scholarly journals Fertility preservation in reproductive-age women facing gonadotoxic treatments

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 294 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Roberts ◽  
R. Ronn ◽  
N. Tallon ◽  
H. Holzer

BackgroundAdvancements in the treatments for cancer and autoimmune and other hematologic conditionscontinue to improve survival and cure rates. Despite those changes, various gonadotoxic agents and other treatments can still compromise the future fertility of many women. Progress in medical and surgical reproductive technologies has helped to offset the reproductive consequences of the use of gonadotoxic therapies, and allows for future fertility and normal pregnancy.Methods A review of the literature was performed to outline the pathophysiology of gonadotoxicity from various treatments. The success of fertility preservation, fertility sparing, and cryopreservation options are reviewed. Barriers and facilitators to referral and oncofertility treatment in Canada are also outlined.ResultsAccording to the quality of the evidence, recommendations are made for fertility assessment, patient referral, cryopreservation, and other assisted reproductive technologies.ConclusionsTo ensure ongoing fertility in women undergoing gonadotoxic treatments, assisted reproductive technologies can be combined with a multidisciplinary approach to patient assessment and referral. 

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 602
Author(s):  
Jure Knez ◽  
Leyla Al Mahdawi ◽  
Iztok Takač ◽  
Monika Sobočan

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in developed countries. The disease is diagnosed with increasing frequency in younger women, commonly also in their reproductive age. The standard treatment of endometrial cancer is surgical in the form of hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and this precludes future fertility in younger women. The current challenge is to identify the group of women with endometrial cancer and low-risk features that would benefit from more conservative treatment options. More focus in management needs to be aimed towards the preservation of quality of life, without jeopardizing oncological outcomes. In this review, we analyze the current approaches to identification of women for conservative management and evaluate the success of different medical options for treatment and surgical techniques that are fertility sparing. We also elaborate on the future perspectives, focusing on the incorporation of molecular characterization of endometrial cancer to fertility preservation algorithms. Future studies should focus specifically on identifying reliable clinical and molecular predictive markers in this group of young women. With improved knowledge and better risk assessment, the precision medicine is the path towards improved understanding of the disease and possibly widening the group of women that could benefit from treatment methods preserving their fertility.


Author(s):  
Kalinkina O.B. ◽  
Tezikov Yu.V. ◽  
Lipatov I.S. ◽  
Aravina O.R.

Genital endometriosis is a disease of women of reproductive age, accompanied by infertility in 50% [1]. Adenomyosis can be considered as an endometriosis of the uterus. Histologically, this process is represented by ectopic, non-tumor endometrial glands, and stroma surrounded by hypertrophic and hyperplastic myometrium [2]. Adenomyosis is accompanied by pelvic pain of varying intensity as well as menstrual disorders [1]. The disease is accompanied by significant violations of reproductive function (infertility, unsuccessful attempts at pregnancy and miscarriage, abnormal uterine bleeding). Adenomyosis can be accompanied by a violation of the function of adjacent organs (such as the bladder, rectum). Often, one of the clinical manifestations of adenomyosis is the development of sideropenic syndrome, which is also caused by the development of chronic post-hemorrhagic iron deficiency anemia. This is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition of patients, a decrease in their ability to work. Despite a large number of publications in Russian and foreign scientific sources devoted to this problem, reproductive doctors and obstetricians-gynecologists often underestimate the role of adenomyosis in pregnancy planning using assisted reproductive technologies. Without interpreting the anamnesis data obtained through an active survey, doctors do not prescribe additional methods for diagnosing this pathology, which is not complex and expensive. To confirm the diagnosis, a transvaginal ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs during the premenstrual period is sufficient. In cases that are difficult to diagnose, the MRI method of the corresponding anatomical area can be used. Underestimation of the clinical picture and under-examination of the patient did not allow prescribing timely correction of the pathology and led to unsuccessful attempts to implement the generative function using assisted reproductive technologies. The conducted examination with clarification of the cause of IVF failures and the prescribed reasonable treatment made it possible to achieve regression of endometriosis foci in this clinical situation, followed by the patient's ability to realize generative function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2687
Author(s):  
Kaan Aydos ◽  
Oya Sena Aydos

