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Evangelisti G, Ferrero S, Perrone U, Gustavino C, Volpi E, Izzotti A, Barra F. Experimental and new investigational drugs for the treatment of uterine fibroids. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:497-508. [PMID: 38618931 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2343786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uterine fibroids, the most prevalent benign tumors among reproductive-age women, pose treatment challenges that range from surgical interventions to medical therapies for symptom control. Progestins and estroprogestins effectively manage uterine bleeding by suppressing dysfunctional endometrium over fibroids. While GnRH agonists represent a crucial milestone in symptom treatment, their prolonged use results in menopausal-like symptoms and irreversible bone mineral density loss. Advancements in understanding fibroid pathophysiology have prompted the exploration of new compounds to overcome current therapy limitations. AREAS COVERED This manuscript offers an updated overview of investigational drugs for symptomatic uterine fibroids. EXPERT OPINION Despite ulipristal acetate's well-established efficacy as a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) in fibroid treatment, its prescription has declined due to the rare but severe risk of liver damage. Oral GnRH antagonists, like elagolix, relugolix, and linzagolix, with their novel pharmacodynamic properties, are gaining traction in fibroid management, inducing a dose-dependent reduction in circulating sex hormone levels. Ongoing research on natural compounds, such as vitamin D and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), presents emerging options for treating uterine fibroids. This evolving landscape reflects the ongoing efforts to improve therapeutic outcomes for individuals with symptomatic uterine fibroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Evangelisti
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Paolo Hospital - ASL2, Savona, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Ferrero
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Umberto Perrone
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Gustavino
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Volpi
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Paolo Hospital - ASL2, Savona, Italy
| | - Alberto Izzotti
- Unit of Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Barra
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, P.O. "Ospedale del Tigullio"- ASL4, Chiavari, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Laganà AS, Romano A, Vanhie A, Bafort C, Götte M, Aaltonen LA, Mas A, De Bruyn C, Van den Bosch T, Coosemans A, Guerriero S, Haimovich S, Tanos V, Bongers M, Barra F, Al-Hendy A, Chiantera V, Leone Roberti Maggiore U. Management of Uterine Fibroids and Sarcomas: The Palermo Position Paper. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2024; 89:73-86. [PMID: 38382486 DOI: 10.1159/000537730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine fibroids are benign monoclonal tumors originating from the smooth muscle cells of the myometrium, constituting the most prevalent pathology within the female genital tract. Uterine sarcomas, although rare, still represent a diagnostic challenge and should be managed in centers with adequate expertise in gynecological oncology. OBJECTIVES This article is aimed to summarize and discuss cutting-edge elements about the diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids and sarcomas. METHODS This paper is a report of the lectures presented in an expert meeting about uterine fibroids and sarcomas held in Palermo in February 2023. OUTCOME Overall, the combination of novel molecular pathways may help combine biomarkers and expert ultrasound for the differential diagnosis of uterine fibroids and sarcomas. On the one hand, molecular and cellular maps of uterine fibroids and matched myometrium may enhance our understanding of tumor development compared to histologic analysis and whole tissue transcriptomics, and support the development of minimally invasive treatment strategies; on the other hand, ultrasound imaging allows in most of the cases a proper mapping the fibroids and to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, which need appropriate management. CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK The choice of uterine fibroid management, including pharmacological approaches, surgical treatment, or other strategies, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), should be carefully considered, taking into account the characteristics of the patient and reproductive prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Paolo Giaccone" Hospital, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Arne Vanhie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration - Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Celine Bafort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration - Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martin Götte
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Munster, Germany
| | - Lauri A Aaltonen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aymara Mas
- Carlos Simon Foundation - INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Christine De Bruyn
- Department of Development and Regeneration - Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Thierry Van den Bosch
- Department of Development and Regeneration - Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Coosemans
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefano Guerriero
- Centro Integrato di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita (PMA) e Diagnostica Ostetrico-Ginecologica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria-Policlinico Duilio Casula, Monserrato, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sergio Haimovich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laniado University Hospital, Netanya, Israel
