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Query: UMLS:C0476089 (endometrial cancer)
 11,379 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

This study presents a review of current clinical evidence on the usefulness of Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate, DMPA), a long-term method of reversible contraception. It is taken as an intramuscular long-acting agent (150 mg every 12 calendar weeks). The user failure rate approaches the method failure rate, which varies considerably with age. In terms of metabolic effects, it did not show changes in cholesterol or triglycerides and had no significant effect on hemostasis, which impairs the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose response and increases insulin response. There were no significant adverse effects on long term growth and development in DMPA exposed children and no delays in return to fertility. For cancers, controlled surveillance of DMPA users found no overall increased risk of ovarian, liver or cervical cancer and even found a prolonged protective effect in reducing the risk of endometrial cancer. However, increased risk of breast cancer in recent users was observed; this could be due to enhanced detection of breast tumors of women using DMPA. The main DMPA disadvantages are menstrual disturbance and weight gain after 1 year. Bone mineral density (BMD) is found to be significantly lower. DMPA patients' sociodemographic characteristics and behavior placed then at higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcome in low infant birth weight and also possibly in polysyndactyl and chromosomal defects. Thus, for injectable progestogen, the data is again less conclusive. Risks may be similar to POP (progestogen-only contraceptive pill), but did not reach significance in the meta-analysis.
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PMID:Depo Provera. Position paper on clinical use, effectiveness and side effects. 1089 62

Standard glucose-tolerance test (SGTT) was carried out in 73 patients with endometrial tumors. Elevated concentrations of plasma insulin and C-peptide were established in endometrial carcinoma patients (irrespective of age and reproductive status) after night fast and 120 min after SGTT start, as compared to healthy subjects and breast cancer patients. Obese (BMI index 28 kg/m2) reproductive endometrial carcinoma patients showed pronounced hyperinsulinemia and resistance to insulin. Menopausal patients with endometrial tumors (BMI index < = 28) were characterized by a much faster metabolic clearance of insulin, as compared with all other patients. Therefore, degree of insulin resistance in endometrial carcinoma is determined by both enhanced secretion of insulin and lowered metabolic clearance of this hormone which in turn is associated with obesity.
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PMID:[The nature of hyperinsulinemia (insulin resistance) in endometrial carcinoma: of plasma levels of insulin and c-peptide]. 1085 19

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to be beneficial in reducing osteoporosis and alleviating climacteric symptoms. HRT has been suggested to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), but data are controversial. Unopposed estradiol therapy seems to have a favourable effect on lipid profile and glucose tolerance whereas addition of a progestogen may attenuate these favourable metabolic changes. Data on HRT in women with diabetes mellitus are scarce but of potential interest since these women are often characterised by hyperandrogenicity, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia and are at a high risk for developing CHD. Present evidence suggests that short term unopposed oral estradiol therapy has a beneficial effect on glucose homeostasis, lipid profile and fibrinolytic activity, which may be compatible with a reduced risk for CHD. Accordingly, it may be hypothesised that HRT in women with diabetes mellitus may be at least as beneficial as in women without diabetes mellitus. However, women with diabetes mellitus are at increased underlying risk for venous thromboembolism and endometrial cancer. Whether HRT further increases this risk is not yet clear, but this possibility must be considered. It is, however, likely that the benefits with HRT in postmenopausal women with diabetes mellitus outweigh the risks, but randomised studies are required before any more definite risk-benefit assessment can be made long term.
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PMID:Hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with diabetes mellitus: a risk-benefit assessment. 1119 Apr 19

