Authors: Parazzini, Fabio¹; Pelucchi, Claudio¹; Negri, Eva¹; Franceschi, Silvia²; Talamini, Renato³; Montella, Maurizio⁴

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 16, Number 7, July 2001 , pp. 1372-1375(4)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The potential association between fertility drugs and risk of ovarian cancer has been analysed using data from a case–control study conducted between January 1992 and September 1999 in four Italian areas. METHODS: Cases were 1031 women (median age 56, range 18–79 years) with incident, histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer. Controls were 2411 women (median age 57, range 17–79 years) residing in the same geographical areas and admitted to the same network of hospitals for cases for a wide spectrum of acute, non neoplastic, non hormone-related conditions. RESULTS: A total of 15 cases and 26 controls reported use of fertility drugs. The corresponding odds ratio (OR) was 1.3 (95% confidence interval 0.7–2.5). The OR was 1.2 for women reporting last use <25 years before interview and 1.3 for >25 years. CONCLUSIONS: Considering calendar year at use, the OR was non-significantly above unity for women reporting fertility drug use after 1970. The OR was 0.6 among nulliparous women and 1.9 among parous ones.

Keywords: fertility drugs; gonadotrophins; ovarian cancer

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche `Mario Negri', Milano, Italy, 2: International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France, 3: Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano (PN), 4: Istituto Tumori `Fondazione Pascale', Napoli and

Publication date: 2001-07-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Parazzini, Fabio ;  Pelucchi, Claudio ;  Negri, Eva ;  Franceschi, Silvia ;  Talamini, Renato ;  Montella, Maurizio

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