Management and Recommendations for Future Pregnancy in Patients with Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: A Survey of Gynecologic Oncologists and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialists

Abstract

Purpose:

To determine how young patients with early-stage endometrial cancer are counseled regarding fertility preserving therapy and pregnancy options by gynecologic oncology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) providers.

Methods:

Anonymous online survey of Society of Gynecology Oncology (SGO) and the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI) members; data were analyzed using chi-square and t-tests.

Results:

Twelve percent (169/1433) of SGO and 6.5% (60/927) of SREI members responded to the survey request. Most providers manage fewer than 10 fertility preservation patients annually. All gynecologic oncologists offer conservative management to patients with grade 1 endometrial cancer without evidence of invasion, and 40% would offer it to patients with grade 2 or <50% invasion. Magnetic resonance imaging was the most common method of assessing invasion, and the progesterone intrauterine device was the preferred first-line treatment. Two-thirds of providers would recommend hysterectomy if no endometrial response was noted by 12 months, two-thirds would continue conservative management for more than a year if a partial response was noted, and 70% would recommend hysterectomy after a patient completes childbearing. Comparatively, 60% of REI providers would recommend hysterectomy after childbearing. More gynecologic oncologists than REI providers recommend attempting spontaneous conception and for longer durations before initiating fertility treatments.

Conclusion:

Heterogeneous management styles exist among and between gynecologic oncology and REI providers for patients with early-stage endometrial cancer desiring future pregnancy. Improved guidelines are needed regarding treatment and monitoring surrounding trials of conception and pregnancy.