World-first endometriosis research

Researchers at the Royal Hospital for Women have made a major breakthrough in the future diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, 

In a world first, the team has successfully grown tissue from all known types of endometriosis in a laboratory, allowing researchers to observe cell changes and compare how different tissue responds to different treatments.

The results will indicate how to effectively treat each variation of endometriosis.                             

The Royal Hospital for Women’s Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jason Abbott has compared it to developments in the treatment of breast cancer.

“Thirty years ago, we treated all breast cancers the same. We now know there are many different types of breast cancer and treat them accordingly,” Professor Abbott said.

“This is a similar breakthrough and will allow more targeted and therefore more effective treatment, depending on the type of endometriosis a patient has.”

The development will also help determine whether a woman with endometriosis is likely to need fertility treatment in the future.

“By knowing the type of endometriosis, we will be able to predict whether a patient is likely to experience an aggressive, invasive form of the disease and offer treatment to preserve her fertility,” he said.

The breakthrough comes as the Royal Hospital for Women’s Foundation launches its Heart for Her campaign to raise important funding for future advancements at the hospital.

Foundation General Manager Elise Jennings said they are proud to be able to support highly specialised services, including those for endometriosis patients.