title: New developments in the medical treatment of endometriosis.
abstract: Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive-age. The current treatments are surgical and hormonal but have limitations, including the risk of recurrence, side effects, contraceptive action for women who desire pregnancy, and cost. New treatments include gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, selective progesterone (or estrogen) receptor modulators, aromatase inhibitors, immunomodulators, and antiangiogenic agents. Further research is needed into central sensitization, local neurogenesis, and the genetics of endometriosis to identify additional treatment targets. A wider range of medical options allows for the possibility of precision health and a more personalized treatment approach for women with endometriosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia. Electronic address: mohamed.bedaiwy@cw.bc.ca.
authors.forename: Mohamed A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bedaiwy
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia.
authors.forename: Sukinah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alfaraj
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yong
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Casper
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D007155:Immunologic Factors
keywords: Antiangiogenic agents; endometriosis; future medical therapy; immunomodulators