Clinical Report: Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Their Association with Hormone-Dependent Cancers
Background
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are increasingly utilized to assist individuals in achieving pregnancy, with approximately 3 million ART cycles performed annually worldwide. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential link between ART and hormone-related cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers, due to the hormonal medications used in these treatments.
Data Highlights
No significant associations of ART treatment with breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer were found in studies adjusting for confounders.
Key Findings
Most studies since 2010 adjusted for confounders like parity and maternal age.
No significant associations of ART with breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer were identified in meta-analyses.
Some studies reported increased risks for specific cancers, such as invasive breast cancer and ovarian cancer following ART.
Variability in study designs and confounder adjustments contributed to heterogeneous results.
Detection bias and unmeasured confounding may influence reported associations between ART and cancer.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare practitioners should be aware of the limited evidence linking ART to hormone-related cancers and consider individual patient factors when discussing risks. Continuous monitoring and research are essential to better understand the long-term implications of ART treatments.
Conclusion
The relationship between ART and hormone-dependent cancers remains complex, with current evidence suggesting minimal risk. Ongoing research is necessary to clarify these associations further.
by Adrian Raymond Walker, Christos Venetis, Signe Opdahl, Antoinette C. Anazodo, Neville F. Hacker, Michael Chapman, Louisa Jorm, Robert J. Norman, Catharyn Stern, Ursula M. Sansom-Daly, Georgina Mary Chambers, Claire Melissa Vajdic
