1
|
Pelczar P, Kosteczko P, Wieczorek E, Kwieciński M, Kozłowska A, Gil-Kulik P. Melanoma in Pregnancy-Diagnosis, Treatment, and Consequences for Fetal Development and the Maintenance of Pregnancy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2173. [PMID: 38927879 PMCID: PMC11202133 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most common neoplasms among pregnancy-associated cancers (PACs). Risk factors include excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the presence of benign and dysplastic nevi, and a patient or family history of melanoma. Self-examination and careful inspection of nevi are crucial, especially in the context of their progression over time. Physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, such as the darkening and enlargement of the nevi, delay the diagnosis of CMM. In the fetus, metastases are very rare, and if they do occur, they concern the placenta or fetal tissues. The choice of treatment is influenced by the cancer stage, symptoms, the time of termination of pregnancy, and the patient's decision. Essential procedures which are safe for the fetus are diagnostic biopsy, ultrasound, and the therapeutic excision of the lesion and the affected lymph nodes. Other imaging methods can be used with a safe radiation dose limit of 100 mGy. Immunotherapy and targeted treatments must be carefully considered, because of their possible adverse effects on the fetus. An interdisciplinary approach to the problem of melanoma during pregnancy is necessary, involving doctors of various specialties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Pelczar
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (P.K.); (E.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Pola Kosteczko
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (P.K.); (E.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Ewelina Wieczorek
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (P.K.); (E.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Maciej Kwieciński
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (P.K.); (E.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Aleksandra Kozłowska
- Department of Radiotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, 13 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Paulina Gil-Kulik
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Livingstone E, Berking C. [Fertility, teratogenicity, and contraception during therapy with BRAF/MEK inhibitors]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00105-023-05166-x. [PMID: 37289207 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted mutation-based therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors has become an integral part of systemic therapy for metastatic melanoma in the advanced setting and for the adjuvant therapy of melanoma in stage III after complete resection. Due to the increased chances of survival and early use in the adjuvant situation, fertility preservation as well as aspects of teratogenicity and pregnancy are increasingly relevant in patients who are often still young. OBJECTIVES To communicate the published and study-based information on fertility preservation, teratogenicity and pregnancy under therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Summaries of product characteristics as well as studies and case reports on BRAF and MEK inhibitors published in PubMed were used as sources of information. RESULTS There are no specific preclinical studies or experience in humans on fertility, teratogenicity, and contraception with targeted therapy. Recommendations can only be derived from toxicity studies and individual case reports. CONCLUSIONS Patients should be offered counseling on the options for fertility-protective measures before starting targeted therapy. Due to unclear teratogenicity, adjuvant melanoma therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib should not be initiated in pregnant patients. In the advanced metastatic situation, BRAF and MEK inhibitors should only be given after extensive interdisciplinary education and counselling of the pregnant patient and her partner. Patients should be informed about the need for adequate contraception during targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Livingstone
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland.
| | - Carola Berking
- Hautklinik, Uniklinikum Erlangen, CCC-Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen - EMN, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dittrich R, Lotz L. [Fertility and fertility preservation in women]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00105-023-05170-1. [PMID: 37289206 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in the treatment of cancer and in reproductive medicine make it possible for many patients to start their family planning even after cytotoxic therapy. Depending on the age of the patient, the planned oncological therapy and its urgency, various methods can be used to preserve the fertility of affected women. OBJECTIVES Presentation of facts about fertility, as well as information about fertility-preserving methods for women, so that they can be discussed with and offered to patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Presentation and discussion of basic research, clinical data, and expert recommendations on fertility and fertility preservation. RESULTS Well-established fertility-protective techniques now exist for women that offer a realistic chance of subsequent pregnancy. These include transposition of the gonads prior to radiotherapy, gonadal protection with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues and cryopreservation of fertilized and unfertilized oocytes, as well as cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. CONCLUSIONS Fertility-protective techniques are an integral part of oncological treatments for prepubertal girls and patients of reproductive age. The various measures must be discussed individually with the patient as part of a multimodal concept. Prompt and timely collaboration with a specialized center is essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Dittrich
- Frauenklinik, Uniklinikum Erlangen, Universitätsstr. 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.
