Objective: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a noninvasive therapeutic technique for treating symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the relationship of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in leiomyoma with the volume reduction rate and improvement in symptoms following RFA. Design and Methods: Forty-nine women with symptomatic single-nodule uterine leiomyoma underwent transvaginal RFA. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed 1 month before RFA, and the patients were divided into two groups based on the status of ER and PR in leiomyoma: strongly to moderately positive (group I, 32 patients) and weakly positive to negative (group II, 17 patients). The leiomyoma volume was measured by three-dimensional ultrasonography before and during the operation and in postoperative months 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18. The impact of the symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQL) was assessed on first and last follow-up visits by using the Uterine Fibroids Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire. Results: The preoperative diameter (6.7±1.7 vs. 6.3±1.5 cm) and leiomyoma volume (83.8±23.0 vs. 82.9±34.8 cm3) did not significantly differ between groups I and II. The final volume reduction rate in groups I and II was 48.2%±15.7% and 86.8%±7.6%, respectively. Compared to group I, group II showed significantly greater volume reduction rate, improvement in the symptom severity, and HRQL scores (p<0.01). Conclusions: The initial ER and PR immunohistochemical status is important to the outcome of leiomyoma RFA, and influences its effectiveness. (J GYNECOL SURG 27: 133)
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