Debate on the oncologic potential of sex steroid preparations
Authors: Klyukina Lidiya A. , Sosnova Elena A. , Ishchenko Anton A. , Davydov Mikhail M. 
Published: December 2023

Background. Thanks to numerous worldwide studies, the significant contribution of the hormonal component to the oncological risks of the organs of the female reproductive system is beyond doubt. Of great interest is the analysis of world research on the oncological potential of hormonal drugs, namely COCs and MGT, since this issue continues to be one of the most complex and controversial.
Aim. This study aimed to contribution of hormonal factors to the development of cancer of the female reproductive system, namely breast, cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Center of Gynecology and Reproductive Technologies of the FSAU “National Medical Research Center “Treatment and Rehabilitation Center” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, the Department of Oncogynecology of the University Clinical Hospital No. 4 of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University. The analysis of medical documentation for the period from January 2015 to December 2021 was carried out. The study included 1842 patients with verified oncological disease of the female reproductive system, who had a history of taking hormonal drugs of the following pharmacological groups: hormonal contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapy drugs. The age of all patients ranged from 26 to 83 years (mean age 51.98±10.3 years). The control group consisted of 611 patients without oncological diseases, who have a history of indications for taking hormonal drugs of these pharmacological groups.
Results. When assessing the effect of the duration of MGT intake on the risk of developing breast cancer, it was found that MGT intake for a total of more than 6 years was associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer (HR 1.18; CI 1.02–1.36; p 0.001). Using the Wald method, we found that the probability of developing breast cancer is associated with a BMI of more than 25 kg/m2 and long-term intake of combined MGT for a total of more than 6 years. When assessing the effect of the duration of MGT intake on the risk of developing RTM, it was found that MGT intake for a total of more than 6 years was associated with a higher risk of developing RTM (HR 1,432; CI 1,172–1,750; p 0.001). Using the Wald method, we found that the probability of developing RTM is associated with the presence of a BMI of more than 25 kg/m2, prolonged MGT intake for a total of more than 6 years and the presence of endometrial hyperplastic processes, adenomyosis, hypertension in the anamnesis. When assessing the effect of the duration of COC intake on the risk of developing breast cancer, it was found that taking COC for a total of more than 7 years was associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer (HR 1.68; CI 1.1–2.5; p=0.010). According to the Wald method, it was revealed that the probability of developing breast cancer is associated with the presence of HPV type 16, a BMI of more than 25 kg/m2 and prolonged intake of COCs for a total of more than 7 years. When assessing the effect of the duration of MGT intake on the risk of developing PC, it was found that MGT intake for a total of more than 9 years was associated with a higher risk of developing PC (HR 1.65; CI 1.2–2.3; p=0.010). Using the Wald method, we found that the probability of developing RYA is associated with the presence of a BMI of more than 25 kg/m2, MGT intake and the presence of endometrial hyperplastic processes in the anamnesis.
Conclusions. With prolonged use of sex steroids, there is a tendency to increase the risk of developing cancer of the female reproductive system. Careful follow-up and limitation of the duration of taking sex steroids in risk groups will reduce carcinogenic risks.