Retrieving spermatozoa from the testicles has been a great hope for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but relevant methods have not yet been developed to the level necessary to provide resolutions for all cases of NOA. Although performing testicular sperm extraction under microscopic magnification has increased sperm retrieval rates, in vitro selection and processing of quality sperm plays an essential role in the success of in vitro fertilization. Moreover, sperm cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies, whether for therapeutic purposes or for future fertility preservation. In recent years, there have been new developments using advanced technologies to freeze and preserve even very small numbers of sperm for which conventional techniques are inadequate. The present review provides an up-to-date summary of current strategies for maximizing sperm recovery from surgically obtained testicular samples and, as an extension, optimization of in vitro sperm processing techniques in the management of NOA.


Author(s):  
P. A. Awoyesuku ◽  
D. A. MacPepple ◽  
B. O. Altraide ◽  
D. H. John

Background: Gynaecological disorders are a particularly common cause of morbidity and mortality among women of reproductive age and a common cause of hospital presentation/admission and surgery. Objective: This study sought to review gynaecological diagnoses and surgeries performed in a tertiary health facility from 2012 to 2017 and its implication for healthcare planning and budgeting. Methodology: This was a retrospective review of all gynaecological diagnoses and surgeries seen in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) from 2012 to 2017. Data were retrieved using a proforma comprising of year, gynaecological diagnosis and gynaecological surgeries. Data obtained was entered into Microsoft Excel for descriptive analysis. Results: The proportion of clinic attendees declined from an average of 23% in the first three years (2012-2014) to about 10% in the last three years (2015-2017). The most common gynaecological diagnosis were uterine fibroid (33.3%), infertility 28.1% (primary 5.7%, secondary 22.4%), PID (5.9%), ovarian tumour (4.2%), secondary amenorrhea (3.4%) and pelvic malignancies (3.4%). The commonest major surgeries were myomectomy 441(33.7%), salpingectomy 345(26.4%), hysterectomy 168(12.8%) and cervical cerclage 122(9.3%). The commonest minor surgeries were manual vacuum aspiration 314(41.0%), examination under anaesthesia and biopsy 110(14.3%) and adhesiolysis for synechiae 97(12.6%). The duo of uterine fibroid and infertility made up 50%-70% of all gynaecological diagnoses. Conclusion: This study showed that there has been a steady decline in gynaecological consultations over the years. However, the duo of uterine fibroid and infertility made up half to three-quarter of all gynaecological diagnoses over the 6 years. Infertility and uterine fibroids have a long cause and effect association. Healthcare policies and budgeting should be increased towards tackling these conditions, especially the setting up of a fertility center to provide assisted reproductive technologies and laparoscopy to improve practice and patient outcome.


2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-90
Author(s):  
Alyena Chernyshova ◽  
Vitaly Аntipov ◽  
Larisa Коlomiets ◽  
Vladimir Chernov ◽  
Victor Gyunter ◽  
...  

The development and implementation of organ-preserving treatment modalities is the priority trend in the current cancer treatment of patients of the reproductive age. Methods of expanding indications for organ-preserving treatment in cancer patients are becoming relevant. We present our experience in performing radical trachelectomy with uterine transposition in patients with stage IB-II cervical cancer. Our surgical technique allows the preservation of the uterus and adnexa in patients with invasive cervical cancer, who need to receive combined modality treatment including extended surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the pelvis. Transposition of the uterus and adnexa after radical abdominal or laparoscopic trachelectomy allows the movement of the uterus and ovaries out of the radiation field. After completion of radiation therapy, the uterus with adnexa is repositioned into the pelvis and uterine-vaginal anastomosis is formed using an implant made of titanium nickelide. Independent pregnancy and the use of assisted reproductive technologies are permitted after passing the time when distant metastases are most likely to develop.  