Endometrial cancer (EC) is estrogen-dependent tumor in the hormonal treatment of which mostly progestins are used. During last 5-7 years feasibility of aromatase inhibitors use in EC is discussed without any special practical move in this direction. To evaluate possible biological response of tumor and patients to such treatment, we conducted a short pilot study involving 10 primary postmenopausal EC patients, mostly stage Ia,b (average age 59) who received letrozole (Femara, Novartis) 2.5 mg/day during 14 days before operation. Clinical, sonographical, morphological, cytological and hormonal-metabolic (blood estradiol, FSH, LH, glucose, lipid fractions by RIA or enzyme-colorimetric methods; tumor progesterone receptors by LBA and aromatase activity by 3H-water release assay) studies were included into the protocol before and after treatment. Tolerability of letrozole was satisfactory in all patients. 2 patients reported decrease of pain and pathological secretions from uterine cavity. In 3 patients, decrease in M-sonographical endometrial signal was registered; average value after treatment was 31.1% lower than before it. Tendency to the decrease in estrogenicity of vaginal smears was revealed. Average decrease in blood estradiol was 37.8% and in progesterone receptor level and aromatase activity 34.4% and 17.5% respectively. Decrease of aromatase activity in tumor tissue was registered mostly in normal weight patients. A more detailed and longer randomized study of aromatase inhibitors in EC performed in neoadjuvant setting deserves consideration.
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PMID:[Neoadjuvant use of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole in uterine cancer: endocrine and clinical effects]. 1178 98

Initiation and/or promotion of endometrial cancer is known to be associated with estrogen and androgen (androstenedione) excess as well as with hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance. It is possible that some allelic polymorphisms of the genes involved in steroidogenesis or steroid metabolism contribute to endometrial cancer susceptibility. We evaluated here the role of CYP17 biallelic (MspAI) polymorphism in 114 endometrial cancer patients compared with 182 healthy women. Our data demonstrated that A2/A2 CYP17 genotype, considered on the basis of initial breast cancer studies as 'unfavorable', was under-represented in endometrial cancer group (odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.25-0.89) that confirmed results of two other recent investigations. Carriers of this genotype were characterized by having lower blood insulin (by 120 min of oral glucose tolerance test 36.7+/-3.9 microU/ml vs. 90.4+/-16.7 microU/ml in postmenopausal women with A1/A1 genotype, P=0.04) and C-peptide levels (after night fasting 575.2+/-78.3 pg/ml vs. 978.9+/-115.7 pg/ml, respectively, P=0.04). No significant difference was found between the mean concentrations of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and estradiol concentrations in patients-carriers of separate CYP17 genotypes. Thus, CYP17 polymorphism (namely, carrying the 'normal' A1/A1 genotype) might be one of the risk factors for endometrial cancer development. A1/A1 CYP17 variant may be associated with untraditional (non-steroidal) pathways that calls for corresponding preventive measures in high-risk groups.
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PMID:CYP17 genetic polymorphism in endometrial cancer: are only steroids involved? 1191 69

Ever since a gradual but significant reduction in the estrogenic and progestogenic components of oral contraceptives (OCs) was made, there has been a corresponding decrease in adverse effects associated with the pill. The beneficial effects include prevention of pregnancy, reduction in pelvic inflammatory disease, protection against ovarian/endometrial cancer and benign breast tumors and ovarian cysts, reduction in the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis among OC users, and regulation of the menstrual cycle. The adverse effects include diseases of the circulatory system (myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism, subarachnoid hemorrhage, hypertension), possible carcinogenicity (breast, cervix, melanoma), pituitary adenomas, liver disorders, glucose metabolix effects (diabetes), vitamin status alteration, delay in return of menstruation and fertility, and a number of minor side effects (nausea, vomiting). Contraindications to OC use include history of malignancy of the breast or genital tract, venous thromboembolism, cerebrovascular accident, undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, focal migraine, or familial hyperlipidemia. The following situations require medical assessment before OCs are prescribed, and medical supervision if OCs are prescribed: age 40+, smoking and age over 35, mild hypertension or a history of hypertensive disease of pregnancy (toxemia), epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, history of bouts of depression, history of oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea in nulliparous women, and gallbladder disease. Problems could occur with OC use in the following situations: 1) lactation (ideally, OCs should be withheld until the child is weaned but if not possible, OCs should not be given until lactation is established); 2) drug interaction (other contraceptive form should be used when the patient is taking antibiotics or anticonvulsants); 3) tropical diseases (studies are still underway); 4) adolescence (very young girls should use other contraceptive method until regular menstruation is established); 5) postcoital contraception (limited use of steroids in emergency situation); and 6) hormonal pregnancy tests (use of oral steroids for pregnancy testing is not recommended). The 3 main types of OCs currently used are the combined estrogen and progestagen, the progestagen-only OC, and the triphasic OC. The lowest effective dose of a compound should be used, and healthy women may continue to use OCs for many years.
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PMID:Statement on steroidal oral contraceptives. 1226 73

