Risk of ovarian cancer in women using ovarian induction protocols for infertility treatment.

Research Article

Abstract

Abstract: Cancer is rapidly becoming a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, & Infertility has been found to be an important risk factor for ovarian cancer. However, the association between infertility drugs and ovarian cancer needs to be addressed with consideration of other factors such as age, body mass index, parity, genetic factors (i.e. family history for ovarian cancer), and etiology of the infertility, along with longer followup times

Aim of the study:To rule out or to prove that; the ovulation induction in infertility treatments and can cause ovarian cancer .

Design: Retrospective randomized study

Setting: Data were obtained from the patient records of those who were diagnosed as ovarian problem, which indicate surgical intervention, at lamis hospital for infertility & Gyn. Misurata -libya. From January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2023.  (seven years). Our study contained 110 patients operated with ovarian tumors & 3608   patients treated for infertility by ovulation induction drugs & icsi .

Results: The age range of patients with ovarian tumors in our study was from 24 to 72 years, and the highest incidence of ovarian tumors  was seen between 46 to 60 years. Most of the patients were at postmenopaus. More than half of the patient with ovarian pathology (58.2%) were multiparous; while nulliparous & patients delivered up to three kids were 8.2% & 33.6% consecutively. The main complain that the patient with ovarian pathology presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding (38.2%) ,lower abdominal pain (26.4%), abnormal vaginal discharge (23.6%) & pelvic mass (21.8%), Some patients were with more than one complains. Only two patient out of 110  included at this study , received ovulation induction drugs (1.8%), while 98.2% of patient with ovarian pathology they never use any drugs for ovarian stimulation. Out of (110) patient there 38 patient were their diagnosis confirmed by histopathology as ovarian cancer of different types, tow patients were received ovulation induction drugs. Only one of them with history of icsi & ovum retrieval (1/3608) I.e. 0.027%, she also had family history of breast cancer.(3608 are the number of cases done ovum retrieval for icsi at lamis infertility clinic at the period from  January 2017 up to December 2023.)

Conclusions: Although ,the question of whether ovarian stimulation increases the incidence of ovarian cancer, as an independent factor remains unanswered , We confirmed that ovulation induction drugs as treatment of infertility & ovum retrieval for icsi  are not a risk factors for ovarian cancer, and we observed no increase incidence of ovarian cancer  , Further larger studies are recommended to confirm such findings