| | - Laura Lotz
- Frauenklinik, Uniklinikum Erlangen, Universitätsstr. 21-23, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hoffmann I, Greither T, Behre HM. [Fertility and fertility preservation in men]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00105-023-05167-w. [PMID: 37286872 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05167-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fertility preservation is of high importance for patients prior to treatment that can impair fertility. The individual risk of becoming infertile after a fertility-reducing therapy depends on the type and duration of therapy, surgical technique, dose and combination of gonadotoxic drugs or radiation applied, and individual predisposition. Cryopreservation of ejaculated sperm is the standard procedure for creating a fertility reserve in men. In cases of azoospermia or inability to obtain semen by masturbation, testicular sperm can be obtained by (micro-)testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and cryopreserved. In case of retrograde ejaculation, sperm collection can be attempted by rectal electrostimulation or after off-label administration of imipramine from postmasturbatory urine. The cryopreserved sperm can be stored permanently in the gaseous phase of liquid nitrogen before being used in fertility therapy. In Germany, approval according to § 20b of the German Medicines Act (AMG) is a mandatory requirement for performing cryopreservation of sperm and testicular tissue; approval according to § 20c of the AMG must be obtained for use. For prepubertal boys, it is possible to cryopreserve dormant spermatogonial stem cells as part of an experimental procedure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Hoffmann
- Zentrum für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Deutschland.
| | - Thomas Greither
- Zentrum für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Deutschland
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Zentrum für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hassel JC, Berking C. [Fertility, contraception and teratogenicity with immune checkpoint blockade]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00105-023-05165-y. [PMID: 37286871 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05165-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are now being used in a number of dermato-oncological indications. In particular, the approval for adjuvant therapy of high-risk stage IIB/C and III melanoma means that more patients of fertile age receive ICI. OBJECTIVES This raises the question of how ICIs affect male and female fertility and whether they are teratogenic. MATERIALS AND METHODS Compilation of current data from the summary of product characteristics (SmPCs) and by literature search (PubMed). RESULTS Immune-related adverse events of ICI can impair fertility in the acute stage, and especially in the case of endocrine side effects, also in the long term. These include hypothyroidism, as well as adrenal and pituitary insufficiency. However, fertility can usually be restored with hormone replacement. Direct autoimmune effects on the reproductive organs are probably very rare, although immune-related orchitis has been described. Reliable contraception should be used in women of childbearing age. Pregnant women should only receive ICI in urgent exceptional cases, because the miscarriage rate is probably significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS Unfortunately, the current data on patient counselling is still very sparse. Scientific studies on the influence of ICI on fertility and teratogenicity are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Hassel
- Sektion Dermatoonkologie, Hautklinik und Nationales Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
| | - Carola Berking
- Hautklinik, Uniklinikum Erlangen, CCC-Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen (EMN), Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Özdemir BC, Espinosa da Silva C, Arangalage D, Monney P, Guler SA, Huynh-Do U, Stirnimann G, Possamai L, Trepp R, Hoepner R, Salmen A, Gerard CL, Hruz P, Christ L, Rothschild SI. Multidisciplinary recommendations for essential baseline functional and laboratory tests to facilitate early diagnosis and management of immune-related adverse events among cancer patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023:10.1007/s00262-023-03436-0. [PMID: 37017694 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have fundamentally changed the treatment landscape of various cancers. While ICI treatments result in improved survival, quality of life and are cost-effective, the majority of patients experience at least one immune-related adverse event (irAE). Many of these side effects cause little discomfort or are asymptomatic; however, irAEs can affect any organ and are potentially life-threatening. Consequently, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of irAEs are critical for optimizing long-term outcomes and quality of life in affected patients. Some irAEs are diagnosed according to typical symptoms, others by abnormal findings from diagnostic tests. While there are various guidelines addressing the management of irAEs, recommendations for the early recognition of irAEs as well as the optimal extent and frequency of laboratory tests are mostly lacking. In clinical practice, blood sampling is usually performed before each ICI administration (i.e., every 2-3 weeks), often for several months, representing a burden for patients as well as health care systems. In this report, we propose essential laboratory and functional tests to improve the early detection and management of irAEs and in cancer patients treated with ICIs. These multidisciplinary expert recommendations regarding essential laboratory and functional tests can be used to identify possible irAEs at an early time point, initiate appropriate interventions to improve patient outcomes, and reduce the burden of blood sampling during ICI treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berna C Özdemir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Cristina Espinosa da Silva
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
| | - Dimitri Arangalage
- Department of Cardiology, INSERM U1148, Bichat Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Monney
- Department of Cardiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sabina A Guler
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Uyen Huynh-Do
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Guido Stirnimann
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Possamai
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Roman Trepp
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Nutritional Medicine and Metabolism (UDEM), Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert Hoepner
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anke Salmen
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Camille L Gerard
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Petr Hruz
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Christ
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sacha I Rothschild
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department Internal Medicine, Center for Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|