In 1690, German physician Daniel Schrön documented a case of a patient with extensive "ulcers" across various reproductive and digestive organs, believed to be the earliest recorded instance of endometriosis—a condition affecting up to 190 million women worldwide today, characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Endometriosis, where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain, inflammation, and infertility, affects approximately one in ten women globally. Treatment focuses on symptom management, with no known cure, but recent research indicates promising advancements.
A groundbreaking clinical trial in Scotland is underway for the first non-hormonal, non-surgical treatment for endometriosis, showing early positive outcomes. This trial, spearheaded by Dr. Andrew Horne of the University of Edinburgh, stemmed from closer examinations of endometriosis lesion formation, revealing elevated levels of lactate—a chemical associated with glucose breakdown.
Scientists identified dichloroacetate (DCA), a drug previously used in cancer treatment, as a potential therapy. Initial trials with DCA reported reduced pain and improved quality of life in patients. Pending further trials, DCA could become the first new endometriosis treatment in four decades, offering hope to millions of sufferers worldwide.
However, endometriosis research and treatment face challenges due to funding shortages and gender biases in medical understanding, as highlighted in a recent McKinsey report. Diagnosis delays are common, with the average time to diagnosis spanning ten years, partly due to the need for surgical confirmation.
In response, efforts to identify endometriosis biomarkers are underway, with Ziwig's "Endotest" showing promise in detecting specific microRNAs associated with the condition. France has initiated a pilot program to evaluate Endotest's effectiveness, reflecting growing recognition of endometriosis as a societal concern.
Dr. Horne emphasizes the need for continued research to validate biomarkers across diverse populations. Despite past inaction, he views the field of endometriosis research as rapidly evolving, offering newfound optimism for improved diagnosis and treatment.
