Cancer in pregnancy: a survey of current clinical practice

Objective: To evaluate physicians' attitudes and knowledge regarding the treatment possibilities for patients with cancer in pregnancy. Study design: A 30-item questionnaire was mailed electronically to physicians across Europe, who were potentially involved in care of pregnant patients and/or cancer, using the membership directories of different professional societies. Results: 142 surveys were eligible for analysis. A median of 2 (range 0-100) patients with cancer in pregnancy were treated per center in 2010. The vast majority of respondents (94%) agreed that management of pregnant patients with cancer should be decided by a multidisciplinary team. When cancer is diagnosed in the first or early second trimester of pregnancy, 44% of respondents prefer termination of pregnancy: if the patient wishes to preserve the pregnancy, 77% consider deliberate delay and treatment later in pregnancy. When cancer is diagnosed in the late second or third trimester of pregnancy, 58% prefer preterm de...