[Use of chemotherapy during pregnancy]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

• Malignant tumors in pregnancy present complex management challenges.
• Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions pose risks to both fetus and mother.
• Understanding these risks is crucial for optimal patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the complexities of managing cancer during pregnancy.
• To discuss the risks associated with fetal exposure to cancer therapies.
• To differentiate treatment objectives for localized versus systemic disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cancer in pregnancy.
• Analysis of risks related to gestational age and timing of in utero exposure.
• Categorization of cancer treatment modalities.

Main Results:

• Cancer treatment during pregnancy requires careful consideration of fetal and maternal risks.
• Risks of cytotoxic therapy are dependent on gestational age and exposure duration.
• Treatment encompasses local control (surgery, radiotherapy) and systemic eradication (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapies).

Conclusions:

• Integrated management strategies are essential for pregnant patients with cancer.
• Risk-benefit assessments guide therapeutic decisions.
• Multimodal treatment approaches address diverse cancer types and stages during gestation.