULTS

Overall, 16 patients developed a recurrence of the endometrioma (12 in the nontreatment group, three in the OC group and one in the DNG group). The 11 patients with recurrence were treated with DNG immediately after the diagnosis of recurrent endometrioma. Among them, seven patients continued treatment with DNG (2 mg) for 24 months. After 24 months of treatment with DNG, complete resolution of recurrent endometrioma was achieved in four (57.1%) of seven patients. There was no improvement in the three patients who received OC and one patient who underwent secondary surgery.

CONCLUSION

DNG therapy early after recurrence of postsurgical endometrioma appears to be viable for reducing the risk of repeated surgery.

Comparison of dienogest effects upon 3,3'-diindolylmethane supplementation in models of endometriosis and clinical cases

Dienogest (DNG) administration is a well-established treatment for endometriosis but bleeding irregularities remain its main disadvantage. Changes in diet, mainly to vegetable consumption, are beneficial in the treatment of estrogen-related pathologies but their use for endometriosis has been poorly studied. In this study, addition of the phytochemical 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) to DNG therapy has been investigated in in vitro and ex vivo models for endometriosis and in a small cohort of women with endometriosis. Endometrial Ishikawa cells were treated with DNG or DIM at dosages from 10^-10 M to 10^-5 M for up to 72 h. Cell proliferation was measured by assessing BrdU incorporation. Endometrial tissue from women with endometriosis and controls was incubated with DNG or a combination of DNG and DIM. Tissue viability was determined using a modified colorimetric MTS assay. 17β-estradiol secretion was quantified by an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. Finally, DNG as monotherapy or in combination with DIM was randomly administered to women with endometriosis (n = 8) over 3 months. Bleeding patterns and associated pelvic pain were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). DNG and DIM significantly reduced cell proliferation in Ishikawa cells. Ex vivo, DIM reduced viability and estradiol secretion specifically in endometriotic but not in normal endometrial tissue. This effect was enhanced by combination with DNG. Endometriosis associated pelvic pain was significantly reduced in patients taking the DNG-DIM combination therapy compared to those taking DNG alone. Bleeding pattern (number and duration of episodes) was significantly improved by addition of DIM to the DNG treatment. In conclusion, addition of DIM enhances effects of DNG ex vivo and may ameliorate bleeding patterns in endometriosis patients.

Daily Vaginal Application of Dienogest (Visanne©) for 3 Months in Symptomatic Deeply Infiltrating Rectovaginal Endometriosis: A Possible New Treatment Approach?

A 27-year-old patient suffering from deeply infiltrating rectovaginal endometriosis was treated with 2 mg/day dienogest vaginally for 3 months. The therapy was tolerated very well. The patient reported less side effects compared to the oral use of dienogest. After 3 months of dienogest treatment, the rectovaginal gynecological examination identified the visible vaginal part of endometriosis in remission. The firm endometriosis node approximately 3 cm in size and approximately 10 cm ab ano was still palpable, but it was much less painful. The laboratory values for luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were unremarkable, with an LH/FSH quotient of 0.7 during dienogest treatment, while 17-β estradiol and progesterone were suppressed. At palpation and vaginal ultrasonography, there was no change in the findings before and after 3 months of dienogest treatment, but the patient was now de facto asymptomatic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a vaginal dienogest treatment in symptomatic deeply infiltrating rectovaginal endometriosis. Vaginal administration of dienogest should receive further investigation in pharmacokinetic and clinical studies.

Dienogest Versus Leuprolide Acetate for Recurrent Pelvic Pain Following Laparoscopic Treatment of Endometriosis

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of dienogest (DNG) with depot leuprolide acetate (LA) in patients with recurrent pelvic pain following laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

Design

Prospective randomized trial.

Setting

Zagazig University hospitals, Egypt.

Patients

Two hundred and forty-two patients with recurrent pelvic pain following laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

Intervention

Dienogest (2 mg/day, orally) or depot LA (3.75 mg/4 weeks, intramuscularly) for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

A visual analogue scale was used to test the intensity of pain before and after the end of treatment.