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Vasilios Tanos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaeio Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marlies Bongers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Fabio Barra
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, P.O. "Ospedale del Tigullio" - ASL4, Metropolitan Area of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Institute - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
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Evangelisti G, Barra F, Perrone U, Di Donato N, Bogliolo S, Ceccaroni M, Ferrero S. Comparing the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic qualities of current and future therapies for uterine fibroids. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:441-457. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2113381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Evangelisti
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Barra
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Southern Endometriosis Centre, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecology Oncology and Minimally-Invasive Pelvic Surgery, International School of Surgical Anatomy (ISSA), IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria, Via Don A. Sempreboni, 5, 37024, Negrar (Verona), Italy
| | - Umberto Perrone
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nadine Di Donato
- Southern Endometriosis Centre, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Stefano Bogliolo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “P.O del Tigullio” Hospital-ASL4, Metropolitan Area of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcello Ceccaroni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecology Oncology and Minimally-Invasive Pelvic Surgery, International School of Surgical Anatomy (ISSA), IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria, Via Don A. Sempreboni, 5, 37024, Negrar (Verona), Italy
| | - Simone Ferrero
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Muhammad J, Yusof Y, Ahmad I, Norhayati MN. Elagolix treatment in women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroid: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:14. [PMID: 35033041 PMCID: PMC8761302 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Elagolix is effective and safe for treating menorrhagia in women with uterine fibroid. However, it is reported to be associated with hypoestrogenism that can be alleviated by adding estradiol/norethindrone acetate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of elagolix treatment in women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroid by comparing: elagolix versus placebo and elagolix versus estradiol/norethindrone acetate. Methodology The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2021, Issue 3 of 12), MEDLINE databases (1980 to December week 1, 2020), and trial registries for relevant randomized clinical trials were used. All randomized clinical trials were reviewed and evaluated. Random effects models were used to estimate the dichotomous outcomes and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Data for risk of bias, heterogeneity, sensitivity, reporting bias and quality of evidence were assessed. Results Four randomized controlled trials with 1949 premenopausal women from 323 locations were included. Elagolix improved menstrual blood loss of less than 80 ml (RR 4.81, 95% CI 2.45 to 9.45; four trials, 869 participants; moderate quality evidence) or more than 50% reduction from baseline (RR 4.87, 95% CI 2.55 to 9.31; four trials, 869 participants; moderate quality evidence) compared to placebo. There was no difference in menstrual blood loss of less than 80 ml (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.16; five trials, 1365 participants; moderate quality evidence) or more than 50% reduction from baseline between the elagolix (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.15; five trials, 1365 participants; high quality evidence) and elagolix with estradiol/norethindrone acetate. In both comparisons, elagolix has reduced the mean percentage change in uterine and fibroid volume, improved symptoms, and health-related quality of life. More patients had hot flush, and bone mineral density loss in the elagolix treatment compared to both placebo and elagolix with estradiol/norethindrone acetate. Conclusions Elagolix appeared to be effective in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroid and combination with estradiol/norethindrone acetate was able to alleviate the hypoestrogenism side effects in premenopausal women. Review registration PROSPERO CDR 42021233898. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-01596-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliawati Muhammad
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Yusnita Yusof
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Imran Ahmad
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Noor Norhayati
