A recent study presented at ASTRO 2024 has uncovered a significant link between the progesterone drug formulation Provera and vision loss in premenopausal women with meningiomas. Meningiomas, tumors of the brain or spinal cord, can cause visual impairment, and this study sheds light on the potential impact of hormonal contraception on tumor growth and related vision deficits.
Progesterone's Role in Meningioma-Related Vision Loss
The research, led by Dr. Morgan Bailey from the University of Cincinnati's Department of Radiation Oncology, investigated the connection between hormonal contraception/supplementation and vision deficits associated with meningiomas. The study revealed that Provera, a specific formulation of progesterone, poses a significant risk factor for meningioma-related vision loss in the studied patient population.
"We wanted to understand the connection and risk of taking hormonal contraception/supplementation to vision deficits related to meningiomas," said Dr. Bailey.
Ongoing Research and Clinical Implications
Currently, the researchers are conducting further testing on patient samples to assess the expression of the progesterone receptor. This analysis aims to provide a clearer understanding of the mechanisms by which progesterone may influence meningioma growth and subsequent vision impairment.
Impact on Patient Care
In response to these findings, clinicians have begun informing patients taking Provera about the identified risks. According to Dr. Bailey, many of these women have since discontinued the medication. The study underscores the necessity of age-appropriate counseling, consistent pathologic assessment of estrogen and progesterone receptor status for meningiomas, and heightened awareness among neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists regarding the risk of meningioma-related vision loss.
