Cancer in pregnancy: results of a series of 32 patients
De Carolis, S.; Grimolizzi, F.; Garofalo, S.; Fatigante, G.; Ferrazzani, S.; Carducci, B.; Caruso, A.
Anticancer Research 26(3b): 2413-2418
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 16821625 Document Number: 601259
Cancer complicates approximately 1 in 1000 pregnancies. In pregnancy management, whether the benefits outweigh the risks derived from therapy must be carefully considered. Thirty-two pregnant patients with the diagnosis of malignancy were followed. The indications and timing for surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or delayed treatment were decided according to the malignancy characteristics and gestational age. The patient's consent was obtained before every decision. The rate of live births, premature deliveries, foetal abnormalities and neonatal deaths was 97%, 82%, 9% and 3%, respectively. Three women (9%) died during puerperium because of disease progression. The cancer treatment took into full consideration the specific condition of each pregnant patient. A good rate of live births was observed, even if a high rate of preterm delivery occurred. The management of malignancy required a team of experts in order to optimise every available choice for maternal health and neonatal well-being.