PG04: Uterine Fibroids: Innovative Approaches And Options For Treatment
Date:October 20,
2012
Time:8:15 am - 5:00 pm
Location:Room 4 - San Diego Convention Center
Presenters
Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso, M.D., M.P.H. (Chair), Mayo Clinic
William H. Catherino, M.D., Ph.D. (Co-Chair), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Gregory M. Christman, M.D., University of Michigan
Supporters
Developed in Cooperation with the Fibroid Special Interest Group
ACGME COMPETENCY
Patient Care
NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND COURSE DESCRIPTION
Uterine fibroids are the most common reproductive tract tumor, with associated morbidities in about 25% of women. Despite being common, the mainstay of therapy remains hysterectomy, with over 200,000 performed in the United States each year. Research is abundant for less invasive surgical and medical therapies that are safer for the patients and allow women to retain their uterus and, often, their fertility. Unfortunately, these newer treatments are not well known and underutilized. Future therapies offer much promise for targeting signaling pathways that will inhibit the growth and development of fibroids, leading to several unanswered questions: What are the roles of progesterone, estrogen, and inflammatory pathways in the development of fibroids? Can we inhibit growth by blocking these pathways? Are there newer ways of delivering therapy directly to the fibroids? What risk factors or exposures can be identified to decrease the incidence of fibroids? What are the long-term results and recurrence rates of the less invasive treatments such as MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery and uterine artery embolization? What is the optimal management of women with fibroids and infertility?
This live course is designed to close the gaps in understanding for physicians between text book teaching and ongoing research, while offering innovative and minimally invasive therapies for this common condition. We will offer cutting-edge research results, updates on efficacy of the newest treatments, and the very latest information regarding the risk factors and future directions in medical therapy.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:
- List the known risk factors and mechanisms of development for uterine fibroids and identify patients at higher risk.
- Identify the new therapies available for uterine fibroids and the effects of treatment on reproduction.
- Discuss new medical therapies and potential targets for treating uterine fibroids.
- Explain how to apply select options for fibroid symptoms.