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Perrone U, Evangelisti G, Laganà AS, Bogliolo S, Ceccaroni M, Izzotti A, Gustavino C, Ferrero S, Barra F. A review of phase II and III drugs for the treatment and management of endometriosis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2023; 28:333-351. [PMID: 38099328 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2023.2296080] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease that gives rise to pelvic pain and infertility. Although estroprogestins and progestins currently stand as the first-line treatments for this condition, demonstrating efficacy in two-thirds of patients, a significant portion of individuals experience only partial relief or symptom recurrence following the cessation of these therapies. The coexistence of superficial, deep endometriosis, and ovarian endometriomas, as three distinct phenotypes with unique pathogenetic and molecular characteristics, may elucidate the current heterogeneous biological response to available therapy. AREAS COVERED The objective of this review is to furnish the reader with a comprehensive summary pertaining to phase II-III hormonal treatments for endometriosis. EXPERT OPINION Ongoing research endeavors are directed toward the development of novel hormonal options for this benign yet debilitating disease. Among them, oral GnRH antagonists emerge as a noteworthy option, furnishing rapid therapeutic onset without an initial flare-up; these drugs facilitate partial or complete estrogen suppression, and promote prompt ovarian function recovery upon discontinuation, effectively surmounting the limitations associated with previously employed GnRH agonists. Limited evidence supports the use of selective estrogen and progesterone receptor modulators. Consequently, further extensive clinical research is imperative to garner a more profound understanding of innovative targets for novel hormonal options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Perrone
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - 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
| | | | - Marcello Ceccaroni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery, International School of Surgical Anatomy, IRCCS "Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria" Hospital, Verona, 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
| | - Claudio Gustavino
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 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
| | - Fabio Barra
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Giudice LC, Oskotsky TT, Falako S, Opoku‐Anane J, Sirota M. Endometriosis in the era of precision medicine and impact on sexual and reproductive health across the lifespan and in diverse populations. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23130. [PMID: 37641572 PMCID: PMC10503213 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common estrogen-dependent disorder wherein uterine lining tissue (endometrium) is found mainly in the pelvis where it causes inflammation, chronic pelvic pain, pain with intercourse and menses, and infertility. Recent evidence also supports a systemic inflammatory component that underlies associated co-morbidities, e.g., migraines and cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Genetics and environment contribute significantly to disease risk, and with the explosion of omics technologies, underlying mechanisms of symptoms are increasingly being elucidated, although novel and effective therapeutics for pain and infertility have lagged behind these advances. Moreover, there are stark disparities in diagnosis, access to care, and treatment among persons of color and transgender/nonbinary identity, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, and adolescents, and a disturbing low awareness among health care providers, policymakers, and the lay public about endometriosis, which, if left undiagnosed and under-treated can lead to significant fibrosis, infertility, depression, and markedly diminished quality of life. This review summarizes endometriosis epidemiology, compelling evidence for its pathogenesis, mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology in the age of precision medicine, recent biomarker discovery, novel therapeutic approaches, and issues around reproductive justice for marginalized populations with this disorder spanning the past 100 years. As we enter the next revolution in health care and biomedical research, with rich molecular and clinical datasets, single-cell omics, and population-level data, endometriosis is well positioned to benefit from data-driven research leveraging computational and artificial intelligence approaches integrating data and predicting disease risk, diagnosis, response to medical and surgical therapies, and prognosis for recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda C. Giudice
- UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Innovation, Training, and Community Outreach (ENACT)University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Center for Reproductive SciencesUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Tomiko T. Oskotsky
- UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Innovation, Training, and Community Outreach (ENACT)University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences InstituteUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Simileoluwa Falako
- UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Innovation, Training, and Community Outreach (ENACT)University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jessica Opoku‐Anane
- UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Innovation, Training, and Community Outreach (ENACT)University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Division of Gynecologic Specialty SurgeryColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Marina Sirota
- UCSF Stanford Endometriosis Center for Innovation, Training, and Community Outreach (ENACT)University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences InstituteUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
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Clemenza S, Vannuccini S, Ruotolo A, Capezzuoli T, Petraglia F. Advances in targeting estrogen synthesis and receptors in patients with endometriosis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1227-1238. [PMID: 36529967 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2152325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease on the background of progesterone resistance. Increased estrogen production, low estrogen metabolization, and altered estrogen receptors (ERs) expression contribute to the hyperestrogenic milieu within endometriotic lesions. Since estrogens play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease, inhibition of estrogen production is one of the main targets of available and emerging drugs. AREAS COVERED Firstly, we described the molecular alterations responsible for estrogen dependence. Secondly, we reviewed available and emerging treatments that interfere, through central (gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRH-a), GnRH antagonists) or local mechanisms (aromatase inhibitors (AIs), inhibitors of steroid sulfatase (STS) and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1)), with estrogen dependence. Finally, we focused on emerging treatments targeting ERs (selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), estrogen receptors agonists, and antagonists). EXPERT OPINION Available treatments interfering with estrogen pathways exert a contraceptive effect, have hypoestrogenic side effects, and cannot prevent or definitively treat the disease. Preclinical and animal studies are focusing on emerging drugs targeting ERs in order to overcome limitations of available treatments. These treatments may represent a promising option, as they may produce a more specific inhibition of disease activity within endometriotic implants, avoiding prolonged hypoestrogenic status and limiting systemic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Clemenza
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Agostino Ruotolo
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Capezzuoli