Results

There was highly significant reduction in pelvic pain, back pain and dyspareunia in both groups with mean of difference in dienogest group (28.7 ± 5.3, 19.0 ± 4.3 and 20.0 ± 3.08 mm, respectively) and in LA group (26.2 ± 3.01, 19.5 ± 3.01 and 17.9 ± 2.9 mm, respectively). The most frequent drug-related adverse effects in dienogest group were vaginal bleeding and weight gain (64.5 and 10.8%, respectively) which were significantly higher than LA group (21.5 and 3.3%, respectively). While the most frequent drug-related adverse effects in LA group were hot flushes and vaginal dryness (46.3 and 15.7%, respectively) which were significantly higher than dienogest group (15.7 and 3.3%, respectively).

Conclusion

Daily dienogest is as effective as depot LA for relieving endometriosis-associated pelvic pain, low back pain and dyspareunia. In addition, dienogest has acceptable safety, tolerability and lower incidence of hot flushes. Thus, it may offer an effective and well-tolerated treatment in endometriosis.

Current understanding on pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of progestins for treating pain associated to endometriosis

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis is a chronic estrogen and progestogen responsive inflammatory disease associated with pain symptoms and infertility. The medical therapy of endometriosis aims to induce decidualization within the hormonally dependent ectopic endometrium, and it is often administered to ameliorate women' pain symptoms or to prevent post-surgical disease recurrence. A variety of progestins have been used in monotherapy for the medical management of women with endometriosis. Areas covered: This review aims to offer the reader a complete overview of pharmacokinetic (PK) and clinical efficacy of progestins for the treatment of endometriosis. Expert opinion: Each progestin has a distinct PK parameters and pharmacodynamics affinity not only for progesterone receptor, but also for other steroid receptors, such as estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid. Moreover, progestins can also be delivered in different formulations. All these characteristics influence their final biological effect. Randomized, controlled, non-blinded studies support the use of oral progestin-only treatment for pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. Currently, the only two progestins approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of endometriosis are norethindrone acetate (NETA) and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).

[New medical treatments for painful endometriosis: CNGOF-HAS Endometriosis Guidelines]

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work is to evaluate the place of new treatments in the management of endometriosis outside the context of infertility.

METHODS

A review of the literature was conducted by consulting Medline data until July 2017.

RESULTS

Dienogest is effective compared to placebo in short term (NP2) and long term (NP4) for the treatment of painful endometriosis. In comparison with GnRH agonists, dienogest is also effective in terms of decreased pain and improved quality of life in non-operated patients (NP2) as well as for recurrence of lesions and symptomatology postoperatively (NP2). Data on GnRH antagonists, selective progesterone receptor modulators as well as selective inhibitors (anti-TNF-α, matrix metalloprotease inhibitors, angiogenesis growth factor inhibitors) are insufficient to provide evidence of interest in clinical practice for the management of painful endometriosis (NP3).

CONCLUSION

Dienogest is recommended as second-line therapy for the management of painful endometriosis (Grade B). Because of lack of evidence, aromatase inhibitors, elagolix, SERM, SPRM and anti-TNF-α are not recommended for the management of painful endometriosis (Grade C).

Progestins for the Treatment of Endometriosis: An Update

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, including 25–40% of infertile women. Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain are the most common symptoms. Currently available medical therapies for endometriosis do not cure the disease, but are directed at symptom relief, typically utilizing the hormone responsiveness of endometriotic tissue to induce lesion atrophy. Unfortunately, pain relapse after treatment suspension is a common event. Treatment with pharmacological therapies for endometriosis should be conceived in terms of years, thus agents that must be withdrawn after a few months due to poor tolerability or severe metabolic side effects do not greatly benefit women with symptomatic endometriosis. The characteristics of progestins render this class an ideal pharmacological choice for administration over extended periods. The present paper will review the rationale for using progestins and their mechanism of action in endometriosis. Thereafter, the results obtained by various progestins in the treatment of endometriosis will be evaluated (danazol, gestrinone, norethisterone acetate, desogestrel, cyproterone acetate, megestrol acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and levonorgestrel). A progestin called dienogest, recently introduced for the treatment of endometriosis, will be given special focus, describing its mechanism of action and clinical results.

Is Shifting to a Progestin Worthwhile When Estrogen-Progestins Are Inefficacious for Endometriosis-Associated Pain?

