Antineoplastic drugs administered during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Teratology

Background:

• Cancer is a significant cause of mortality in women of reproductive age.
• Antineoplastic drug administration during pregnancy presents complex challenges.
• Fetal exposure to chemotherapy requires careful risk-benefit assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of antineoplastic agents on fetal development.
• To highlight specific drug classes to avoid during pregnancy.
• To discuss the potential for successful pregnancy outcomes with certain chemotherapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on chemotherapy use in pregnant women.
• Analysis of drug types and their embryogenic effects.
• Case report synthesis of successful pregnancy outcomes.

Main Results:

• Antifolate antimetabolites are particularly detrimental to fetal development and should be avoided.
• Various other antineoplastic agents have been associated with successful fetal outcomes.
• Timing of exposure during embryogenesis significantly influences teratogenic effects.

Conclusions:

• The decision to initiate antineoplastic therapy in pregnant patients necessitates thorough physician-patient consultation.
• Risk stratification based on drug class and gestational timing is crucial.
• Careful management can lead to favorable outcomes in select cases of cancer during pregnancy.