On Dec. 24, 2017, the FDA issued an updated assessment reinforcing their earlier communications. This latest update was based on a review of recent medical studies that, according to the FDA, suggested that “approximately 1 in 225 to 1 in 580 women who undergo surgery (hysterectomy or myomectomy) for presumed benign uterine growths (‘fibroids’) may have ‘occult’ or hidden uterine cancers known as sarcomas.” The FDA also said that “this is generally consistent with the 1 in 350 incidence estimated by the FDA in a 2014 review. The FDA also estimates the rate of occult leiomyosarcoma, a particularly aggressive type of sarcoma, to be approximately 1 in 495 to 1 in 1,100, again in general agreement with our previous assessment of 1 in 498.”
The FDA acknowledged that some health organizations have reported a lower estimate of risk but maintained its findings and recommendations, noting that it will continue to review new and relevant data.
Dr. Taylor reported having no disclosures.
SOURCE: Taylor GB et al. SGS 2018, Oral Poster 19.