Cancer during pregnancy – clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and prognosis for mothers and infants

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To assess which obstetrical characteristics and treatment improved outcomes and prognosis of pregnant women with malignancy. Methods: A prospective study, undertaken between 2005 and 2014, involving 35 pregnant women who were diagnosed with malignant tumors during pregnancy. Patients were followed-up for 1 year after delivery. The pregnancy course and outcome and parameters that could influence the condition of mother and fetus were evaluated. Results: Most malignancies were hematological, diagnosed in the second trimester and treated with combined therapy (surgery/adjuvant) after pregnancy. Most fetuses were in good state throughout pregnancy, but were delivered by caesarean section (CS) before term. Adjuvant therapy during pregnancy mostly caused transitory deterioration of fetal conditions. The majority of both mothers and infants were in a good state 12 months postpartum, although numerous mothers were still ill and on therapy. Surviving pregnancy and preventing tumors progression during pregnancy were the best predictors of mothers’ future condition (P=0.022). High birthweight and term delivery were the most important factors for good outcome of the infants (P=0.001). Conclusions: If the tumor is not progressing, pregnancy should be continued as long as possible to obtain adequate birthweight of the infant. Second trimester surgery is safe, while other therapies should preferably be applied after delivery.