The combined GnRH-agonist and intrauterine levonorgestrel-releasing system treatment of complicated atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer: a pilot study

Abstract

In this article, we present the results of organ-preserving treatment applied in 24 patients of reproductive age with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or early-stage endometrial cancer. All of them would like to preserve their reproductive potential. Thirteen women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia were treated with the combination of six intramuscular injections of 3.75 mg gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) − leuproreline acetate depot every 4 weeks. After the third injection of 3.75 mg of leuproreline acetate, the levonorgestrel intrauterine hormonal system containing 52 mg levonorgestrel (Mirena^®, Bayer, Germany) was inserted for at least 6 months. In 11 women with stage IA well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma, hormonal therapy included nine intramuscular injections of 3.75 mg of GnRHa every 4 weeks. After the third injection of 3.75 mg of GnRHa, we also inserted a GnRH-IUS (Mirena^®) for at least 12 months. This type of therapy was effective for all these patients and may be offered to be used as an alternative to surgery in women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia or early stage 1A well-differentiated endometrial cancer in women of reproductive age. Three women with endometrial cancer became pregnant and two of them delivered at term and one has an ongoing pregnancy.

Keywords::

• Atypical endometrial hyperplasia
• GnRH-agonists
• levonorgestrel intrauterine hormonal system
• well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma

Acknowledgments

The authors thank all the patients who were included in this study. We are grateful to Professor Dr. Adolf E. Schindler for advice and friendly support during preparation of this publication.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflict of interest.