The purpose of this study was to assess the proportion of patients satisfied with their treatment after a change from a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) to norethisterone acetate (NETA) because of inefficacy of OC on pain symptoms. To this end, prospective, self-controlled study was conducted on 153 women using OC as a treatment for endometriosis and with persistence of one or more moderate or severe pain symptoms. At baseline and during 12 months after a shift from OC to oral NETA, 2.5 mg/d, pelvic pain was measured by means of a 0- to 10-point numerical rating scale and a multidimensional categorical rating scale. Variations in health-related quality of life, psychological status, and sexual function were also evaluated with validated scales. At the end of the study period, participants indicated the degree of satisfaction with their treatment according to a 5-degree scale from very satisfied to very dissatisfied. A total of 28 women dropped out of the study, the main reason was intolerable side effects (n = 15). At 12-month assessment, 70% of participants were very satisfied or satisfied with NETA treatment (intention-to-treat analysis). Statistically significant improvements were observed in health-related quality of life, psychological status, and sexual function. At per-protocol analysis, almost half of the patients (58/125) reported suboptimal drug tolerability. However, complaints were not severe enough to cause dissatisfaction, drug discontinuation, or request for surgery. These encouraging results could be used to counsel women with symptomatic endometriosis not responding to OC and to inform their decisions on modifications of disease management.

[Medical treatment of endometriosis: Hormonal treatment of pain, impact on evolution and future perspectives]

CONTEXT

Endometriosis is a chronic painful disease, for which hormone therapy is usually offered as a first line option to women not willing to conceive.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse and synthesize the literature, from 2006 onwards, on pain control, and disease evolution in oemn using combined hormonal contraceptives, progestins and GnRH analogs. Data on other current and future treatment perspectives is included as well.

SOURCES

Medline (Pubmed), the Cochrane Library, and endometriosis treatment recommendations published by European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Société des Obstétriciens et Gynécologues du Canada (SOGC).

STUDY SELECTION

Meta-analysis and clinical trials are included.

RESULTS

Study quality is heterogeneous in general. Hormone therapy inconstantly allows pain relief and prevention of endometrioma and rectovaginal wall nodules recurrence. Available molecules and routes of administration as well as risk benefit balance are evaluated. Data on future perspectives are limited to date and do not allow use in routine.

CONCLUSION

Hormonal treatment of endometriosis relies on combined hormonal contraceptives (using different routes of administration), progestins and particularly the levonorgestrel-releasing IUS, and GnRH analogs as a last option, in combination with an add-back therapy. Promising alternatives are currently under preclinical and clinical evaluation.

Dienogest for Treatment of Endometriosis in Chinese Women: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Phase 3 Study

BACKGROUND

Dienogest is a progestin with demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of endometriosis in European women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dienogest in Chinese women.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter (n = 23) study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 2 mg dienogest once daily in 255 Chinese women aged 18-45 years with laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis and an endometriosis-associated pelvic pain (EAPP) score ≥30 mm on a 0-100 mm visual analog scale. The primary efficacy variable was absolute change in EAPP from baseline to week 24. Secondary efficacy variables included proportions of responders and intake of supportive analgesic medication. Safety variables included adverse events (AEs), laboratory parameters, and bleeding patterns. Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated in a subset of 140 women.

RESULTS

After 24 weeks of treatment, the difference between treatment arms for mean reduction in EAPP was statistically significant in favor of dienogest (-24.54 mm; 95% CI -29.93 to -19.15; p < 0.0001). Secondary efficacy analyses supported the significant superiority of dienogest over placebo. Dienogest was well tolerated, with few AEs associated with therapy. Dienogest had no effect on BMD levels after 24 weeks of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Dienogest 2 mg once daily for 24 weeks was superior to placebo in reducing EAPP and was safe and well tolerated in Chinese women with endometriosis. The results are consistent with studies previously conducted in European women.

Dienogest 2 mg Daily in the Treatment of Adolescents with Clinically Suspected Endometriosis: The VISanne Study to Assess Safety in ADOlescents

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To study the safety and efficacy of dienogest 2 mg in adolescents with suspected endometriosis.

DESIGN

A 52-week, open-label, single-arm study.

SETTING

In 21 study centers, in 6 European countries.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescents aged 12 to younger than 18 years with clinically suspected or laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis.

