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Noninvasive Monitoring of Lesion Size in a Heterologous Mouse Model of Endometriosis
Published on: February 26, 2019
Changes in the size of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectum during hormonal therapies
Simone Ferrero1, Umberto Leone Roberti Maggiore, Carolina Scala
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Institute for Cancer Research, San Martino Hospital, University of Genoa, Largo R. Benzi 1, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy.
Purpose:
To evaluate the changes in the volume of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectum during 12-month treatment with hormonal therapies.
Materials And Methods:
This prospective, non-randomized, self-controlled clinical trial included patients with rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating at least the muscularis propria of the rectum, who received one of the following therapies: norethisterone acetate, triptorelin and tibolone, norethisterone acetate and letrozole, desogestrel, sequential oral contraceptive pill. The volume of the nodules was determined by virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL, GE Healthcare, USA) at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of treatment.
Results:
Eighty-three women (90.2 %) completed the 12-month treatment. When compared with baseline values, the volume of the nodules decreased at 6-month (p < 0.001) and 12-month treatment (p < 0.001). After 12-month treatment, the volume of the nodules decreased in all study groups. The volume of the nodules decreased during therapy in 68 women (73.9 %) and increased in 11 women (12.0 %).
Conclusion:
12-month administration of hormonal therapies reduces the volume of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectum in the majority of cases.
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