Abstract

Innovations in uterine fibroid therapy

Author(s): Desiree M McCarthy��?Keith and Alicia Y Armstrong

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that are highly prevalent among reproductive-aged women. Hysterectomy remains the only definitive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids; however, uterinesparing treatment options are needed for women desiring future fertility or uterine preservation. Several alternative treatments exist, but these therapies are limited by significant fibroid recurrence within a few years of treatment or significant side effects. Interventional radiology procedures now extend to the management of fibroids and many medical therapies for treatment of symptomatic fibroids are available or are under investigation in clinical trials. Long-term outcome data for newer medical therapies are needed to determine which therapies offer a definitive advantage over traditional therapies. Future investigations into the molecular biology of fibroids will pave the way for the development of innovative therapies in the treatment and prevention of these highly prevalent gynecologic tumors.