scholarly journals Multiple Approaches for Individualized Fertility Protective Therapy in Cancer Patients

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Demeestere ◽  
F. Moffa ◽  
F. Peccatori ◽  
C. Poirot ◽  
E. Shalom-Paz

In the last decade, fertility preservation has risen as a major field of interest, creating new interactions between oncologists and gynecologists. Various options, such as cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, have been developed and are currently routinely proposed in many centers. However, many of the options remain experimental and should be offered to patients only after adequate counseling. This paper addresses the efficiency and the potential of the different fertility preservation approaches.

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Sellami ◽  
M Grynberg ◽  
A Benoit ◽  
C Sifer ◽  
A Mayeur ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question Does oocyte vitrification for fertility preservation (FP) delay the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer? Summary answer The indication of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer should not be considered as an impediment to urgent oocyte vitrification for FP. What is known already FP is considered as one of the most important issues to address for young breast cancer patients. Cryopreservation of oocytes or embryos may be considered after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) or in vitro maturation (IVM). Pregnancies have been reported after reutilization of oocytes frozen following both procedures. Although oocyte competence is better after COH, this strategy requires on average 13 days to be achieved. In addition, the safety of ovarian stimulation before tumor removal is currently not formally established. In case of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the risk-benefit balance of COH is not well known. Study design, size, duration Retrospective cohort study including all breast cancer patients eligible for oocyte vitrification following COH or IVM before initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy between January 2016 and December 2020. Participants/materials, setting, methods Inclusion criteria were: female patients with confirmed non metastatic breast cancer, 18 to 40 years of age, with indication of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, who have had oocyte retrieval for FP after COH or IVM +/- cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. Various time-points related to cancer diagnosis, FP or chemotherapy were obtained from medical record review. Main results and the role of chance A total of 198 patients with confirmed breast cancer who had oocyte retrieval following COH (n = 57) or IVM +/- cryopreservation of ovarian tissue (n = 141) for FP prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included. Although women in IVM group were significantly younger as compared to patients who underwent COH (31.7 ± 4.2 vs. 33.3 ± 4.0 years, p = 0.019), ovarian reserve parameters, BMI and cancer stage did not differ between the two groups. Overall, the average time from cancer diagnosis to chemotherapy start was similar between patients having undergone COH or IVM before oocyte vitrification (37.3 ± 13.8 vs. 36.9 ±13.5 days in COH and IVM groups respectively, p=0.857). Limitations, reasons for caution The time from referral to FP consultation may have influenced the type of FP. In addition, the retrospective nature of the present analysis may constitute a limitation. Moreover, the efficiency and security of the different FP strategies used has not been analysed. Wider implications of the findings Oocyte vitrification following COH or IVM was not associated with delayed breast cancer treatment in the neoadjuvant setting, so long as there was a prompt FP referral. Young patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be informed of these findings to avoid unnecessary anxiety due to concern for delays. Trial registration number Not applicable


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 7792
Author(s):  
Hyun-Woong Cho ◽  
Sanghoon Lee ◽  
Kyung-Jin Min ◽  
Jin Hwa Hong ◽  
Jae Yun Song ◽  
...  

Due to improvements in chemotherapeutic agents, cancer treatment efficacy and cancer patient survival rates have greatly improved, but unfortunately gonadal damage remains a major complication. Gonadotoxic chemotherapy, including alkylating agents during reproductive age, can lead to iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and loss of fertility. In recent years, the demand for fertility preservation has increased dramatically among female cancer patients. Currently, embryo and oocyte cryopreservation are the only established options for fertility preservation in women. However, there is growing evidence for other experimental techniques including ovarian tissue cryopreservation, oocyte in vitro maturation, artificial ovaries, stem cell technologies, and ovarian suppression. To prevent fertility loss in women with cancer, individualized fertility preservation options including established and experimental techniques that take into consideration the patient’s age, marital status, chemotherapy regimen, and the possibility of treatment delay should be provided. In addition, effective multidisciplinary oncofertility strategies that involve a highly skilled and experienced oncofertility team consisting of medical oncologists, gynecologists, reproductive biologists, surgical oncologists, patient care coordinators, and research scientists are necessary to provide cancer patients with high-quality care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-26
Author(s):  
Jae Hoon Lee ◽  
Young Sik Choi

Advances in anticancer treatments have resulted in increasing survival rates among cancer patients. Accordingly, the quality of life after treatment, particularly the preservation of fertility, has gradually emerged as an essential consideration. Cryopreservation of embryos or unfertilized oocytes has been considered as the standard method of fertility preservation among young women facing gonadotoxic chemotherapy. Other methods, including ovarian suppression and ovarian tissue cryopreservation, have been considered experimental. Recent large-scale randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that temporary ovarian suppression using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) during chemotherapy is beneficial for preventing chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency in breast cancer patients. It should also be emphasized that GnRHa use during chemotherapy does not replace established fertility preservation methods. All young women facing gonadotoxic chemotherapy should be counseled about and offered various options for fertility preservation, including both GnRHa use and cryopreservation of embryos, oocytes, and/or ovarian tissue.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Bockstaele ◽  
Sophie Tsepelidis ◽  
Julie Dechene ◽  
Yvon Englert ◽  
Isabelle Demeestere

Cancer treatments can induce premature ovarian failure in almost half of young women suffering from invasive neoplasia. Cryopreservation of ovarian cortex and subsequent autotransplantation of frozen-thawed tissue have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional fertility preservation technologies. However, human ovarian tissue is generally harvested before the administration of gonadotoxic treatment and could be contaminated with malignant cells. The safety of autotransplantation of ovarian cortex remains a major concern for fertility preservation units worldwide. This paper discusses the main tools for detecting disseminated cancer cells currently available, their limitations, and clinical relevance.


2003 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Fabbri ◽  
S Venturoli ◽  
A D’Errico ◽  
C Iannascoli ◽  
E Gabusi ◽  
...  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document