Ongoing Clinical Trials for Ectopic Pregnancy
Currently, there is 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating new treatment approaches for ectopic pregnancy. This trial is evaluating whether a combination of mifepristone and letrozole can be as effective as the standard treatment with methotrexate in resolving ectopic pregnancies without the need for surgery.
Clinical trial locations
- Sweden
Study on Mifepristone and Letrozole for Treating Ectopic Pregnancy in Comparison to Methotrexate
This trial is comparing two different medical treatment approaches for ectopic pregnancy, a condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. The study aims to determine whether a combination of two medications—mifepristone and letrozole—works as well as the standard treatment with methotrexate.
Main focus of the trial: The study evaluates whether the combination therapy can successfully resolve ectopic pregnancies without requiring additional medical intervention or surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the combination of mifepristone and letrozole (taken orally) or methotrexate (given as an injection). Throughout the trial, researchers monitor hormone levels and track how well each treatment works in stopping the growth of the pregnancy tissue.
Who can participate:
- Women 18 years of age or older
- Confirmed ectopic pregnancy or strong suspicion of one, indicated by an empty uterus or unusual levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG
- Able to understand the study information in both spoken and written form
- Willing to provide written consent to participate
Who cannot participate:
- Women with other medical conditions that could interfere with the study
- Women with a normal pregnancy in the uterus
- Individuals who are part of vulnerable populations requiring special protection
Investigational drugs being tested:
Mifepristone is a medication that blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. By blocking this hormone, it helps stop the growth of pregnancy tissue. It is taken orally as a pill and is also known by the code name RU-486.
Letrozole is typically used to treat breast cancer but is being studied here for ectopic pregnancy treatment. It works by lowering estrogen levels in the body, which can help stop the growth of pregnancy tissue. It is also taken orally as a tablet and belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors.
Methotrexate is the standard medication currently used for treating ectopic pregnancies. It slows down the growth of rapidly dividing cells, including pregnancy tissue, effectively stopping the pregnancy from progressing. It is given as an injection and belongs to a class of drugs called antimetabolites.
Participants are closely monitored over a period of up to 60 days to assess treatment effectiveness and safety. Follow-up appointments may continue for up to three months after treatment to track hormone levels and overall health. The trial also evaluates how long it takes for the ectopic pregnancy to resolve and monitors for any side effects or complications.
Summary
There is currently one clinical trial underway investigating alternative treatments for ectopic pregnancy. This trial, taking place in Sweden, is exploring whether a combination of mifepristone and letrozole could offer an equally effective option compared to the standard methotrexate treatment. The study is significant because it may provide women with additional treatment choices that could be administered orally rather than by injection. The trial focuses on carefully monitoring treatment success while ensuring participant safety throughout the process.
