From Duke U: Cancer and Pregnancy

Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2014 May;69(5):277-286. doi: 10.1097/OGX.0000000000000068.

Cancer and Pregnancy: The Clinician's Perspective.

Dotters-Katz S1, McNeil M2, Limmer J3, Kuller J4.

Author information

• 1Resident, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
• 2Medical Student, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
• 3Instructor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Hospital, Denver, Colorado.
• 4Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.

Abstract

Although uncommon, the incidence of cancer complicating pregnancy is increasing. Managing these pregnancies creates many diagnostic, therapeutic, and ethical dilemmas for the patient, her family, and the medical care team. Despite concerns for fetal well-being, maternal survival should be the first priority. Although surgery and chemotherapy may be used during pregnancy, radiation is generally contraindicated. For most nongynecologic cancers, termination of pregnancy does not improve maternal outcome. Iatrogenic prematurity is the most common pregnancy complication associated with malignancy in pregnancy because many of these infants are delivered early to facilitate maternal treatment. Overall, maternal cancer survival is generally good and does not differ from that of nonpregnant patients.