Menstrual Irregularities clinical trials

Study of Menstrual Irregularities and Endometrial Pathology in Women Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Objectives: Given the profound impact of obesity on the genesis of endometrial cancer, this study proposes to prospectively evaluate the baseline prevalence of menstrual irregularities and endometrial pathology in morbidly obese women and discover risk stratification markers that can potentially identify the highest risk women who might benefit from targeted cancer prevention strategies in a future clinical trial. - Specific Aim 1: To assess the prevalence of menstrual irregularities and to correlate gynecologic and menstrual history with the perceived personal risk and severity of gynecologic cancers in a population of female bariatric surgery candidates. - Specific Aim 2: To determine the prevalence of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in morbidly obese women undergoing bariatric surgery. - Specific Aim 3: To obtain adipose, endometrium, and blood samples (before and after) bariatric surgery to assess baseline hormone levels and adipocyte-derived factors and to correlate with presence of menstrual irregularities, endometrial hyperplasia or cancer, and with postsurgical weight changes. Methods: - Specific Aim 1: After informed consent is obtained, a survey and medical history of prospective bariatric surgery patients will be performed at the University of Virginia. - Specific Aim 2: For those women who undergo bariatric surgery, study investigators will perform endometrial biopsies at the time of bariatric surgery on participants to determine the status of the endometrial lining and the potential presence of endometrial cancer and its precursors. - Specific Aim 3: At the time of surgery, blood, adipose, and endometrial tissue samples will collected for evaluation of adipocyte-related factors and correlation with clinical endpoints. Blood will also be collected at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Anticipated results: This study will identify the prevalence and correlation of menstrual irregularities with endometrial abnormalities and cancer in morbidly obese women as well as define their perceived risk of developing cancer. Serum biomarkers in obese women with and without endometrial cancer/precancer would be evaluated for correlation and potential applicability for endometrial cancer screening in this high-risk population. Most importantly, this study may provide evidence as to whether screening (via endometrial biopsy or other serum markers) is warranted in asymptomatic, morbidly obese women and suggest potential preventive and risk reduction mechanisms.