American Society for Reproductive Medicine--56th annual meeting

The scientific program of the first annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) of the new millennium was comprehensive, informative and covered most of the current issues in the expanding field of reproductive medicine. The meeting was characterized by many clinical updates, new discoveries in clinical and basic research and significant societal issues in the practice of reproductive medicine. Among the new discoveries, the characterization of two subtypes of progesterone receptors remains an outstanding addition that will impact on the future of breast cancer therapy. Many prospective randomized multicenter clinical trials illustrated the advantages of using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist instead of the agonist for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, for patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. Antiprogestin medicated intrauterine device and combined hormonal contraceptive patches were introduced to improve the efficacy and reduce side effects of birth control methods. Aromatase inhibitors that have been extensively used for post-menopausal breast cancer therapy were tried successfully for the first time in ovulation induction. Successful egg retrieval from autotransplanted ovarian tissue was reported following successful radiotherapy in a patient with advanced cancer of the cervix. Finally, laparoscopic adnexectomy with complete robotic assistance was reported as an important technical addition in the field of reproductive medicine.