Nonhormonal management of endometriosis: Role of dopamine D2 receptor agonists in preserving fertility and ovarian function.
- 1Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
- 2Endometriosis Society India, Kolkata, India.
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.
Related
- NRF2 signalling in endometriosis: A hormone-independent axis for fertility-preserving therapeutic innovation
- Fertility Preservation in Women with Endometriosis: Indications, Timing, Techniques, and Reproductive Outcomes
- Experiences of Diagnostic Delay and Fertility Anxiety Among Women with Endometriosis: A Qualitative Study
- Endometriosis and adenomyosis: diagnosis and management
- Thoracic Endometriosis Mimicking a Lung Mass: Management With Single‐Stage Biopsy and Microwave Ablation
BibTeX
@article{basu2026nonhormonal,
title = {{Nonhormonal management of endometriosis: Role of dopamine D2 receptor agonists in preserving fertility and ovarian function.}},
author = {Rahi Tinni Basu and Pradip Kumar Mitra},
journal = {F\&S reports},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1016/j.xfre.2026.07.005},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42903633},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Nonhormonal management of endometriosis: Role of dopamine D2 receptor agonists in preserving fertility and ovarian function.
AU - Rahi Tinni Basu
AU - Pradip Kumar Mitra
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/22
JO - F&S reports
DO - 10.1016/j.xfre.2026.07.005
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42903633
AB - 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.
SN - 2666-3341
ER -