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Diagnosis and Management of Cancers in Pregnancy: The Results of a Dual Battle Between Oncological Condition and Maternal Environment—Literature Review
by
, , , , , , , , , and
Mihai-Daniel Dinu
1,
Romina-Marina Sima
2,3,
Andrei-Sebastian Diaconescu
4,5,*,
Mircea-Octavian Poenaru
2,3,
Gabriel-Petre Gorecki
6,7,
Mihaela Amza
1,3,
Mihai Popescu
8,9,
Mihai-Teodor Georgescu
4,10,
Ancuta-Alina Constantin
11,12,
Mara-Madalina Mihai
4,13
,
Cristian-Valentin Toma
4,14 and
Liana Ples
2,3 
1
Department PhD, IOSUD—Institution Offering Doctoral Studies, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
2
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
3
“Bucur” Maternity, Saint John Hospital, 012361 Bucharest, Romania
4
Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
5
General Surgery Department, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
6
Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
7
Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, CF2 Clinical Hospital, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
8
Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
9
Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, 169 Splaiul Independentei, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
10
“Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu” Oncology Discipline, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
11
Department of Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
12
Institute of Pneumology “Marius Nasta”, 050159 Bucharest, Romania
13
Department of Oncologic Dermathology, “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 010024 Bucharest, Romania
14
“Prof. Dr. Theodol Burghele” Clinical Hospital, 061344 Bucharest, Romania
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Cancers 2025, 17(3), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030389
Submission received: 9 December 2024
/
Revised: 13 January 2025
/
Accepted: 17 January 2025
/
Published: 24 January 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pregnancy and Cancer: Special Considerations on Maternal and Fetal Implications)
Simple Summary
Cancer during pregnancy presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. This study discusses the best management approaches, emphasizing the importance of full-term delivery when possible. It also highlights safe diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as well as post-birth considerations for both mother and child. While breastfeeding may not always be advisable, it should not be excluded in every case, and careful evaluation is required to determine its safety based on treatment.
Abstract
Cancer during pregnancy presents considerable challenges that arise from various factors, including the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications of managing cancer in this unique patient population. There is a crucial need for an integrated approach that aligns medical interventions for both the pregnant patient and the developing embryo or fetus. Furthermore, the distinct characteristics associated with each stage of gestation may significantly influence the treatment protocols that can be proposed. Due to all of these factors, the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals from different specialties (to ensure that both mother and child receive optimal care throughout the pregnancy) is often neglected. This review is designed to provide a thorough overview of the current standard procedures regarding the diagnosis and treatment options for cancer in pregnant patients in order to ensure the safety of mother and child. Furthermore, the review describes the feasibility of current fertility preservation methods, highlights the psychological effects of cancer during pregnancy and examines the risks and benefits of breastfeeding.