Reports regarding the question of whether oral contraceptive (OC) use enhances the risk of cancer or one of several serious cardiovascular disorders, i.e., thromboembolic disease, stroke, and myocardial infarction are reviewed. In 1974 the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) issued an interim report of a large prospective study involving 46,000 women. The study found a 5-fold increase in the risk of deep venous thrombosis among women taking OCs. Laboratory studies have tried to establish a direct causal relationship between OC use and altered hemostatis. In review of these studies, Bingel and Benoit reported an increased incidence of thromboembolism in OC users with blood group A. Other hemostatic alterations in OC users were also noted. Other investigators have examined the effect of OCs on antithrombin 3. In 1 study, the inhibitory activity of antithrombin 3 on factor X was significantly reduced among 57 women using the combined OCs, but there was no substantial difference in the quantity of antithrombin 3 in these women as compared with 48 women in the control group. In 1 retrospective case control study of 60 surgical patients with complications of pulmonary embolism or venous thrombosis, the risk of postoperative thromboembolism was 6.7 times greater in OC users than in 97 well matched surgical controls. The RCGP study showed that the risk of cerebrovascular disease in women using OCs was 4 times greater than in nonusers. This finding was substantiated by the Boston-based Collaborative Group for the Study of Stroke in Young Women, which observed a 2-fold increase in risk for all types of stroke among OC users. Several studies have demonstrated that serum lipids are higher in women who use OCs than in those who do not, with estrogen being implicated as the cause of the elevation. Other studies have attempted to link serum lipid elevations to myocardial infarction, but the association is unclear. Both epidemiological and laboratory studies have implicated OCs in the genesis of essential hypertension. Several studies have examined mortality trends associated with OC use. In 1 analysis of data from 21 countries, women between 15 and 44 years of age were found to have a 3-fold to 5-fold increase in cardiovascular mortality that was associated with OC use. The principle evidence that suggested a possible link between OCs and breast carcinoma derived from experiments in laboratory animals. There is no conclusive evidence that OCs cause breast cancer in humans. The association between OC use and endometrial cancer is also inconclusive at this time. A marked increase in the incidence of hepatic adenomas among OC users has also been noted recently. The following other effects associated with OC use are reviewed briefly: glucose tolerance tests; birth defects; gallbladder disease; postpill amenorrhea; laboratory tests; and drug activity. Absolute and relative contraindications for OC use are listed.
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PMID:Oral contraceptive risks: a realistic appraisal. 1227 76

Recent studies have demonstrated new benefits of pill use, reduced risks associated with the minipill, and the possibility of screening out high risk women. The minipill is as effective as other formulations except in cases of chronic malnutrition or concomitant use of antibiotics or anticonvulsives. Oral contraceptives (OCs) frequently lessen menstrual problems. They prevent functional cysts in the ovaries, and reduce the incidence of benign breast tumors and the relative risk of developing ovarian cancer after 3 years of use. Combined OCs reduce the risk of endometrial cancer although sequentials increase it. OCs offer protection against salpingitis and other pelvic infections, against tubal pregnancies, and against chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Minipills appear to be less frequently associated with bothersome side effects than other OCs. The most significant risk of OCs is of death due to thrombo emboli of venous origin, myocardial ischemia, cerebrovascular accidents, and hypertension in women over 35, particularly those who smoke heavily. In 1981 the 2 British studies reported a reduced risk from these causes compared to results published in 1977. Estrogens are clearly responsible for some of the complications, apparently due to a weakening of the fibrinolytic systems, but progestagens or estrogen-progestagen combinations are also implicated. Arterial hypertension and cerebral and cardiac accidents appear to be due to the effect of progestagens on arterial tension, glucose metabolism, and the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Risks of some liver diseases are elevated in pill users, but the question of tumors of the pituitary is not yet resolved. The incidence of uterine cancer appears to be elevated in pill users although the association is obscured by other factors. Some evidence exists of an association between estrogen-progestagen formulations and melanoma. No increase in abortion or fetal malformations except possibly an increase in twin pregnancies is noted after discontinuation of the pill. Pills should not be prescribed for smokers over 35 or any women over 45. Pills are possibly acceptable for women 35-44 in good health with no signs of diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipoproteinemia. They should be followed up more frequently and should recognize the signs of complications.
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PMID:[Oral contraception in 1983 (author's transl)]. 1231 9

