Reproductive and oncologic outcomes after progestin therapy for endometrial complex atypical hyperplasia or carcinoma

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated fertility and oncological outcomes in women with complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) or nonmyoinvasive grade 1 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EM) who desired fertility-sparing therapy. STUDY DESIGN: The retrospective cohort study included women younger than 45 years with CAH or EM who desired fertility-sparing treatment at our institution. Only patients for whom both oncological treatment and pregnancy outcomes were available were included. Statistical analyses were performed using a Fisher exact test, Pearson chi(2) test, and Spearman rank correlation test, as appropriate. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were identified, and 23 (13 CAH, 10 EM) met the inclusion criteria. All 23 patients had at least 1 prior pregnancy. Treatment was split between oral progesterone only (38.5% CAH, 40% EM), levonorgestrel intrauterine device only (30.8% CAH, 20% EM), and both (30.8% CAH, 40% EM). After a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 3-74 months), 9 patients (46.2% CAH, 30% EM, P = .39) had persistent/progressive disease. Eight patients (30.8% CAH, 40% EM, P = .69) ultimately had a hysterectomy, and 3 of these (13.0%) were found to have persistent/progressive disease. Median time from diagnosis to hysterectomy was 13 months (range, 4-56 months). Fourteen of the 23 patients utilized assisted reproductive techniques (60.9%); 12 underwent IVF and 2 chose a gestation carrier. Seven clinical intrauterine pregnancies (30.4%) resulting in 6 live births (26.1%) were found in the entire cohort. CONCLUSION: Fertility-sparing treatment for CAH and grade 1 endometrial cancer is feasible with progestin therapy and leads to clinically meaningful rates of pregnancy in young women who desire fertility.