Uterine transposition versus uterine ventrofixation before radiotherapy as a fertility sparing option in young women with pelvic malignancies: Systematic review of the literature and dose simulation

Background: (Chemo)radiation may be a required treatment in young women with pelvic malignancies. Irradiation may result in ovarian and uterine failure, compromising the fertility of those patients. While ovarian transposition is an established method to move the ovaries away from the irradiation field, similar surgical procedures regarding the uterus remain investigational. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the literature on uterine displacement techniques (ventrofixation/transposition) and to simulate the radiation dose received by the uterus in different heights place after the procedures. Methods: The systematic review was performed according PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE were queried to identify included study until March 2023. Retrospectively, a dosimetric study was also performed and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) radiotherapy treatment plans were calculated, to assess the dose received by the uterus according to hypothetical different displacement positions taking the case of irradiation for rectal or anal cancer as model. Results: A total of 187 studies were included, after the screening 9 studies were selected for synthesis. Data from the dose simulation revealed that the transposition approach was the most protective with a maximum dose of about 3 and 8 Gy for anal and rectal cancer respectively. None of the simulated ventrofixation positions received a Dmean surpassing 14 Gy. Conclusion: According to the literature review and the simulation results of the present study we may conclude are feasible and safe as fertility sparing approach in young rectal/anal cancer patients.

Automated summary

Ovarian transposition is an established method for protecting the ovaries from radiation, while surgical procedures for protecting the uterus are still under investigation. This study conducted a systematic review of uterine displacement techniques and performed dose simulation to assess the radiation dose received by the uterus. The results showed that the transposition approach was the most protective.