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Prevention of Early Menopause Study (POEMS): is it possible to preserve ovarian function by gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa)?

  • News and Views
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Abstract

Introduction

The effect of GnRHa in the preservation of ovarian function during a modern chemotherapy is still under discussion.

Material and Method

In this News and Views article, we discuss the benefits and weaknesses of the recently presented POEMS.

Results

The POEM study demonstrated an increased resumption of ovarian function and pregnancy rate after using GnRHa. GnRHa in HR-negative patients led to a significant increase in disease free and overall survival, with those effects being inexplicable. Weaknesses of the trial were prematurely close due to lack of recruitment, a drop-out rate of 38 % during follow-up and definition of hormone receptor negativity by <10 % positive stained cells.

Conclusion

Even after POEMS, there is no additional clarity regarding preservation of ovarian function during chemotherapy by GnRHa.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Rostock, Klinikum Südstadt, Südring 81, Rostock, 18059, Germany

    B. Gerber

  2. Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

    O. Ortmann

Authors
  1. B. Gerber
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  2. O. Ortmann
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to B. Gerber.

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Gerber, B., Ortmann, O. Prevention of Early Menopause Study (POEMS): is it possible to preserve ovarian function by gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa)?. Arch Gynecol Obstet 290, 1051–1053 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-014-3493-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-014-3493-0

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