• Alice A Robinson, William J Watson, and Kimberly K Leslie.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
• Lancet Oncol. 2007 Aug 1; 8 (8): 738743738-43.

AbstractAn expanding knowledge of the signalling pathways involved in the cell cycle has led to great improvements in the understanding of the molecular events involved in carcinogenesis. The past decade has seen substantial advances with the introduction of several classes of targeted therapeutics for the treatment of various cancers and autoimmune disorders. However, the question arises as to whether pregnant women can take advantage of these new treatments in view of the potential risks to the fetus. Published work suggests that biological agents, like traditional treatments, have the potential to affect the fetus, and should, therefore, be used with caution during pregnancy. However, when targeted treatment is clearly indicated the magnitude of the risk to the fetus might not reach that of standard chemotherapy. In circumstances where better alternative treatments do not exist, or where failure to use targeted treatments would result in suboptimum patient care or survival, the risk-benefit analysis might favour the use of potentially effective molecular treatment during pregnancy.

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