Fibroid Studies

Uterine fibroids are extremely common noncancerous tumors of the uterus present in at least 25% of premenopausal women. Fibroids may cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, problems with bowel or bladder function, infertility, or poor pregnancy outcomes. These health problems can have a significant impact on a woman’s life taking a social, emotional, and economic toll. Through innovative research, we investigate women’s health needs across the full spectrum of a woman’s life.

Until recently, most clinical trials included only men, missing the differences in health risks and outcomes for women. We’re working to improve prevention, treatment and care by understanding these differences among diverse groups of women.

 

 

Why is this study being done? 

This study will test a new way to measure how much blood you lose during your period. What we learn could lead to better treatments for people who suffer from heavy periods.

Who can take part? 

You may take part if you:

  • Have heavy periods
  • Are a between ages 18-50
  • Speak English

What will I be asked to do?

If you take part, you will be asked to:

  • Meet with the study team at UCSF 2 times
  • Complete 3 short health surveys. Surveys ask about your experience with heavy periods, quality of life, and your experience in the study
  • For just 1 period cycle, take pictures of your used sanitary pads. The study will give you a smartphone, sanitary pads, and all other materials you will need
  • Give a urine sample and small sample of blood.

How do I contact the study? 

This study will be enrolling soon. To learn more, contact the study coordinator at [email protected] 

 

 

WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLING IN THE PLUM study. Details provided for information only.

What is PLUM?

The PLUM study (Pilot of Letrozole to treat Uterine Leiomyoma) is a study of a medication called letrozole to treat uterine fibroids. You may be eligible for the study if you are:

  • Are a premenopausal woman
  • Have fibroids that cause significant symptoms

What is letrozole?

Letrozole is a pill that is used for many different purposes in women’s health including treatment of infertility, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Letrozole is a non-hormonal medication called an aromatase inhibitor. Letrozole works by shrinking down fibroid size to improve fibroid-related symptoms. Although letrozole is used to treat some gynecologic conditions, it is approved by the FDA for a different purpose: to treat postmenopausal women with hormone sensitive breast cancer. Therefore, in this study, the use of letrozole in considered investigational (not FDA approved).

Why is this study being done? 

Although some gynecologists use letrozole in their clinical practice to treat women with fibroids, there have been very few studies to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. This goal of this study is to understand how the use of letrozole impacts fibroid-related symptoms and fibroid size.

Can my fibroids be treated with letrozole?

Women who are having symptoms related to fibroids such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or urinary frequency may be eligible for treatment with letrozole. At your initial visit, you and the gynecologist will discuss your symptoms and your treatment goals, and review the position and size of your fibroids with radiology imaging (pelvic ultrasound and/or MRI). We will also review with you other possible treatment options for your fibroid-related symptoms including nonsurgical and surgical options.

How can I make an appointment to discuss enrolling in the PLUM study of letrozole?

This study is no longer enrolling. 

WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLING IN THE ULTRA study. Details provided for information only.

What is the ULTRA Study?

ULTRA is a study of a new, FDA approved fibroid treatment called radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) . This procedure uses heat to destroy fibroid tissue during a laparoscopic surgery. Women return home on the same day as the procedure and are back to their normal activities in 5-9 days. The goal of the study is to evaluate how fibroid symptoms change over time after radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) . If you participate in the ULTRA study, you will receive radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) and complete questionnaires about your fibroid symptoms and reproductive health. You may be eligible to participate in the study if you:

  • Are at least 21 years of age
  • Have uterine fibroids that cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure or discomfort, urinary or bowel symptoms, or dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse)
  • Are able to undergo laparoscopic surgery

You can read more about the ULTRA study at http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01840124 

This study is no longer enrolling. For more information go to the study website at http://fibroids.ucsf.edu/