The Most Hotly Anticipated Ob/Gyn Research of 2013

New drugs, new research, new guidelines… there’s a lot for ob/gyns to look forward to in the coming year. Here, the leaders of seven ob/gyn societies share the most interesting, important, exciting things on their radar for 2013.

(See what they thought was the most important research to come out of 2012 here.)

“[M]any people are awaiting the results of the ELITE trial, which will be looking at the effect of hormone therapy on cardiovascular health and cognitive function in a group of young, healthy, postmenopausal women. We will [also] be eagerly awaiting news from the FDA regarding approval/disapproval of two non-hormonal therapies for hot flashes. We definitely need effective, non-hormonal therapies for women suffering from hot flashes.”

Margery Gass, MD, Executive Director, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS)

“The hot area of research in reproductive biology is the generation of functional oocytes and spermatozoa from stem cells. A number of significant advances were made in the last year in pursuit of regeneration of functional gametes. It will be interesting to see if the report of regeneration of oocytes can be confirmed independently. The most intractable areas of reproductive biology remain the causes and cures of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, and oligozoospermia.”

Andrew La Barbera, PhD, Scientific Director, American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)

“This year, results are anticipated from two key Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) studies comparing conventional intravenous chemotherapy regimens with those that include dose dense taxol or intraperitoneal chemotherapy delivery, all given in combination with the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab.”

Ronald D. Alvarez, MD, President, Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)

“In 2013, I look forward to the following: (1) Microarray replacing conventional karyotyping; (2) New evidence-based guidelines for the care of women with pregnancy complicated by hypertension and preeclampsia; (3) More clearly defined maternal risk and quality indicators, with evidence-based pathways to reduce maternal mortality and severe morbidity.”

Kate Menard, MD, President, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM)

“In response to the FDA notification regarding transvaginal mesh for repair of pelvic organ prolapse, the AUGS escalated its efforts to build a Pelvic Floor Disorders Registry (PFDR).3 The PFDR will allow answers to many questions regarding the safety and efficacy of transvaginal mesh. Women considering a mesh augmented repair should discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives with their physician and have a frank discussion regarding experience with the surgical technique and the ability to recognize and manage complications."

Anthony Visco, MD, President, American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS)

“ACOG will continue its efforts to fight for access to family planning counseling for all women. ACOG believes that access to family planning counseling and to the full array of FDA approved contraceptives is a BASIC component of preventive health care for women and is critical to achieving healthy families and a healthy world.”

James T. Breeden, MD, President, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

   

“The RCOG is currently working on a project examining patterns of maternity care in England. This report will scope out the incidence of selected maternity indicators, such as the elective and emergency caesarean section rates in each region of the country. Such data is useful to help identify emerging trends so that maternity services will be better able to plan their dispensations. The report is due later this year.”

Tony Falconer, MD, President, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)