Abstract
Endometriosis is a common and enigmatic disease causing pelvic pain and infertility. Current treatment is mainly based on the use of surgery and ovarian suppressive agents. There is in particular the need for new therapeutic options able to allow a normal menstrual cycle to occur and also consent pregnancy. In the present review, we aimed to give a concise and practical overview in order to allow the clinician to clearly understand the level of development of these drugs. We have presented only treatments supported by in vivo researches with a special attention to studies in humans. Results show appealing new possibilities are emerging from agents counteracting the endometriosis-associated inflammation. Recent data also suggests that there is still the opportunity to refine the use of already available agents.
MeSH terms
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Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
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Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Animals
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
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Aromatase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
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Aromatase Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Drug Design*
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Endometriosis / diagnosis
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Endometriosis / drug therapy*
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Endometriosis / enzymology
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Endometriosis / metabolism
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Female
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Hormone Antagonists / administration & dosage
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Hormone Antagonists / adverse effects
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Hormone Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Humans
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PPAR gamma / agonists
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Receptors, Estrogen / agonists
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Receptors, Progesterone / agonists
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Treatment Outcome
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
Substances
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Angiogenesis Inhibitors
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents
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Aromatase Inhibitors
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Hormone Antagonists
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PPAR gamma
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Receptors, Estrogen
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Receptors, Progesterone
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha