title: Prevention of Early Menopause Study (POEMS): is it possible to preserve ovarian function by gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa)?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The effect of GnRHa in the preservation of ovarian function during a modern chemotherapy is still under discussion.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Even after POEMS, there is no additional clarity regarding preservation of ovarian function during chemotherapy by GnRHa.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Rostock, Klinikum Südstadt, Südring 81, Rostock, 18059, Germany, bernd.gerber@kliniksued-rostock.de.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gerber
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ortmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008594:Menopause, Premature / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone