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Review
. 2020 Feb 5;22(2):17.
doi: 10.1007/s11912-020-0862-7.

Pregnancy and Cancer: the INCIP Project

Charlotte Maggen  1   2 , Vera E R A Wolters  3 , Elyce Cardonick  4 , Monica Fumagalli  5 , Michael J Halaska  6 , Christianne A R Lok  7 , Jorine de Haan  8 , Katrien Van Tornout  2 , Kristel Van Calsteren  2   9 , Frédéric Amant  10   11   12 ; International Network on Cancer, Infertility and Pregnancy (INCIP)
Affiliations
Review

Pregnancy and Cancer: the INCIP Project

Charlotte Maggen et al. Curr Oncol Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Cancer diagnosis in young pregnant women challenges oncological decision-making. The International Network on Cancer, Infertility and Pregnancy (INCIP) aims to build on clinical recommendations based on worldwide collaborative research.

Recent findings: A pregnancy may complicate diagnostic and therapeutic oncological options, as the unborn child must be protected from potentially hazardous exposures. Pregnant patients should as much as possible be treated as non-pregnant patients, in order to preserve maternal prognosis. Some approaches need adaptations when compared with standard treatment for fetal reasons. Depending on the gestational age, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are possible during pregnancy. A multidisciplinary approach is the best guarantee for experience-driven decisions. A setting with a high-risk obstetrical unit is strongly advised to safeguard fetal growth and health. Research wise, the INCIP invests in clinical follow-up of children, as cardiac function, neurodevelopment, cancer occurrence, and fertility theoretically may be affected. Furthermore, parental psychological coping strategies, (epi)genetic alterations, and pathophysiological placental changes secondary to cancer (treatment) are topics of ongoing research. Further international research is needed to provide patients diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy with the best individualized management plan to optimize obstetrical and oncological care.

Keywords: Cancer; Fertility; INCIP; Pregnancy; Research.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Overview of current registered cases in the INCIP registry (August 2019, n = 2653)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Multidisciplinary clinical care pathway for patients confronted with a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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