Relugolix for the treatment of uterine fibroids. (21st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rocca, ML; Palumbo, AR; Lico, D; Fiorenza, A; Bitonti, G; D'Agostino, S; Gallo, C; Di Carlo, C; Zullo, F; Venturella, R
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. Volume 21:Number 14(2020)
• Page Start: 1667
• Page End: 1674
• Publication Date: 2020-09-21
• Subjects: Gonadotropin-release hormone receptor (GnRH) antagonist -- medical therapy -- relugolix -- uterine fibroids; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.5805
• DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1787988
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-6566

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Uterine fibroids (UF) are benign tumors common in premenopausal women, with strong impact on the health-care systems. For many years, surgery represented the only therapy for symptomatic fibroids. However, clinicians are observing a switch from surgery to noninvasive methods; in particular, medical treatment has been shown to be efficacious in obtaining a bleeding reduction and in ameliorating patient conditions. Areas covered: The authors review the current options available for the treatment of women with UF, with a special focus on the newest one, relugolix. It is an orally active non-peptide Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-receptor antagonist recently licensed for women with symptomatic fibroids. Relugolix is a well-tolerated safe drug; it is effective in inducing a dose-dependent decrease in menstrual blood loss, with faster reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and a greater shrinkage in fibroid volume compared to the current standard of GnRH agonist treatment. Expert opinion: Relugolix is a promising drug for the non-surgical treatment of women with UF. To date, the only published data come from a well-selected Japanese female population study while results from worldwide ongoing studies are ongoing in order to confirm the efficacy of this GnRH agonist receptor.