The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation

March 2018

Use of Aromatase Inhibitors in IVF for Fertility Preservation of Non-Breast Cancer Patients: A Case Series

Author Information

Ben-Haroush A(1), Ben-Aharon I(2), Lande Y(1), Fisch B(1)

(1)Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Campus), Petah Tikva, associated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. (2)Institute of Oncology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Campus), Petah Tikva, associated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Publication

Isr Med Assoc J

Summary

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) followed by oocyte retrieval is a leading option for fertility preservation before chemotherapy, yet this procedure causes excessive serum levels of estradiol (E2), which are often detrimental for cancer patients. Aromatase inhibitors are often used in breast cancer patients during COH to prevent elevated levels of E2. Of the five patients treated, two had an aggressive abdominal desmoid tumor, one had endometrial carcinoma, one had uterine sarcoma, and one patient had a brain oligodendroglioma. In all cases the treating oncologist suggested an association between estrogen and possible tumor progression. COH with aromatase inhibitors is apparently effective in non-breast cancer patients and spares exposure to high E2 levels.

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