INTERVENTIONS

Dienogest 2 mg once daily.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary end point was relative change in lumbar spine (L2-L4) bone mineral density (BMD) measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. A key secondary end point was change in endometriosis-associated pain assessed using a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

Of 120 patients screened, 111 comprised the full-analysis set (ie, patients who took ≥1 dose of study drug and had ≥1 post-treatment observation) and 97 (87.4%) completed the study. Mean lumbar BMD at baseline was 1.1046 (SD, 0.1550) g/cm². At the end of dienogest treatment (EOT; defined as at 52 weeks or premature study discontinuation), mean relative change in BMD from baseline was -1.2% (SD, 2.3%; n = 103). Follow-up measurement 6 months after EOT in the subgroup with decreased BMD at EOT (n = 60) showed partial recovery in lumbar BMD (mean change from baseline: -2.3% at EOT, -0.6% 6 months after EOT). Mean endometriosis-associated pain score was 64.3 (SD, 19.1) mm at baseline and decreased to 9.0 (SD, 13.9) mm by week 48.

CONCLUSION

In adolescents with suspected endometriosis, dienogest 2 mg for 52 weeks was associated with a decrease in lumbar BMD, followed by partial recovery after treatment discontinuation. Endometriosis-associated pain was substantially reduced during treatment. Because bone accretion is critical during adolescence, results of the VISanne study to assess safety in ADOlescents (VISADO) study highlights the need for tailored treatment in this population, taking into account the expected efficacy on endometriosis-associated pain and an individual's risk factors for osteoporosis.

Reevaluating response and failure of medical treatment of endometriosis: a systematic review

Objective

To assess patient response rates to medical therapies used to treat endometriosis-associated pain.

Design

A systematic review with the use of Medline and Embase.

Setting

Not applicable.

Patient(s)

Women receiving medical therapy to treat endometriosis.

Interventions(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The proportions of patients who: experienced no reduction in endometriosis-associated pain symptoms; had pain symptoms remaining at the end of the treatment period; had pain recurrence after treatment cessation; experienced an increase or no change in disease score during the study; were satisfied with treatment; and discontinued therapy owing to adverse events or lack of efficacy. The change in pain symptom severity experienced during and after treatment, as measured on the visual analog scale, was also assessed.

Result(s)

In total, 58 articles describing 125 treatment arms met the inclusion criteria. Data for the response of endometriosis-associated pain symptoms to treatment were presented in only 29 articles. The median proportions of women with no reduction in pain were 11%–19%; at the end of treatment, 5%–59% had pain remaining; and after follow-up, 17%–34% had experienced recurrence of pain symptoms after treatment cessation. After median study durations of 2–24 months, the median discontinuation rates due to adverse events or lack of efficacy were 5%–16%.

Conclusion(s)

Few studies of medical therapies for endometriosis report outcomes that are relevant to patients, and many women gain only limited or intermittent benefit from treatment.

Effects of long-term postoperative dienogest use for treatment of endometriosis on bone mineral density

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of long-term postoperative dienogest (DNG) use for the treatment of endometriosis on bone mineral density (BMD).

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty reproductive-aged women who underwent conservative surgery for endometriomas and received postoperative DNG (2mg/day) for at least 12 months to prevent recurrence were analyzed. BMD was measured before and after DNG treatment by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and changes in BMD were evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 30.5 years, and mean duration of DNG treatment was 18.6 months. BMD at the lumbar spine significantly decreased after the first 6 months (-2.2%), and 1year (-2.7%) of DNG treatment, compared to baseline. The proportion of women who had significantly decreased BMD at the lumbar spine after 1year was 75% (45/60). In addition, BMD at the femur neck also decreased significantly after 1year (-2.8%). BMDs after 2 years were not different from those after 1year at both sites in 24 women who received DNG for ≥2years. In addition, there were no differences in baseline characteristics between women who had significantly reduced BMD at the lumbar spine after 1year (N=45) and women who did not (N=15).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that long-term postoperative DNG treatment might have an adverse effect on BMD in reproductive-aged women. Bone loss mostly occurs during the first 6 months of treatment with DNG. A clinical trial is warranted to establish the effects of long-term DNG treatment on bone mass.

