Present and Future Fertility Preservation Strategies for Female Cancer Patients

With improved survival rates among cancer patients, fertility preservation is now being recognized as an issue of great importance. There are currently several methods of fertility preservation available in female cancer patients and the options and techniques via assisted reproduction and cryopreservation are increasing, but some are still experimental and continues to be evaluated. The established means of preserving fertility include embryo cryopreservation, gonadal shielding during radiation therapy, ovarian transposition, conservative gynecologic surgery such as radical trachelectomy, donor embryos/oocytes, gestational surrogacy, and adoption. The experimental methods include oocyte cryopreservation, ovarian cryopreservation and transplantation, in vitro maturation, and ovarian suppression. With advances in methods for the preservation of fertility, providing information about risk of infertility and possible options of fertility preservation to all young patients with cancer, and discussing future fertility with them should be also considered as one of the important parts of consultation at the time of cancer diagnosis.

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A Real-Life Analysis of Reproductive Outcome after Fertility Preservation in Female Cancer Patients

Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation ◽

10.1159/000478045 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 83 (2) ◽

pp. 156-163 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sofie Hulsbosch ◽

Martin Koskas ◽

Carla Tomassetti ◽

Petra De Sutter ◽

Hans Wildiers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Fertility Preservation ◽

Real Life ◽

Reproductive Outcome ◽

Female Cancer Patients ◽

Life Analysis

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Fertility preservation in female cancer patients: a single center experience

Chinese Journal of Cancer ◽

10.5732/cjc.014.10252 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 56-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Cristina Sigismondi ◽

Enrico Papaleo ◽

Paola Vigano ◽

Simona Vailati ◽

Massimo Candiani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Fertility Preservation ◽

Single Center ◽

Single Center Experience ◽

Female Cancer Patients

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Addressing decisional conflict about fertility preservation: helping young female cancer survivors’ family planning decisions

BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health ◽

10.1136/bmjsrh-2017-101820 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 44 (3) ◽

pp. 175-180 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Madleina Müller ◽

Corinne Urech ◽

Jacky Boivin ◽

Verena Ehrbar ◽

Rebecca Moffat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Fertility Preservation ◽

Decisional Conflict ◽

Young Female ◽

University Education ◽

Time Interval ◽

Related Factors ◽

Female Cancer Patients

BackgroundHealth professionals are challenged by a growing number of young long-term cancer survivors with their specific needs with regard to family planning. This study aimed at assessing decisional conflict (DC) in young female cancer patients regarding fertility preservation, identifying demographic, fertility and fertility preservation related factors, which may affect DC, and assessing the helpfulness of various decision-supports.MethodsA retrospective, cross-sectional, web-based survey via an online questionnaire available in three languages with specific items concerning cancer, fertility, fertility preservation and the validated Decisional Conflict Scale targeted at current or former female cancer patients aged 18–45 years, with cancer types or treatment potentially affecting reproductive function.ResultsThe 155 participating women showed considerable DC, especially with regard to missing information and support. DC was significantly lower in patients when the risk of infertility was discussed with a health professional, when they had undergone any procedure to preserve fertility, and when they had a university education. A longer time interval since cancer diagnosis was associated with higher DC. The most helpful decision-support tools were specialised websites and leaflets.ConclusionsYoung female cancer patients’ DC with regard to fertility preservation is very high. Information and support seem to be deficient. More information through standardised information tools might be an effective strategy to lower their DC at the time when treatment decisions need to be taken, and to improve their reproductive health after they have overcome cancer in the future.

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