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.