Dienogest and deep infiltrating endometriosis: The remission of symptoms is not related to endometriosis nodule remission

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of dienogest in controlling pain caused by deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), its influence on the quality of live (QoL) of women affected by the disease, and the effect of the drug on the volume of endometriotic lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study including 30 women with a sonographic diagnosis of DIE (intestinal and posterior fornix) treated with dienogest 2mg per day for 12 months. We evaluated the pain symptoms and the volume of the intestinal and posterior fornix lesions before and after 12 months of use of dienogest. To perform the statistical analysis, we used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the relationship between the data was tested using the Spearman correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Women were on average 36.13±6.24years old. Pain symptoms most commonly reported were dyspareunia (83.3%), dysmenorrhea (73.3%), and pelvic pain (66.7%). After 12 months of treatment with dienogest, there was significant improvement of various symptoms (dyspareunia p=0.0093, dysmenorrhea p<0.0001; pelvic pain p=0.0007; and bowel pain p<0.0001), without a reduction in the volume of endometriotic nodules. There were significant improvements in the parameters that comprise the QoL (physical p<0.0001; p=0.0007 psychological) and the self-assessment of QoL (p=0.0069) and health (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Dienogest is an effective medication to control symptoms of pain related to DIE, even without reducing the volume of DIE nodules.

Evaluation of Dienogest Treatment Efficacy in Patients with Endometriosis

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative dienogest treatment in endometriosis patients.

Materials and methods

A total of 53 patients suffering from endometriosis were enrolled. All participants underwent laparoscopic operative treatment. Afterwards, all patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (receiving dienogest 2 mg/day after surgery). Comparative analysis was performed evaluating patients’ condition and complaints in the postoperative period, the disease dynamics at 3 and 6 months after the surgery, pain assessment (visual analogue scale) and severity of metrorrhagia in both groups.

Results

Postoperative dienogest treatment reduces the severity of symptoms and improves treatment outcomes in endometriosis patients, leading to the improvement of the quality of life in these patients.

Conclusions

Dienogest (2 mg/day) is a highly effective drug for postoperative treatment of patients with endometriosis. Dienogest (2 mg/day) significantly decreases the severity of pelvic pain and metrorrhagia after surgery. The medication is safe and side effects are rare.

Sexual function in endometriosis patients and their partners: effect of the disease and consequences of treatment

BACKGROUND

Sexual function is an important aspect of health and quality of life and is influenced by both medical conditions and health-care interventions, especially when gynecologic disorders are involved. Coital pain is among the main factors that affect sexual functioning, and this symptom is reported by almost half of women suffering from endometriosis. However, sexuality is a complex phenomenon driven by social, psychological and biological/hormonal factors and the presence of endometriosis might further affect domains of sexual function and the quality of a sexual relationship.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

The objective of this report is to review the current state of knowledge on the impact that endometriosis and its treatments have on the sexual function of women and their sexual partners.

SEARCH METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies evaluating sexual function in endometriosis patients, and a narrative analysis of results is presented. The review discusses relevant quantitative and qualitative studies analyzing the effect of endometriosis and its hormonal and surgical treatments on measures of sexual function and quality of sexual relationship.

OUTCOMES

Endometriosis negatively affects different domains of sexual function, and the presence of dyspareunia is not the only determinant of sexual health in these women. Chronic pelvic pain, advanced stages of disease and the presence of physical and mental comorbidities affect sexual function, as well as personality traits and women's expectations. Although a number of studies have evaluated the effect of surgery and hormonal treatment on deep dyspareunia, overall sexual function and quality of the relationship with the partner are often under-investigated.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Multiple clinical and personal determinants affect sexual function in women with endometriosis, with potentially negative consequences on the sexual function of partners and quality of the relationship. Additional prospective and longitudinal investigations are warranted using specific instruments to analyze biopsychosocial variables of sexual pain in endometriosis patients and the effects that actual treatments have on measures of quality of sexual function and relationship.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist with add-back treatment is as effective and tolerable as dienogest in preventing pain recurrence after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis

PURPOSE

This study was performed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of GnRH agonist with add-back therapy versus dienogest treatment for preventing pelvic pain recurrence after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

METHODS

Sixty-four reproductive-aged women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis received post-operative medical treatment with either GnRH agonist plus 17β-estradiol and norethisterone acetate (n = 28) or dienogest (n = 36) for 6 months. The pre- to post-treatment changes in pain were assessed using a visual analogue scale, and changes in quality-of-life and menopausal symptoms were measured by questionnaire.

RESULTS

Visual analogue scale pain score decreased significantly for both treatments with no significant differences between groups. Neither physical, psychological, social, and environmental components of quality-of-life nor menopausal rating scale score were significantly different between the two groups. Bone mineral density at the lumbar spine declined significantly in both treatment groups (-2.5 % for GnRH agonist plus add-back and -2.3 % for dienogest), with no significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

GnRH agonist and add-back therapy using 17β-estradiol and norethisterone acetate are as effective and tolerable as dienogest for the prevention of pelvic pain recurrence after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

Dienogest Treatment Improves Quality of Life in Women with Endometriosis

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of dienogest treatment in improving quality of life in women with endometriosis.

