Abstract
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomata) are common uterine neoplasms that are often associated
with detrimental symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and pressure-related
symptoms, which often lead to surgical intervention, including hysterectomy. Although
our understanding of the pathophysiology of uterine fibroids, particularly their dependency
on progesterone and the role of growth factors, has increased during the past two
decades, the medical options currently approved by the United States Food and Drug
Administration are limited and are only used for short-term symptom management. A
long-term, safe, and effective treatment is not yet available in the United States.
However, emerging medical treatments that are currently under clinical development,
including progesterone receptor modulators and oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone
antagonists, offer hope of new long-term medical therapies for symptomatic uterine
fibroids as an alternative to surgery. Herein, we discuss the current and emerging
medical therapies for fibroids based on evidence from randomized clinical trials.
Keywords
uterine fibroids - progesterone receptor modulators - oral GnRH antagonists
