Abraham S Kanate1, Miklos L Auber, Gerald M Higa. 1. Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The absence of treatment standards for the use of chemotherapy in pregnancy is due, in part, to the fact that cancer in the gravid female is relatively uncommon. METHOD: A case (of a pregnant woman with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer) is presented to explore this area of medical uncertainty. RESULT: Managed by a multi-disciplinary team, successful prolongation of gestation was achieved with an oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen. CONCLUSION: A perspective of the ongoing conflict between prolonging the mother's life and preserving fetal development is highlighted. Although not life-saving, administration of chemotherapy in this woman was life-sparing.
BACKGROUND: The absence of treatment standards for the use of chemotherapy in pregnancy is due, in part, to the fact that cancer in the gravid female is relatively uncommon. METHOD: A case (of a pregnant woman with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer) is presented to explore this area of medical uncertainty. RESULT: Managed by a multi-disciplinary team, successful prolongation of gestation was achieved with an oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen. CONCLUSION: A perspective of the ongoing conflict between prolonging the mother's life and preserving fetal development is highlighted. Although not life-saving, administration of chemotherapy in this woman was life-sparing.
Authors: Alison De Lima; Boris Galjart; Pieter H A Wisse; Wichor M Bramer; C Janneke van der Woude Journal: BMC Gastroenterol Date: 2015-02-12 Impact factor: 3.067