Qun Lu

The optimal time for the initiation of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer among women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma receiving fertility-sparing treatment

To explore the optimal time for initiating in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women with complete remission after fertility-sparing treatment for grade I endometrial cancer (EC) or atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH). Young women who demonstrated complete remission after fertility-sparing treatment for grade I EC or AEH and underwent IVF-ET treatment were included. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to compare the outcomes of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and embryo transfer at different times after discontinuing high-dose progesterone therapy, and patients were divided into three groups: ≤ 3 months (time 1), 3-9 months (time 2) and > 9 months (time 3). Thirty-seven women with complete remission after fertility-sparing treatment for grade I EC or AEH underwent 75 IVF-ET cycles. Regarding initiation of COH, 10 cycles for time 1, 31 cycles for time 2 and 34 cycles for time 3 were included. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the number of available embryos at time 2 and time 3 were 1.82 (1.08-3.08) and 2.45 (1.39-4.33), and those for the number of high-quality embryos at time 2 and time 3 were, respectively, 3.64 (1.34-9.87) and 3.62 (1.10-11.91), compared with that at time 1. Nineteen (51.4%) women had at least one clinical pregnancy and 13 (35.1%) women had live births. During a median follow-up period of 51 months (range 5-168 months), 10 (27.0%) women had disease relapse, with a median interval of 15.5 months (range 5-104 months). Initiating IVF-ET 3 months after ceasing high-dose progesterone therapy can lead to better outcomes of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for women with endometrial cancer or atypical endometrial hyperplasia.

Is it safe to preserve uterus after live birth following progestin‐based fertility‐sparing treatment for endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia: A long‐term retrospective cohort study

Abstract Introduction We aimed to assess the safety of continuous uterus‐preserving treatment among patients with endometrial cancer (EC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) who gave birth after progestin‐based fertility‐sparing treatment (FST). Material and Methods From January 2005 to June 2020, we conducted a retrospective cohort study at Peking University People's Hospital, China, comprising 212 patients with EC or AEH who underwent FST. The participants were categorized into two groups based on the reproductive outcome of live birth. Risk factors were analyzed for disease recurrence in the entire cohort, and additional analysis was conducted on postpartum recurrence specifically in the live birth group. Results Of 212 eligible patients, 73 had a live birth, and 139 did not have a live birth after FST. Multivariable Cox analysis showed that live birth significantly reduced the risk of disease recurrence (HR 0.326, p  = 0.011), while insulin resistance was identified as an adverse factor (HR 3.216, p  = 0.014). Except for two patients who underwent hysterectomy, among 71 patients undergoing uterus preservation after live birth, five (7%) patients experienced disease relapse (two EC and three AEH) after a median follow‐up of 26 (11, 47.5) months. Four out of these five patients with recurrence achieved a complete response after a second round of FST. Eight other patients (11.3%) experienced hyperplasia without atypical (EH) after live birth. Potential risk factors for postpartum recurrence of EC/AEH included irregular menstruation (80% vs. 39%; p  = 0.153), abnormal ultrasonographic findings (60% vs. 18.6%; p  = 0.065), and increased endometrial thickness (0.82 cm vs. 0.55 cm; p  = 0.017). While postpartum maintenance therapy was identified as a protective factor against recurrence (0% vs. 62.5%; p  = 0.012). Notably, patients with postpartum recurrence may achieve a complete response with repeat FST. Conclusions Although live birth was associated with improved recurrence‐free survival in patients with EC or AEH receiving FST, postpartum recurrence remains a concern. Irregular menstruation and abnormal ultrasound findings were identified as key risk factors for recurrence, while maintenance therapy exhibited a protective effect. These findings highlight the need for vigilant postpartum monitoring in this population.