Links Between Meningioma Recurrence in Users of Depo-Provera and Progesterone Therapy

Studies underline the link between meningioma recurrence and progesterone-based treatments, including Depo-Provera, therefore stressing the need of vigilant monitoring and medication modification

Monday, December 16, 2024 - Depo=Provera brain tumors called meningiomas, which develop from the meninges, have been linked ever more to hormonal factors, especially exposure to progesterone. Meningiomas have been related to depo-provera, a long-acting contraceptive injection including synthetic progestin, and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Ongoing progesterone medication greatly increases the chance of tumor recurrence in users with a history of meningiomas, therefore raising questions regarding the long-term safety of progestin-based treatments among researchers and medical professionals. Meningiomas and progesterone are linked in that many meningioma cells have surface progesterone receptors. Up to 70% of meningiomas show progesterone receptors, which makes them more vulnerable to hormonal changes according to a study written in The Lancet Oncology. Particularly in cases of high progesterone receptor activity, synthetic progestins such as Depo-Provera may cause tumors to develop more quickly or return following therapy. Clinical data recently have strengthened this link. Patients with a history of meningiomas who kept taking progestin-based contraceptives had higher odds of tumor recurrence than those who stopped using such therapies, according to a 2022 report from the French National Health Insurance System. Particularly in those who have already undergone tumor excision or radiation treatment, the study underlined that long-term exposure to progestin chemicals increases both the size and incidence of recurrent meningiomas.

For those who have a past meningioma diagnosis, ongoing progesterone therapy could cause recurrence even following effective treatment. Usually slow-growing, meningiomas are accelerated in activity by synthetic hormones. For Depo-Provera users especially, this is particularly worrisome since the medication offers a continuous medroxyprogesterone dose over several months. "We now understand that recurrence can be caused in part by hormonal influence, especially synthetic progesterone," notes Mayo Clinic neuro-oncologist Dr. Emily Carter. "Patients should think about other contraceptives and closely monitor any tumor regrowth with their doctors." After a meningioma diagnosis, stopping Depo-Provera usually helps to regulate tumor development; some cases demonstrate regression of minor, hormonally sensitive tumors. Patients who restart progesterone-based treatments following treatment still run a significant risk of recurrence, nevertheless. For those who run the danger of meningiomas or those with a history of recurrence, this emphasizes the importance of non-hormonal contraceptives. Medical experts advise frequent imaging, including MRI scans, to track for possible recurrence in individuals who have stopped Depo-Provera or another progestin treatment to lower chances. Early identification makes more efficient management possible--through surveillance, surgical intervention, or focused radiation. "For patients with a known risk of recurrence, imaging every six to twelve months is essential to track changes in tumor size," explains neurosurgeon Dr. Sarah Mitchell of Johns Hopkins University. Furthermore emphasized by healthcare professionals is the need for patient knowledge. Women who have a history of meningiomas should discuss with their doctors the hazards of progesterone treatment, including Depo-Provera, to guide their decisions about hormone replacement therapy and contraception. Often advised as safer substitutes are non-hormonal treatments including barrier techniques or copper intrauterine devices (IUDs).

More Recent Depo Provera Lawsuit News:

Depo Provera Brain Tumor Attorneys Handling Claims Nationwide

We will represent all persons involved in a Depo Provera lawsuit on a contingency basis, meaning there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. Anyone who has been treated for a meningioma brain tumor and has a history of using Depo Provera for at least a year--or is a family member of such a person--is eligible to receive a free, no-obligation case review from our attorneys. Simply contact our firm through the online contact form or the chat feature and one of our Depo Provera meningioma lawyers will contact you promptly to discuss your case.