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Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Endometriosis future or investigational therapies

Introduction

Overview

Overview

Although no curative therapy currently exists, ongoing research focuses on improved diagnostic tools, biomarker development, and subtype-specific management strategies.

Future and Investigational Directions

Future and Investigational Directions

  • Novel blood-based biomarkers are under investigation to improve detection and monitoring of endometriosis; however, no diagnostic blood or molecular markers have been validated in clinical populations.[1]
  • Advances in imaging include augmented pelvic ultrasound and endometriosis-specific magnetic resonance imaging protocols to improve detection of deep and extrapelvic disease.[2][3]
  • Emerging research emphasizes the role of central sensitization and nociplastic pain mechanisms, which may influence future multimodal treatment approaches.[4][5]
  • Recognition of endometriosis subtype heterogeneity (superficial, ovarian, deep) supports development of more individualized and precision-based therapeutic strategies.[6][7]
References

References

  1. ↑ Gibbons T, Rahmioglu N, Zondervan KT, Becker CM. Crimson clues: advancing endometriosis detection and management with novel blood biomarkers. Fertil Steril. 2024;121(2): 145-163. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.12.018
  2. ↑ Young SW, Jha P, Chamié L, et al. Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus on routine pelvic US for endometriosis. Radiology. 2024;311(1): e232191. doi:10.1148/radiol.232191
  3. ↑ Avery JC, Knox S, Deslandes A, et al; Imagendo Study Group. Noninvasive diagnostic imaging for endometriosis, 2: a systematic review of recent developments in magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine and computed tomography. Fertil Steril. 2024;121(2):189-211. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert. 2023.12.017
  4. ↑ Coxon L, Demetriou L, Vincent K. Current developments in endometriosis-associated pain. Cell Rep Med. 2024;5(10):101769. doi:10.1016/j. xcrm.2024.101769
  5. ↑ Kaplan CM, Kelleher E, Irani A, Schrepf A, Clauw DJ, Harte SE. Deciphering nociplastic pain: clinical features, risk factors and potential mechanisms. Nat Rev Neurol. 2024;20(6):347-363. doi:10.1038/s41582-024-00966-8
  6. ↑ Horne AW, Missmer SA. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of endometriosis. BMJ. 2022;379:e070750. doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-070750
  7. ↑ Becker CM, Bokor A, Heikinheimo O, et al; ESHRE Endometriosis Guideline Group. ESHRE guideline: endometriosis. Hum Reprod Open. 2022; 2022(2):hoac009. doi:10.1093/hropen/hoac009

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Joseph Nasr, M.D.[2]