The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) declares that physicians face an increased occurrence of diseases linked to female reproductive system such as uterine and cervical cancers, irregular menstrual cycles and bleeding. Growing population combined with an expanding awareness of available treatment results in a higher demand of effective clinical research and development to tackle the issues in the field of gynecology.
More than 200 million women around the world suffer from endometriosis and this inflammatory disease is a frequent cause of pelvic pain and discomfort during sexual activities. Endometriosis clinical trials are necessity since treatment options used nowadays are not effective enough. Patients use various medications like contraceptives, GnRH agonists or hormones. Unfortunately, they are not specific enough and complete recovery cannot be achieved. Accordingly, some of endometriosis clinical trials focus on reducing pain, which is one of the most frustrating symptoms. Obviously, these new drugs will not treat endometriosis, but it can bring quality of life back to normal.
What is more, heredity is continually gaining importance in all fields of medicine and gynecology is no exception. Physicians pay more attention on female genetic testing along with timely screening. As a result, up-to-date statistics show that about one-tenth of breast cancer as well as uterine cancer, and up to quarter of ovarian cancer are hereditary. Consequently, gynecologists must concentrate on recognition of genetic diseases as well as research must focus on understanding the deviations of genetic mutations. For instance, carrying a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation produce the highest risk for hereditary ovarian cancer and breast cancer, besides people with Lynch syndrome mutations have the highest risk for developing endometrial cancer. Therefore, a family history of breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer should make investigators suspicious and get patients for counseling and testing as needed, because with today’s resources doctors can prevent up to one-fifth of the cancers in high-risk women. Breakthrough treatment results will be achieved by modifying improper gene mutations.
