Oral gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists: the continuing search for the ideal nonsurgical therapy of uterine fibroids with a cautionary tale

Abstract

Purpose of review Uterine fibroids are very common with a prevalence of over 70%. They present a significant economic and psychological burden. A variety of nonsurgical treatments exist for its management encompassing hormonal and nonhormonal methods. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists are a novel treatment for uterine fibroids. They cause a rapid reduction in endogenous GnRH, leading to a dose-dependent reduction in levels of oestradiol and progesterone, thus reduction in bleeding. The addition of hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, known as add-back therapy, helps curb the menopausal side effects. As such, they pose a potential long-term nonsurgical therapy for management of symptomatic fibroids. Recent findings There are various uses of GnRH antagonists and the results from the clinical trials are promising. Caution needs to be taken when new treatment options are introduced with audit and data collection tools in place to assess effectiveness as well as any side effects. Summary This article highlights the uses of GnRH antagonists in practice and reflects on previous novel treatments for fibroids with a focus on Ulipristal acetate. It states the importance of using audit tools and multiinstitutional databases to prevent and allow early discovery of issues such as those that encumbered Ulipristal.