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Dababou S, Garzon S, Laganà AS, Ferrero S, Evangelisti G, Noventa M, D'Alterio MN, Palomba S, Uccella S, Franchi M, Barra F. Linzagolix: a new GnRH-antagonist under investigation for the treatment of endometriosis and uterine myomas. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:903-911. [PMID: 34278887 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1957830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uterine myomas and endometriosis are benign hormone-dependent diseases affecting women of reproductive age. Substantial efforts have been made to develop innovative medical options for treating these gynecologic diseases. Elagolix and relugolix have been approved in some countries for treating endometriosis and myomas, respectively; however, linzagolix (OBE 2109, KLH 2109) is a new oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist in phase II-III trials. Treatment options for women with contraindications for hormonal therapies or who refuse particular options, are the driving force behind the development of new drugs in this area. AREA COVERED This drug evaluation highlights definitive and preliminary results from previous and ongoing studies of linzagolix for the treatment of endometriosis and myomas. EXPERT OPINION Linzagolix showed a dose-dependent and rapidly reversible action on the pituitary-gonadal axis. In a recent phase II trial (EDELWEISS), linzagolix significantly reduced pain related to endometriosis and improved quality of life at single daily doses of 75-200 mg. The preliminary results of international, double-blind phase III trials (PRIMROSE 1 and 2) reported its efficacy in treating heavy menstrual bleeding related to myomas with a good safety profile. Further studies will determine the necessity of add-back therapy during long-term use of linzagolix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Dababou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AOUI Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Garzon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AOUI Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Filippo Del Ponte" Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Simone Ferrero
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (Dinogmi), University of Genova, Italy.,Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulio Evangelisti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (Dinogmi), University of Genova, Italy.,Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Noventa
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maurizio Nicola D'Alterio
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Stefano Palomba
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Uccella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AOUI Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Franchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AOUI Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Barra
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (Dinogmi), University of Genova, Italy.,Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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Ali M, A R S, Al Hendy A. Elagolix in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids in premenopausal women. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:427-437. [PMID: 33682578 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1900726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumor arising from myometrium of reproductive age women, with significant financial burden estimated in hundreds of billions of dollars. Unfortunately, there are limitations in available long-term treatment options. Thus, there is a large unmet need in the UF space for noninvasive therapeutics. AREAS COVERED Authors reviewed the literature available for elagolix; an orally bioavailable, second-generation, non-peptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in combination with estradiol/norethindrone acetate for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with UFs in premenopausal women. EXPERT OPINION The utility of new-generation oral GnRH-antagonists, such as elagolix, relugolix and linzagolix, is offering a new potential opportunity for the future therapy of UFs: elagolix has been the most studied drug of this class for treating benign gynecological diseases, including endometriosis and UFs, for which it has been US FDA-approved in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara A R
- Al-Galaa Military Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, Drug Research Center (DRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman Al Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Ciebiera M, Ali M, Zgliczyńska M, Skrzypczak M, Al-Hendy A. Vitamins and Uterine Fibroids: Current Data on Pathophysiology and Possible Clinical Relevance. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155528. [PMID: 32752274 PMCID: PMC7432695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroid (UF) is the most common benign tumor pathology of the female reproductive organs. UFs constitute the main reason for a hysterectomy and hospitalization due to gynecological conditions. UFs consist of uterine smooth muscle immersed in a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM). Genetic studies have demonstrated that UFs are monoclonal tumors originating from the myometrial stem cells that have underwent specific molecular changes to tumor initiating stem cells which proliferate and differentiate later under the influence of steroid hormones. There is growing interest in the role of micronutrients, for example, vitamins, in UFs. This article is a comprehensive review of publications regarding the available data concerning the role of vitamins in the biology and management of UFs. In summary, the results showed that some vitamins are important in the biology and pathophysiology of UFs. For example, vitamins A and D deserve particular attention following studies of their influence on the treatment of UF tumors. Vitamins B3, C, and E have not been as widely studied as the abovementioned vitamins. However, more research could reveal their potential role in UF biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (A.A.-H.); Tel.: +48-225690274 (M.C.); +1-312-996-7006 (A.A.-H.)
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Magdalena Zgliczyńska
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Maciej Skrzypczak
- Second Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (A.A.-H.); Tel.: +48-225690274 (M.C.); +1-312-996-7006 (A.A.-H.)
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