He then went on to discuss the use of SERMs in Endometriosis therapy, specifically Raloxifene. Within 2 weeks, models who received Raloxifine had a significant decrease in uterine weight and exhibited overall anti-estrogenic effects. In another study on rhesus monkeys with Endometriosis, treatment with SERMs resulted in decreased uterine size and significant decreases in lesion size. Dr. Pamela Stratton of the NIH, present in the audience, briefly confirmed that there is a study on the use of Raloxifine in patients with Endometriosis currently underway by the Institute. Professor Smith provided an overview of this new strategy for dealing with the disease, though cautioning we are still 5-10 years out from using this treatment as a formal alternative.
Endometriosis is known to be a hormone-dependent disease.
Without blood vessel development, hormone impact can be negated. Hence, Endometriosis lesions can be potentially destroyed by cutting off their blood supply. Angiogenesis has interesting implications on the prevention of adhesion formation as well. It may be shown through further studies that this highly complex and unique technique holds real opportunity for treatment in Endometriosis, whether alone or as an adjunct therapy to surgery. Isolating and destroying these enzymes through the use of anti-estrogenics may be the future in medical therapy of Endometriosis.