Antral Follicles Count and Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels after Gonadotoxic Chemotherapy in Patients with Breast Cancer: Cohort Study

Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2017 Apr;39(4):162-168. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1601438. Epub 2017 Apr 11.

Abstract

Aim To assess ovarian reserve (OVR) by means of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and antral follicle count (AFC) measurement in eumenorrheic women with breast cancer, exposed to gonadotoxic chemotherapy. Method Fifty-two women (35.3 ± 3.8 years old) with breast cancer and undergoing cyclophosphamide-containing chemotherapy were enrolled. The assessment was performed before chemotherapy (T1) and after 2 (T2) and 6 months (T3). Results Six months after chemotherapy, the prevalence of regular cycles was 60%. Anti-Müllerian hormone decreased down to undetectable levels at T2 and T3 (T1: 2.53 [1.00-5.31]; T2 < 0.08; T3: < 0.08 [< 0.08-1.07] ng/mL), (p < 0.0001). Antral follicle count was 11 [8.0-13.5] follicles at T1 and lower at T2 (5.50 [3.75-8.0] and T3 (5.0 [2.5-7.0]) (p < 0.0001). In patients who remained with regular cycles during chemotherapy or resumed normal menses, FSH and estradiol levels remained unchanged. Conclusion Anti-Müllerian hormone and AFC are useful as markers of OVR decline in women exposed to chemotherapy. Follicle-stimulating hormone is only adequate in women who become amenorrheic.

Resumo: Objetivo Avaliar a reserva ovariana (OVR) através da contagem de folículos antrais (AFC), dosagem sérica de hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH) e hormônio anti-Mülleriano (AMH) em mulheres com câncer de mama submetidas a quimioterapia gonadotóxica.

Método Foram incluídas na pesquisa 52 mulheres (35,3 ± 3,8 anos) com câncer de mama, em tratamento com quimioterapia com ciclofosfamida. As dosagens e medidas foram realizadas antes do início da quimioterapia (T1) e após 2 (T2) e 6 meses (T3).

Resultados Seis meses após quimioterapia, a prevalência de ciclos regulares foi de 60%. O AMH sérico diminuiu a níveis indetectáveis em T2 e T3 (T1: 2,53 [1,00–5,31] ]; T2 < 0,08; T3: < 0,08 [< 0,08–1,07] ng/mL) (p < 0,0001). A contagem de folículos antrais foi de 11 [8,0–13,5] folículos em T1, e ainda menor em T2 (5,50 [3,75–8,0] e T3 (5,0 [2,5–7,0]), (p < 0,0001). Em pacientes que mantiveram ciclos regulares durante a quimioterapia ou retomaram a menstruação normalmente, os níveis de FSH e estradiol permaneceram inalterados.

Conclusão O AMH e a AFC são marcadores úteis do declínio da OVR em mulheres expostas à quimioterapia. O FSH só é adequado em mulheres que se tornam amenorreicas.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone / blood*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / blood*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Follicle*
  • Ovarian Reserve*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone
  • Cyclophosphamide