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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Buggio L, Dridi D, Barbara G, Merli CEE, Cetera GE, Vercellini P. Novel pharmacological therapies for the treatment of endometriosis. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:1039-1052. [PMID: 36000243 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2117155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disease associated with pelvic pain, infertility, impaired sexual function, and psychological suffering. Therefore, tailored patient management appears of primary importance to address specific issues and identify the appropriate treatment for each woman. Over the years, abundant research has been carried out with the objective to find new therapeutic approaches for this multifaceted disease. AREAS COVERED This narrative review aims to present the latest advances in the pharmacological management of endometriosis. In particular, the potential role of GnRH antagonists, selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs), and selective estrogen receptors modulators (SERMs) will be discussed. We performed a literature search in PubMed and Embase, and selected the best quality evidence, giving preference to the most recent and definitive original articles and reviews. EXPERT OPINION Medical therapy represents the cornerstone of endometriosis management, although few advances have been made in the last decade. Most studies have focused on the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of GnRH antagonists (plus add-back therapy in cases of prolonged treatment), which should be used as second-line treatment options in selected cases (i.e. non-responders to first-line treatments). Further studies are needed to identify the ideal treatment for women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Buggio
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda, 12, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Dhouha Dridi
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda, 12, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giussy Barbara
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda, 12, 20122 Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy
| | - C E E Merli
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda, 12, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Emily Cetera
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda, 12, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda, 12, 20122 Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, Milan, Italy
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Taylor HS, Kotlyar AM, Flores VA. Endometriosis is a chronic systemic disease: clinical challenges and novel innovations. Lancet 2021; 397:839-852. [PMID: 33640070 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00389-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 356] [Impact Index Per Article: 118.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common disease affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age globally. However, despite its prevalence, diagnosis is typically delayed by years, misdiagnosis is common, and delivery of effective therapy is prolonged. Identification and prompt treatment of endometriosis are essential and facilitated by accurate clinical diagnosis. Endometriosis is classically defined as a chronic, gynaecological disease characterised by endometrial-like tissue present outside of the uterus and is thought to arise by retrograde menstruation. However, this description is outdated and no longer reflects the true scope and manifestations of the disease. The clinical presentation is varied, the presence of pelvic lesions is heterogeneous, and the manifestations of the disease outside of the female reproductive tract remain poorly understood. Endometriosis is now considered a systemic disease rather than a disease predominantly affecting the pelvis. Endometriosis affects metabolism in liver and adipose tissue, leads to systemic inflammation, and alters gene expression in the brain that causes pain sensitisation and mood disorders. The full effect of the disease is not fully recognised and goes far beyond the pelvis. Recognition of the full scope of the disease will facilitate clinical diagnosis and allow for more comprehensive treatment than currently available. Progestins and low-dose oral contraceptives are unsuccessful in a third of symptomatic women globally, probably as a result of progesterone resistance. Oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists constitute an effective and tolerable therapeutic alternative when first-line medications do not work. The development of GnRH antagonists has resulted in oral drugs that have fewer side-effects than other therapies and has allowed for rapid movement between treatments to optimise and personalise endometriosis care. In this Review, we discuss the latest understanding of endometriosis as a systemic disease with multiple manifestations outside the parameters of classic gynaecological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Alexander M Kotlyar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Valerie A Flores
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Pluchino N, Mamillapalli R, Wenger JM, Ramyead L, Drakopoulos P, Tille JC, Taylor HS. Estrogen receptor-α immunoreactivity predicts symptom severity and pain recurrence in deep endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:1224-1231.e1. [PMID: 32416979 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between steroid receptor expression and pain symptoms in endometriosis. DESIGN Cross-sectional SETTING: University Hospital PATIENT(S): Women with endometriosis (N = 92). INTERVENTION(S) Tissue samples were obtained from patients with surgically diagnosed endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) A tissue microarray (TMA) was generated from patients with endometriosis. Data were collected on the presence and severity of dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia, and nonmenstrual pain by use of a numerical rating scale (NRS) at the time of surgery and after 1 year. The intensity of receptor expression was evaluated through immunohistochemistry and measured according to an immunoreactive score (IRS). Clinical variables were correlated to IRS by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Estrogen receptor-α (ER-α), progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR), and aromatase expression differed among study participants. ER-α expression was reduced by progestin therapy, whereas of expressions of PR, AR, and aromatase were unchanged. Higher ER-α expression increased the likelihood of moderate to severe dysmenorrhea and deep dyspareunia in women not receiving hormonal treatment. In women receiving progestin therapy, persistently higher ER-α expression was correlated with greater likelihood of deep dyspareunia, severe dyschezia, and endometriosis-associated pain persistence at 1 year. CONCLUSION(S) ER-α, PR, AR, and aromatase were all expressed in deep endometriosis. ER-α levels best correlated with severity of symptoms, which suggests that ER is a key driver of deep endometriosis. Progestin treatment was associated with a reduction of ER-α expression; however, failure of ER suppression by progestins was also a predictor of pain severity and recurrence at 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pluchino
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ramanaiah Mamillapalli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| | - Jean-Marie Wenger
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lauriane Ramyead
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Barra F, Grandi G, Tantari M, Scala C, Facchinetti F, Ferrero S. A comprehensive review of hormonal and biological therapies for endometriosis: latest developments. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 19:343-360. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2019.1581761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Barra
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grandi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Tantari
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carolina Scala
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Facchinetti
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Simone Ferrero
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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