Hormone Replacement Therapy after Gynaecological Malignancies: A Review Article

Abstract

Rapid advances in oncology have led to an increased survival rate in cancer patients, who live long enough to reach the natural age of menopause or experience the end of gonadal function as a side effect of oncological treatment. Survivors after gynaecological malignancies are a major challenge as these diseases are hormone-dependent and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) possibly increases the risk of recurrence. This article is based on a selective literature search for relevant studies and guidelines regarding HRT after gynaecological malignancies and provides a broad overview of current research. The data for assessing the oncological safety of HRT after gynaecological malignancy are insufficient overall. According to current knowledge, HRT is fundamentally contraindicated after breast and endometrial cancer. After ovarian cancer, HRT can be used after assessment of the risks and benefits, while there is usually no contraindication to HRT after vulvar, vaginal or cervical cancer.