Management of Cancer During Pregnancy: ASCO Guideline

Purpose: To provide guidance on the recommended management of cancer in pregnant patients.

Methods: A multidisciplinary Expert Panel convened and conducted a systematic review of the literature.

Results: The systematic review identified 450 eligible studies. Much of the evidence consisted of observational data, case series, and case reports.

Recommendations: Management of cancer during pregnancy should be grounded in a values-based informed-consent process outlining maternal and fetal risks and anticipated benefits. Diagnostic evaluation should follow the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle, with timing of diagnostic studies individualized based on urgency of cancer detection, potential dangers of delay, and the balance of risks to both the pregnant patient and her embryo or fetus. Due to significant risk of harm to the developing embryo and/or fetus, systemic therapy should be deferred until the second trimester. Methotrexate, hormonal therapies, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–targeted agents, vascular endothelial growth factor and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and all cellular therapies are contraindicated during pregnancy, regardless of gestational age. For patients who wish to continue their pregnancy, delivery should be planned at or after 37 weeks, with the final chemotherapy dose scheduled 2-4 weeks before birth. Referral to psychosocial support services is essential to address emotional and practical challenges, reduce distress, and support shared decision making.

Additional information is available at www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.

Author(s)

Loren, A. W., Lacchetti, C., Amant, F., Cardonick, E. H., Carey, L. A., Christian, N., Clark, C., Dizon, D. S., Henry, M., Hudson, M. H., Maués, J., Peterson, E., Prowell, T. M., Raab, R., Rogers, J. E., Saeed, H., Sekeres, M. A., Taylor, J. S., Van Loon, K., Wallace, W. H.

Publication Date

Dec 11, 2025

Publication

Journal of Clinical Oncology

URL

https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO-25-02115

Resource Type

Article/Paper

Cancer Type

All

Cancer Group Location

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