Uterine fibroids: from the origins to their future treatments

Despite the high prevalence and the enormous impact the uterine fibroids has on the healthcare system and the economy there is no effective medical treatment available to eliminate fibroids. This is due in part to the fact that very little is known about their pathophysiology; in order to look for and potentially find treatments capable of eliminating fibroids; we must gain a deep understanding of the mechanisms behind their initiation stimulation and growth. In this book we comprehensively review current knowledge of the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids with the aim of better understanding their origin as well as discussing the action of already existing medical treatments in order to highlight ways that potential future therapies may be able to target the disease. A literature search was performed in PubMed to find articles related to the etiopathogenesis of fibroids and their treatments.