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No evidence to support use of adjuvant progestagens to prevent recurrence of endometrial cancer after surgery

Martin-Hirsch PPL, Bryant A, Keep SL, Kitchener HC, Lilford R
Published Online: 
June 15, 2011

Endometrial (womb) cancer is the most common genital tract cancer in developed countries. Progestagen (a hormone) therapy is sometimes used following initial surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. However, progestagens have been found to reduce one of the protective factors against heart disease and may also make tumours more resistant to radiotherapy. This review found no evidence to support the use of progestagen as an addition to surgery for newly diagnosed endometrial cancer. Progestagen can, however, prevent or delay recurrence of cancer in some patients.

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