New Fibroid Management Guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Supports Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation (Lap-RFA) as a Minimally Invasive, Uterine Preserving Treatment Option

Rhea-AI Summary

Hologic, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX) announced that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has updated its guidance to support laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (Lap-RFA) for the treatment of uterine fibroids. This endorsement highlights Hologic's Acessa® procedure as a minimally invasive and uterine-sparing option. ACOG's guidance aims to improve access to this treatment while acknowledging the limitations regarding access to RFA technology. The Acessa procedure offers a three-step treatment approach that provides effective management for women with symptomatic leiomyomas.

Positive

• ACOG's endorsement of Lap-RFA enhances Hologic's positioning in the market for uterine fibroid treatments.
• Acessa provides a minimally invasive and uterine-sparing option, which can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
• ACOG recognizes Lap-RFA as a viable alternative to more invasive surgeries like hysterectomy.

Negative

• Access to RFA technology remains limited, potentially hindering wider adoption.
• The updated guidance highlights limited data on reproductive outcomes related to Lap-RFA.

Hologic, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX), a global leader in women’s health, announced today that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), in its updated guidance for Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas, supports the use of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (Lap-RFA) for the treatment of uterine fibroids.

The inclusion of Lap-RFA in ACOG’s updated guidance means that Hologic’s Acessa® procedure can be considered as a minimally invasive, uterine preserving option for patients with symptomatic leiomyomas who are counseled about the limited data on reproductive outcomes.¹ While Lap-RFA can be a safe and effective treatment option for many women, ACOG’s guidance acknowledges that access to RFA technology remains limited.¹ ACOG’s recognition of Lap-RFA treatment as an alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy is an important step toward expanding access to this important evidence-based minimally invasive option.

“This is a significant milestone for the millions of women who suffer from uterine fibroids, and for the physicians who treat them,” says Essex Mitchell, Division President, GYN Surgical Solutions, Hologic. “By supporting the use of Lap-RFA in its updated guidance, ACOG will inspire physicians to offer more options, like the Acessa procedure, that bridge the gap between medical management and major surgery for uterine fibroids.”

“Treating a benign condition such as uterine fibroids with full removal of the uterus through hysterectomy is not necessary for most patients, especially with less invasive options readily available,” says Dr. Soyini Hawkins, MD, MPH, FACOG. “Within my own practice, the Acessa procedure has been a valuable option to not only improve outcomes but also quality of life for women living with uterine fibroids. ACOG’s updated guidance in Practice Bulletin Number 228 will help physicians and patients considering fibroid treatment recognize Lap-RFA as a safe and effective uterine sparing option.”

The Acessa procedure provides a minimally invasive, uterine-sparing surgical option for women with symptomatic fibroids who would otherwise require more invasive intervention. Acessa Lap-RFA involves a simple three-step approach: visualize, deploy, and treat. This treatment combines laparoscopic ultrasound with radiofrequency ablation to destroy fibroid tissue through coagulation necrosis. It does not require laparoscopic suturing and patients typically go home on NSAIDs.² By approaching fibroids laparoscopically, physicians benefit from a full view of the pelvic anatomy throughout the procedure.

About Hologic, Inc.
Hologic, Inc. is an innovative medical technology company primarily focused on improving women's health and well-being through early detection and treatment. For more information on Hologic, visit www.hologic.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, including statements about the use of Hologic’s products. There can be no assurance these products will achieve the benefits described herein or that such benefits will be replicated in any particular manner with respect to an individual patient. The actual effect of the use of the products can only be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the particular circumstances and patient in question. In addition, there can be no assurance that these products will be commercially successful or achieve any expected level of sales. Hologic expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements presented herein to reflect any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

Hologic, Acessa, Acessa ProVu, MyoSure, and The Science of Sure are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Hologic, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.

References
¹ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Practice Bulletin Number 228. Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas. Access here: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2021/06/management-of-symptomatic-uterine-leiomyomas
² SG Chudnoff, et al. Outpatient Procedure for the Treatment and Relief of Symptomatic Uterine Myomas. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2013;121(5):1075-82.

SOURCE: Hologic, Inc.

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FAQ

What recent update did ACOG make regarding uterine fibroid treatments?

ACOG updated its guidance to support the use of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (Lap-RFA) for treating uterine fibroids.

How does ACOG's guidance impact Hologic's Acessa procedure?

ACOG's guidance positions Hologic's Acessa procedure as a recommended minimally invasive option for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

What is the significance of ACOG's endorsement of Lap-RFA for HOLX's stock?

The endorsement may boost Hologic's market presence and sales potential for its fibroid treatment solutions.

What are the treatment options highlighted by ACOG for uterine fibroids?

ACOG recognizes Lap-RFA as an alternative to traditional surgeries like hysterectomy and myomectomy.

Are there any limitations mentioned in ACOG's guidance for Lap-RFA?

Yes, the guidance acknowledges that access to RFA technology is limited and there is limited data on reproductive outcomes.