The author contends that neither behavioral nor psychological factors are responsible for obesity or overweight, but that physiological and nutritional factors are. Obesity and overweight are relevant to natural family planning because they contribute to various problems of the female reproductive system. Body fat stores estrogen, and excess body fat increases estrogen levels which creates various problems. For example, elevated estrogen levels may contribute to endometrium build-up, resulting in heavy, prolonged bleeding during menstruation or in midcycle. They may kick off a reaction, causing suppressed ovulation, premenstrual spotting, and menstrual cramps. Other possible effects of high estrogen levels are fibroid tumors, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and amenorrhea. The consistent pressure of excess body fat on the uterus can result in uterine prolapse. Overweight may also be a symptom of a reproductive problem, e.g., ovarian failure. Hypoglycemia, including reactive hypoglycemia, caused by a diet high in sugar and white flour, plays a key role in overweight. Excessive insulin secretion in reactive hypoglycemic cases maintains high glucose levels, and the body stores the excess glucose in fat cells. Thus, a diet low in sugary foods and high in fiber-rich complex carbohydrates is the most successful way to lose weight. However, vitamins and minerals needed to maintain blood sugar levels must supplement this diet to be successful. These vitamins and minerals include the B vitamins, magnesium, and, perhaps, chromium. Iodine, vitamins A and E, zinc, and selenium help the thyroid gland operate optimally, so as to avoid excess blood sugar levels. Vitamin E, lecithin, and evening primrose oil assist the body in using fat better. Regular exercise is also important to burn excess fat. Aspartame (Nutrasweet) exacerbates hypoglycemia and is usually found in refined foods and non-foods.
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PMID:An empathetic look at overweight. 1231 98

Controversy still surrounds the use of the injectable contraceptive, Depo-Provera, in 3rd world countries, when it has yet to be approved in the US, Canada, Japan, and other developed nations. Some medical professionals maintain Depo is both safe and effective and could curb rapid population growth worldwide. With no conclusive decision made, some countries have approved Depo while others have not yet decided. Originally approved for a variety of uses, Depo is approved in the US only as a treatment for advanced endometrial cancer; however, it is now available in 65 countries and is used as a contraceptive in the Philippines. Depo and its companion Norigest are both progestonogenic injectables and were developed in the late 1950s. Injectables inhibit ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, thereby preventing fertilization. The reservoir usually lasts from 3-6 months, and its action cannot be reversed until the body has completely absorbed the drug. Injectables are highly effective; most accidental pregnancies occur shortly after the 1st injection before the drug has taken effect or at the end of an interval when its effect is wearing off. Overall the rate of fertility return corresponds to the rates for the pill and the IUD. Injectables have the advantage of preventing side effects brought on by estrogens; thus they would be beneficial to women desiring to use contraception but who cannot manage pill side effects. They do not interfere with lactation and have the lowest failure rate of the reversible methods. Important to developing countries is that injectables require no effort on the part of the user. Injectables do disrupt the menstrual pattern and Depo use often results in weight gain. Little is known about the longterm risks of Depo; however, in 1973 the US Food and Drug Administration withdrew approval of Depo for pregnancy-related uses because of links to birth defects. Other recent studies have uncovered other possible effects including uncertainty about whether injectables affect the composition of breastmilk or whether they raise blood glucose levels. Ethics have entered into the controversy with the "contraceptive double standard" where Depo has been exported to 3rd world nations when it has been ruled unsafe for American women. Campaigns have been organized against the distribution and use of injectables in the developed nations and a few in the 3rd world have begun to organize. While the Philippines has approved Depo, it is not yet considered an official method of the National Population Program. Policymakers await a more thorough analysis of factors for and against the promotion of the drug.
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PMID:Injectable contraceptives: how safe are they? 1233 24


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