July 3, 2007

a potential treatment for endometriosis

An expert in reproductive science comments on findings presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology that a class of drugs known as dopamine agonists form an effective treatment for the gynaecological condition endometriosis.

Jan Brosens, Professor of Reproductive Sciences, Honorary Consultant Gynaecologist Obstetrician, Imperial College London, said:

“Endometriosis is indeed dependent upon the growth of new vessels. Furthermore, dopamine agonists are safe drugs, which could be useful in reducing leakage of newly formed vessels. However, endometriosis is a slow and progressive disease and whether this class of drugs would really improve the symptoms of affected women remains speculative. Moreover, endometriosis should not be viewed a condition that leads to cancer and the claims by the authors that dopamine agonists may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer are entirely unjustifiable.”