London, 9 March - In a groundbreaking clinical trial, a potential new treatment for endometriosis is being tested among women in Edinburgh and London. Doctors are hopeful that this trial could usher in a novel class of drugs for the condition, marking a significant advancement after four decades.
Around one in 10 women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis, a condition affecting 1.5 million women in the UK. Tissue resembling the womb lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue during menstrual cycles. Diagnosis often takes eight years from the onset of symptoms, partly due to lack of awareness and the need for diagnostic procedures.
The trial assesses the effectiveness of dichloroacetate, a drug that targets excessive lactate production observed in women with endometriosis. Lactate, a metabolic byproduct, was found to create an environment supporting the growth of endometrial tissue. Lab experiments and studies on mice showed that dichloroacetate normalized lactate levels and reduced lesion sizes.
This potential treatment is non-hormonal and non-surgical, unlike current options involving pain relief, hormonal contraceptives, or surgery. Existing hormone-based treatments have drawbacks and may not suit all patients, while surgery can be risky and its effects may diminish within five years.
If successful, this trial could lead to a breakthrough non-invasive treatment, offering relief to countless women and revolutionizing endometriosis care. The initiation of this groundbreaking clinical trial for endometriosis treatment brings hope to millions of women who suffer from this painful condition. If proven effective, this new approach could offer a significant advancement in medical options, potentially transforming the lives of those affected and underscoring the remarkable progress medical science continues to make.
Sources: University of Aberdeen [Date accessed: March 10 2023]
Updated: 17 August 2023.
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