Fertility-sparing in endometrial cancer.

Because endometrial cancer (EMC) patients frequently present at an early stage of disease, most have favorable outcomes, thus their quality of life after treatment is as important a consideration as a cure of cancer. This issue is especially important when EMC is encountered in younger or reproductive ages when the afflicted woman has not achieved her fertility function. It is a complicated situation when a physician encounters a request or question from a woman with EMC or her family concerning whether she could conceive a child prior to a definite cancer treatment. Despite being an interesting issue, there are only a few studies with definite treatment guidelines or any evidence-based recommendations concerning conservative treatment for EMC. Thus, we undertook this study to explore various considerations regarding the criteria and caveats for the management of EMC women who desire to preserve their fertility function. An algorithm guideline for conservative fertility treatment for EMC is also presented. Copyright (c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.