scholarly journals Cancer, Fertility Preservation, and Future Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle L. Matthews ◽  
Bradley S. Hurst ◽  
Paul B. Marshburn ◽  
Rebecca S. Usadi ◽  
Margaret A. Papadakis ◽  
...  

Given the increases in 5-year cancer survival and recent advances in fertility preserving technologies, an increasing number of women with cancer are presenting for discussion of fertility preserving options. This review will summarize the risk of infertility secondary to cancer treatment, available treatment options for fertility preservation, and techniques to reduce future risks for patients. Concerns that will be addressed include the risk of the medications and procedures, the potential delay in cancer treatment, likelihood of pregnancy complications, as well as the impact of future pregnancy on the recurrence risk of cancer. Recent advances in oocyte cryopreservation and ovarian stimulation protocols will be discussed. Healthcare providers need to be informed of available treatment options including the risks, advantages, and disadvantages of fertility preserving options to properly counsel patients.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 375-401
Author(s):  
Nikola Geskovski ◽  
Nadica Matevska-Geshkovska ◽  
Simona Dimchevska Sazdovska ◽  
Marija Glavas Dodov ◽  
Kristina Mladenovska ◽  
...  

Nanomedicine has emerged as a novel cancer treatment and diagnostic modality, whose design constantly evolves towards increasing the safety and efficacy of the chemotherapeutic and diagnostic protocols. Molecular diagnostics, which create a great amount of data related to the unique molecular signatures of each tumor subtype, have emerged as an important tool for detailed profiling of tumors. They provide an opportunity to develop targeting agents for early detection and diagnosis, and to select the most effective combinatorial treatment options. Alongside, the design of the nanoscale carriers needs to cope with novel trends of molecular screening. Also, multiple targeting ligands needed for robust and specific interactions with the targeted cell populations have to be introduced, which should result in substantial improvements in safety and efficacy of the cancer treatment. This article will focus on novel design strategies for nanoscale drug delivery systems, based on the unique molecular signatures of myeloid leukemia and EGFR/CD44-positive solid tumors, and the impact of novel discoveries in molecular tumor profiles on future chemotherapeutic protocols.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 527-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma A M El Badri ◽  
Abdulazeez Salawu ◽  
Janet E Brown

Abstract Purpose of Review The improvement in prostate cancer survival over time, even in those with advanced disease, has led to an increasing recognition of the impact of prostate cancer and its treatment on bone health. Cancer treatment–induced bone loss (CTIBL) is a well-recognized entity but greater awareness of the risks associated with CTIBL and its treatment is required. Recent Findings The principal culprit in causing CTIBL is hormonal ablation induced by prostate cancer treatment, including several new agents which have been developed in recent years which significantly improve survival, but may cause CTIBL. This review discusses the impact of prostate cancer and its treatment on bone health, including published evidence on the underlying pathophysiology, assessment of bone health, and strategies for prevention and treatment. Summary It is important to recognize the potential cumulative impact of systemic prostate cancer treatments on bone health.


Author(s):  
Kerry A. Sherman ◽  
Laura-Kate E. Shaw

Abstract: The chapter “Body Image and the Cancer Treatment Trajectory” provides an overview of body image–related concerns and challenges that can arise throughout the cancer journey, from cancer detection and diagnosis through to active treatment and cancer survivorship. The chapter examines how body image concerns can serve as a significant barrier to cancer detection, including self- and physician examination, routine screening, and diagnostic tests. It then reviews the impact of cancer surgery and treatment-related side effects (such as physical disfigurement, hair loss, skin irritations, weight loss or gain, changes to bodily functions, premature menopause, and lymphedema) on an individual’s body image, self-concept, and overall psychosocial well-being in both the short and longer term. Finally, the chapter discusses body image concerns arising from risk-reducing or prophylactic surgery to minimize hereditary risk of cancer occurrence.


Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna C. Greer ◽  
Andrea Lanes ◽  
Philip D. Poorvu ◽  
Patricia Kennedy ◽  
Ann M. Thomas ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 61s-61s
Author(s):  
H.J. Lin ◽  
Y. Cheng ◽  
J.L. Tang

Background: The incidence of hematologic malignancies has increased steadily in Taiwan. Along with the improvement of medical treatment, the survival of patients with hematologic malignancies has greatly improved. Cancer treatment may cause temporary or permanently infertility, which may lead to psychological distress and reduced quality of life. As patients live longer, the consequences of cancer treatments and fertility preservation are of increasing importance. Aim: The aims of this study was to understand the knowledge, needs and experiences of fertility preservation (FP) of patients with hematologic malignancies, and the perceptions and practices of healthcare providers concerning FP for patients with hematologic malignancies. This study also aimed to identify the challenges of FP in health care settings. Methods: In-depth interviews with 13 patients and 13 health care providers along with on-site observation were conducted. Results: Research findings were presented in three parts, respectively addressing patients' needs and attitudes, health care providers' perspective, and problems of current treatment procedures. In the first part, findings showed that among all the 13 interviewed patients, 10 had received counseling, and among them 4 had successfully completed FP. Most patients were unaware of infertility risk of cancer treatment and uninformed with FP information. At the time of cancer diagnosis, most patients were preoccupied with cancer treatment and own survival, but once informed, most of them expressed an aspiration to preserve fertility. In the second part, healthcare providers were found to encounter multiple barriers in initiating discussions about FP with patients, which included the health conditions of patients, the urgent need for treatment, and their perceived insufficiency in knowledge concerning FP procedures and in awareness of experiences of other cases. In the third part, the findings indicated that patients faced several challenges, including the passive attitudes of their physicians, the lack of the counselors or coordinators about FP, and the lack of collaborative guidelines or practices among different subspecialties. Conclusion: The fertility issues of patients with hematologic malignancies deserve attention, as their survival rate has been improved. To ensure the provisions of more friendly medical care resources and to improve life quality of patients with hematologic malignancies, the researcher proposed the following suggestions to the health care team: to provide patients the information concerning the infertility risks caused by cancer treatment and consultation services, establish and implement treatment procedures that incorporate FP, strengthen collaboration across subspecialties, communicate with patients about FP before the initiation of cancer treatment, and provide medical assistance to patients in needs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 03 (03) ◽  
pp. 94-100
Author(s):  
Jennifer K. Y. Ko ◽  
Kevin K.W. Lam ◽  
Heidi H.Y. Cheng ◽  
Man Wa Lui ◽  
Sofie S.F. Yung ◽  
...  

Background: Fertility preservation is increasingly important with improving cancer survival rates and the delay in childbearing in modern societies. The objective of our study was to review the experience of the fertility preservation programme in a tertiary-assisted reproduction unit in Hong Kong. Methods: This is a retrospective study involving men and women who were seen at a tertiary-assisted reproduction unit for fertility preservation counselling before gonadotoxic treatment from January 2005 to December 2020. Their medical records in paper and electronic forms were reviewed. Results: There were 75 consultations for female fertility preservation from 2010 to 2020 involving 72 women. Twenty women underwent 22 cycles of ovarian stimulation for oocyte or embryo cryopreservation, two of whom subsequently transported their oocytes abroad for further management and another two achieved natural conception. Additional four women who did not have oocyte or embryo cryopreservation achieved natural conception after cancer treatment. Eleven (15.2%) women were followed up at a reproductive endocrinology clinic after their cancer treatment. From 2005 to 2020, 265 men had sperm cryopreserved. Twenty-six (9.8%) came back to use the cryopreserved sperms, the wives of 13 (50.0%) of whom achieved an on-going pregnancy. Six of them transferred out and 40 discarded the cryopreserved sperms. Conclusions: There was generally an increasing number of patient consultations for fertility preservation in our Centre over the past decade but a consistently low rate of utilisation of cryopreserved gametes for both women and men. Post-cancer treatment fertility evaluation and monitoring was a major area of deficiency in Hong Kong. More structured post-cancer treatment fertility follow-up is needed.


Oncoreview ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Sousa ◽  
Sónia Castro ◽  
Maria Graça Pereira

