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WESTPORT, CT (Reuters Health) Sept 06 - Immunomodulating
therapy may be an alternative to traditional estrogens as a treatment
for endometriosis.
Dr. Warren B. Nothnick, of the University of Kansas
Medical Center in Kansas City, says that in a review of the literature
he found "overwhelming evidence" of a role for immunologic factors,
particularly cytokines, in the pathophysiology and etiology of endometriosis.
In particular, he says, research results show that
levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) are elevated in
patients with endometriosis. Given the success of TNF-alpha inhibitors
in treating other immunologic disorders, Dr. Nothnick proposes examining
these therapies as an option for treating endometriosis.
Disturbed levels of other cytokines, cell apoptosis,
and T- and B-cell abnormalities have also been observed in patients
with endometriosis, he notes in the August issue of Fertility and
Sterility.
"What we as researchers and physicians need to be
aware of is that many factors and pathways can contribute to the
growth and progression of endometriosis and the cytokines may be
one commonality among these factors or pathways," Dr. Nothnick told
Reuters Health.
While for now there is only a small amount of evidence
to support an immunologic approach to treating endometriosis, he
believes "we need to explore all possibilities and take advantage
of today's technologies."
"A treatment that could suppress the disease
and its symptoms independently of compromising a women's reproductive
cyclicity would hold great promise," he noted.
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