Nonhormonal management of endometriosis: Role of dopamine D2 receptor agonists in preserving fertility and ovarian function

Rahi Tinni Basu, Pradip Kumar Mitra
F&S reports · 2026 · vol. 7(5) , pp. 357–361 · doi:10.1016/j.xfre.2026.07.005 · PMID:42903633 · W7170061276
Review OA: gold CC0
🔓 Open OA copy View on OpenAlex View on PubMed View at publisher
⚙ AI-generated summary by qwen3.7-flash, 2026-08-26 ⓘ

This paper discusses the role of dopamine D2 receptor agonists in the nonhormonal management of endometriosis, specifically focusing on their potential to preserve fertility and ovarian function.

One-sentence paraphrase of the abstract; not a substitute for reading it. No clinical advice. How this works

Abstract

Dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) agonists represent a promising targeted, nonhormonal therapeutic strategy for endometriosis. These agents selectively downregulate vascular endothelial growth factor-A signaling, thereby inhibiting the aberrant angiogenesis that supports the survival and proliferation of endometriotic lesions. This review synthesizes preclinical and early clinical evidence on DRD2 targeting, with a focus on the clinical translation of cabergoline and quinagolide. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial, a 6-month cabergoline regimen significantly reduced chronic pelvic pain scores and improved pain relief without serious adverse events. Additionally, post hoc analysis of lesion regression showed that 61.3% of lesions in the quinagolide group demonstrated regression, while ovulatory function was preserved in 93% of participants, consistent with maintenance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Collectively, these data suggest that DRD2 agonists may represent a fertility-compatible, mechanistically targeted therapeutic approach and underscore the need for adequately powered phase 3 clinical trials.

My notes (saved in your browser only)

Citation neighborhood (2-hop)

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. Outer rings show 2-hop neighbours — papers reached through the immediate citers/citees. [ collapse to 1-hop ]

References (20)

Source provenance

openalex
last seen: 2026-10-21T06:08:36.303631+00:00
pubmed
last seen: 2026-10-23T06:01:55.336139+00:00
License: CC0 · commercial use OK