Abstract Problem identification: The desire for motherhood is one of the top priorities for most female young cancer survivors. The risk of infertility after cancer therapy is an important concern with several physical and emotional consequences. This comprehensive literature review aims to summarize and contextualize recent research that has been carried out on female fertility after cancer, suggesting future research and clinical directions. Literature search: Searches included the keywords “cancer”, “female”, “adults”, and “fertility”. Studies were selected if focused on infertility issues in female cancer survivors. Data synthesis: Eight themes were identified: the effects of anticancer treatments on fertility; fertility preservation methods; international recommendations regarding infertility risk; health professionals’ attitudes towards fertility preservation; patient’s concerns regarding the risk of infertility; patients' information needs; and the impact of the risk of infertility in patient’s quality of life. Conclusions: Psycho-oncologists should be integrated in the oncofertility teams to assess patients’ needs before cancer treatment initiation.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Allingham ◽  
Lynn Gillam ◽  
Maria McCarthy ◽  
Margaret Zacharin ◽  
Sadunee Jayasuriya ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Future infertility is a significant concern for survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer. Children and adolescents may have the opportunity to undergo fertility preservation (FP) procedures (which preserve gonadal tissue or gametes for future use) prior to the cancer treatment. However, the decision is very complex, as it is often made by parents as proxy decision makers at the time of cancer diagnosis, and is time-sensitive (needing to occur before the cancer treatment begins). Furthermore, FP procedures in children and adolescents are experimental and cannot guarantee future fertility. An uninformed decision may result in future decision regret. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of a Web-based FP decision aid (DA) in parents of children and adolescents with cancer and clinicians. Fertility knowledge and decision regret were compared in families who reviewed the DA compared with those who did not. METHODS The Web-based DA was developed according to the International Patient Decision Aid Standards. A cross-sectional study of parents of patients with cancer, who discussed fertility, and clinicians at a tertiary children’s hospital was undertaken. The acceptability, usability, and feasibility of the DA were assessed using a pre-post survey design. Measures included the validated Decision Regret Scale, a purpose-designed fertility-related knowledge scale, questions regarding satisfaction with the DA, and open-ended responses for additional feedback. Furthermore, clinicians involved in FP were also invited to review the DA. RESULTS We enrolled 34 parents and 11 clinicians in this study. Participants who reviewed the DA (15 parents and 11 clinicians) expressed satisfaction with its content and functionality. Parents reported an improved understanding of cancer treatments, infertility, and FP procedures and did not report greater decision regret after DA review. Most parents (13/15, 86%) would recommend the DA to other parents. All clinicians had a consensus that this was a valid and relevant information source for all involved in fertility care. CONCLUSIONS It is an international standard of care to discuss the impact of cancer treatment on fertility before cancer treatment. This is the first fertility DA for parents of children and adolescents with cancer and is found to be relevant and acceptable by parents and clinicians. This DA has the potential to help support parents to make informed fertility-related decisions for their children and adolescents. However, future research is needed to assess the impact of the DA on prospective decision making.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 227-227
Author(s):  
Valerie M Shilling ◽  
Rachel Starkings ◽  
Valerie A. Jenkins ◽  
Lesley Fallowfield

227 Background: Living with cancer and its treatment affects many aspects of life, impacting roles and responsibilities. Formal assessment of these impacts is not normal practice and there is a need for rigorously developed, well-validated measures for both patients (pts) and informal caregivers (cgs). We present an overview of work (PROACT) detailing the development of such tools. Methods: Stage 1: Two systematic reviews of existing PROs used to measure broad life impact in pts and cgs, mapping individual scale items to conceptual domains to identify what is currently being measured and where gaps exist. Stage 2: Qualitative 1: Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with pt-cg dyads about the impact of extended cancer survival on broader aspects of life and wellbeing to generate potential items for new measures. Qualitative 2: Cognitive interviews with new pt-cg dyad cohort using "think aloud" and specific probes to refine items for new measures. An advisory panel of 5 people with lived experience of cancer or caregiving worked with us throughout the project. Results: Systematic reviews identified gaps in existing measures around changes in occupational, financial, household and family roles and responsibilities and informed topic guides for Qualitative 1. Interviews with 24 pt-cg dyads generated 20 themes and 33 sub-themes from which 31 pt and 64 cg items were devised. Cognitive interviews with 20 pt-cg dyads in Qualitative 2 refined the measures. The final measures consisted of 29 items for pts (intended to be administered alongside FACT-G/QLQ-C30) and 60 for cgs (stand alone). Items cover family responsibilities, financial well-being, jobs and careers and additional sections on relationships and communication, lifestyle and outlook and health and well-being for cgs. Conclusions: We have developed two scales to measure broad life impacts of cancer for patients and informal caregivers. These are currently being evaluated and validated in Stage 3 of the project. Once validated these scales will be useful tools for clinicians and researchers enabling wide-ranging longer-term evaluation of new treatments in clinical trials and to aid decision-making about treatment options and supportive interventions.


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