Cancer and pregnancy: a comprehensive review

Background: Pregnancy complicated by cancer is relatively rare but, as women in western societies tend to delay childbearing to the third and fourth decade of life, this phenomenon is going to be encountered more often in the future.

Material and methods: Review of the literature and description of the different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches which are required to diagnose and treat pregnant mothers with cancer.

Results: As in non-pregnant patients, every effort should be made to provide the maximal benefit and best prognosis to the pregnant patient. In most cases, in order to avoid any harm to the fetus, different diagnostic approach should be incorporated and treatment should be tailored to each pregnant woman. Cooperation of multidisciplinary teams, incorporating medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, obstetricians, neonatologists and experienced nursing staff, is required to provide optimal care for the patient. The benefits from use of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy as well as the mother's wishes and beliefs need to be factored into recommendations and treatment planning.

Conclusions: With the experience gained, the developments in clinical and radiation oncology and the cooperation of multidisciplinary teams, treatment of cancer during pregnancy with normal fetal outcome is feasible.