Methods

This was a prospective observational multicenter study at the universities of Siena, Milano, Cagliari, Perugia, Busto Arstizio, Pisa, Padova, Palermo, Foggia, Roma, Pescara and Catanzaro, including 142 patients with a diagnosis of endometriosis who received dienogest 2 mg once daily, for up to 90 days. Each patient underwent an evaluation of pelvic pain measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 to 10 points, and of quality of life measured by a mental and physical index before and after treatment.

Results

The mean ± SD of VAS was 8.2 ± 1.6 in women with endometriosis, and this progressively and significantly decreased to 5.9 ± 2.6 at the end of the study. Mental index score values increased from 39.0 ± 9.8 to 46.0 ± 9.1 (p<0.001); likewise, the physical index increased from 39.6 ± 9.6 to 47.7 ± 8.5 (p<0.001). During the treatment period, the most frequent adverse events (AEs) were headache (30.8%), followed by bleeding (29.4%), depression (26.6%), breast tenderness (23.8%) and acne (2.0%), but these were transitory, and none led to withdrawal from the study.

Conclusions

The present prospective study showed that dienogest is an effective and well-tolerated treatment improving the quality of life in endometriotic women.

An update on new orally administered contraceptives for women

INTRODUCTION

The focus in contraception is shifting from oral contraceptives to more effective methods, such as implants and intrauterine devices. Generics are favored by third-party payors. As a result, potentially exciting developments in branded pills to increase safety or to reduce side effects may have gone unnoticed.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the features of each of the four new oral contraceptives that have been introduced in the United States and/or Europe in the last few years. The motivation for the development of each product is outlined as is its efficacy, safety, tolerability and the noncontraceptive applications that have been explored are described.

EXPERT OPINION

The hypothesis that using estradiol in place of ethinyl estradiol would reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism is still to be proven. However, the stronger progestogens used in these formulations may offer other tangible benefits for selected women. The new products for extended cycle pill use may have less impact. The flexible regimen can be adopted using any pill, but the approved product does provide convenience to patients. Cost will continue to be the determining factor in the acceptance of these new products, unless substantial health benefits can be conclusively proven.

Use of dienogest over 53 weeks for the treatment of endometriosis

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of Dienogest (DNG) over 53 weeks for the treatment of endometriosis.

METHODS

DNG was administered to 75 patients with endometriosis over a period of 53 weeks. Medical charts were retrospectively examined on the efficacy and side effects. Reduction rates of ovarian chocolate cyst, adenomyosis and changes in serum estradiol and cancer antigen 125 concentration were measured. Adverse effects, patient evaluation of their symptoms and willingness to continue taking DNG were assessed by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

The median duration of treatment was 87 weeks, with the longest follow-up duration being 120 weeks. Ovarian chocolate cysts were initially reduced; however, upon cessation of DNG treatment, an increase in size was observed. Adenomyosis lesions were reduced to some extent after 53 weeks of DNG treatment. In terms of adverse events, more than 60% (61.3%, 46/75) of patients experienced atypical genital bleeding. However, this did not prove to be a cause of discontinuation. We ceased DNG treatment in two cases because of lower abdominal pain and shoulder discomfort.

CONCLUSIONS

Long term DNG treatment beyond one year for endometriosis proved to be effective and safe. Ovarian chocolate cysts were markedly reduced by short-term use of DNG, while a longer duration was required to reduce the size of adenomyosis. The decision regarding the choice of therapy lies with the individual clinician, considering a balance of efficacy with expense and adverse effects.

