Cancer during pregnancy and fetal congenital malformations

Modern medical practice has seen an increase in the number of cases of malignant neoplasms diagnosed in women during pregnancy. Despite advances in research, many questions remain regarding the potential adverse effects of maternal cancer on the health of offspring. This literature review analyzes researchers’ hypotheses regarding the mechanisms by which maternal cancer influences fetal development, presents data on the incidence of congenital anomalies, and discusses the specifics of prenatal diagnosis in this patient population. According to current data, there is an association between maternal cancer and the risk of fetal congenital malformations, particularly in the cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems. The highest risk of congenital anomalies is observed in leukemia and breast cancer. However, most studies do not demonstrate statistically significant results, indicating the need for additional multicenter and prospective studies. The importance of strengthening pregnancy monitoring, improving prenatal diagnostic methods, and implementing a personalized multidisciplinary approach to monitoring pregnant women with cancer is emphasized, which increases the chances of favorable outcomes for both mother and fetus.