Federica Tomao1, Giuseppe Lo Russo, Gian Paolo Spinelli, Silverio Tomao. 1. aDepartment of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Rome bDepartment of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Latina, Italy *Federica Tomao and Giuseppe Lo Russo contributed equally to this work.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Female infertility is today a very common, expanding problem and therefore restoring fertility strategies are increasing in the last few years. An association between ovarian stimulation and breast cancer risk has been hypothesized, but the question has not yet been clarified. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last 2 years, many important studies have been published on this topic. A lot of new combinations of drugs are in experimentation and other recent drugs are already in current use, such as aromatase inhibitors. Furthermore, the data from older studies were investigated by two recent meta-analyses. SUMMARY: Infertility affects many couples in western countries and the use of fertility stimulation techniques is widespread in the last few years, determining personal anxiety, social costs, and organizing difficulties. It is well known that one of the most important causative agents for the development of breast cancer is the proliferative activity of endogenous and exogenous female hormones. Therefore, it seems appropriate to investigate the risk of breast cancer derived from the use of hormonal therapies in infertile women. The final clarification of this question is very important so that all women can realize their dream of having children, with the certainty of not being exposed to an increased risk of breast cancer.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Female infertility is today a very common, expanding problem and therefore restoring fertility strategies are increasing in the last few years. An association between ovarian stimulation and breast cancer risk has been hypothesized, but the question has not yet been clarified. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last 2 years, many important studies have been published on this topic. A lot of new combinations of drugs are in experimentation and other recent drugs are already in current use, such as aromatase inhibitors. Furthermore, the data from older studies were investigated by two recent meta-analyses. SUMMARY:Infertility affects many couples in western countries and the use of fertility stimulation techniques is widespread in the last few years, determining personal anxiety, social costs, and organizing difficulties. It is well known that one of the most important causative agents for the development of breast cancer is the proliferative activity of endogenous and exogenous female hormones. Therefore, it seems appropriate to investigate the risk of breast cancer derived from the use of hormonal therapies in infertile women. The final clarification of this question is very important so that all women can realize their dream of having children, with the certainty of not being exposed to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Authors: Barbara Luke; Morton B Brown; Logan G Spector; Stacey A Missmer; Richard E Leach; Melanie Williams; Lori Koch; Yolanda Smith; Judy E Stern; G David Ball; Maria J Schymura Journal: Fertil Steril Date: 2015-08-10 Impact factor: 7.329