Dienogest reduces HSD17β1 expression and activity in endometriosis

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. Abnormally biosynthesized estrogens in endometriotic tissues induce the growth of the lesion and worsen endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. Dienogest (DNG), a selective progesterone receptor agonist, is widely used to treat endometriosis and efficiently relieves the symptoms. However, its pharmacological action remains unknown. In this study, we elucidated the effect of DNG on enzymes involved in local estrogen metabolism in endometriosis. Surgically obtained specimens of 23 ovarian endometriomas (OE) and their homologous endometrium (EE), ten OE treated with DNG (OE w/D), and 19 normal endometria without endometriosis (NE) were analyzed. Spheroid cultures of stromal cells (SCs) were treated with DNG and progesterone. The expression of aromatase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17β1), HSD17β2, HSD17β7, HSD17β12, steroid sulfatase (STS), and estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR. The activity and protein level of HSD17β1 were measured with an enzyme assay using radiolabeled estrogens and immunohistochemistry respectively. OESCs showed increased expression of aromatase, HSD17β1, STS, and EST, along with decreased HSD17β2 expression, when compared with stromal cells from normal endometria without endometriosis (NESCs) (P<0.01) or stromal cells from homologous endometrium (EESCs) (P<0.01). In OESCs, DNG inhibited HSD17β1 expression and enzyme activity at 10(-7) M (P<0.01). Results of immunohistochemical analysis displayed reduced HSD17β1 staining intensity in OE w/D (P<0.05). In conclusion, DNG exerts comprehensive inhibition of abnormal estrogen production through inhibition of aromatase and HSD17β1, contributing to a therapeutic effect of DNG on endometriosis.

Safety and tolerability of dienogest in endometriosis: pooled analysis from the European clinical study program

Background

In four randomized, controlled, European trials, dienogest 2 mg once daily demonstrated significant efficacy for lesion reduction and reduction in pain intensity in endometriosis. We describe a pooled analysis of the safety and tolerability data from these trials to confirm and further characterize the safety profile of dienogest in the treatment of endometriosis.

Methods

All 332 women treated with dienogest 2 mg who participated in the four clinical trials were included in the pooled analyses for safety assessments, including adverse events, laboratory tests, vital signs, body weight, and bleeding patterns. Safety variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Pooled analyses of this large patient population confirmed that dienogest 2 mg is well tolerated, with a favorable safety profile extending over a period up to 65 weeks in women with endometriosis. The most common adverse drug reactions were headache, breast discomfort, depressed mood, and acne, each occurring in <10% of women. All these adverse events were generally of mild-to-moderate intensity and associated with low discontinuation rates. The bleeding pattern associated with dienogest 2 mg was well tolerated, and only two women (0.6%) reported bleeding events as the primary reason for premature discontinuation. Laboratory and vital sign assessments indicated no safety concerns for dienogest. Estradiol levels were maintained within the low-physiological range, in support of previous evidence indicating that dienogest 2 mg demonstrates therapeutic efficacy without inducing estradiol deficiency.

Conclusion

In this pooled analysis of 332 women with endometriosis, dienogest was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile extending over a period of up to 65 weeks. There is a paucity of randomized trial evidence to support the use of many treatments in endometriosis. These pooled analyses from four clinical trials of dienogest 2 mg represent a contribution to evidence-based medicine in endometriosis, providing outcomes of potential relevance to daily practice.

Dienogest in the treatment of endometriosis: systematic review

PURPOSE

Endometriosis is a prevalent disease that affects 5-15 % of women of reproductive age. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of dienogest in the treatment of endometriosis.

METHODS

The search was applied to electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and Lilacs until September 2014, in a public tertiary hospital. We performed a systematic literature search of randomized trials comparing dienogest to other medical therapies in the treatment of endometriosis, as well as their references list, using the keywords "dienogest" and "endometriosis" by two independent authors. The data extraction were performed by two authors using predefined data fields. Nine randomized trials were included. Dienogest 2 mg/day was superior to placebo in reducing pelvic pain (27.4 versus 15.1 mm, P < 0.0001), with similar results to buserelin, leuprorelin, leuprolide acetate and triptorelin, in controlling symptoms associated with endometriosis. Dienogest 2 mg/day was effective in reducing endometriotic lesions (11.4 ± 1.71-3.6 ± 0.95, P < 0.001). The extended therapy with dienogest 2 mg/day also showed an improvement in pelvic pain after 24-52 weeks (-22.5 ± 32.1 and -28.4 ± 29.9 mm, respectively) with tolerable side effects.

CONCLUSION

Dienogest should be considered as an alternative for controlling symptoms related to endometriosis. Nevertheless, in this systematic review, no studies were found comparing dienogest with first-line therapy, such as progestins and estrogen-progestogen combinations, which are proved to be effective in the treatment of endometriosis, are less expensive, and also can be used for contraception.