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Giovanni Vitale ◽  
Paola Rossetti ◽  
Francesco Corrado ◽  
Agnese Maria Chiara Rapisarda ◽  
Sandro La Vignera ◽  
...  

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have experienced growing interest from infertile patients seeking to become pregnant. The quality of oocytes plays a pivotal role in determining ART outcomes. Although many authors have studied how supplementation therapy may affect this important parameter for both in vivo and in vitro models, data are not yet robust enough to support firm conclusions. Regarding this last point, in this review our objective has been to evaluate the state of the art regarding supplementation with melatonin and myo-inositol in order to improve oocyte quality during ART. On the one hand, the antioxidant effect of melatonin is well known as being useful during ovulation and oocyte incubation, two occasions with a high level of oxidative stress. On the other hand, myo-inositol is important in cellular structure and in cellular signaling pathways. Our analysis suggests that the use of these two molecules may significantly improve the quality of oocytes and the quality of embryos: melatonin seems to raise the fertilization rate, and myo-inositol improves the pregnancy rate, although all published studies do not fully agree with these conclusions. However, previous studies have demonstrated that cotreatment improves these results compared with melatonin alone or myo-inositol alone. We recommend that further studies be performed in order to confirm these positive outcomes in routine ART treatment.


Author(s):  
Spiridenko G.Yu. ◽  
Petrov Yu.A. ◽  
Palieva N.V.

Infertility is currently a priority problem for women of reproductive age. One of the reasons for this condition may be premature ovarian insufficiency. This is a pathological process causes by primary hypogonadism that occurs in women under 40 years of age. Its prevalence varies from 1:10,000 at the age of 20 to 1:100 at an older age. The absence of specific clinical manifestations of the disease complicates its early diagnosis and timely treatment. This pathological process manifests itself as secondary oligo-or amenorrhea, infertility. Less often, before the onset of reproductive disorders, there are manifestations of estrogenic insufficiency - vasomotor disorders - hot flashes, hyperhidrosis, cephalgia, tachycardia, arterial hypertension, emotional and vegetative disorders-irritability, asthenic manifestations, anxiety, depression, hypo - thymia, decreased libido. The lack of accurate data on etiological factors makes it harder to find methods for preventing this disease. The main direction of treatment is hormone replacement therapy, aimed at eliminating the insufficiency of natural estrogens in the woman's body. The chances of successful realization of the reproductive potential depend on the value of the follicle-stimulating hormone, since its high concentration affects the mitotic activity of granulosa cells of the follicle, which confirms the validity of hormone replacement therapy. The non-occurrence of pregnancy after therapy forces the patient to use assisted reproductive technologies using donor embryos and oocytes, while the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization does not exceed 58%. To prevent this outcome, if a woman has risk factors for developing premature ovarian insufficiency, it is necessary to timely assess the ovarian reserve with the preservation of her own oocytes for subsequent assisted reproductive technologies.


Author(s):  
Karen Lisa Smith ◽  
Clarisa Gracia ◽  
Anna Sokalska ◽  
Halle Moore

Female patients of reproductive age with cancer often require treatment that can compromise their future fertility. Treatment-related infertility is an important cancer survivorship issue and is associated with depression and diminished quality of life. Recent advances in reproductive health care provide the opportunity to preserve fertility prior to the initiation of cancer therapy. Clinical guidelines recommend that oncology providers counsel patients about the risk of treatment-related infertility and fertility preservation options, and that they refer those who are interested in fertility preservation to fertility specialists. Guidelines endorse the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) provided by reproductive endocrinologists to preserve fertility in young female patients with cancer. In addition, ovarian suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists may be considered for ovarian protection during chemotherapy. This article reviews currently available and emerging ART for fertility preservation in female patients of reproductive age with cancer and current data supporting the use of ovarian suppression for ovarian protection during chemotherapy in this population. We also review the uptake of fertility services and discuss barriers to fertility preservation in female patients of reproductive age with cancer.


2020 ◽  
pp. ijgc-2020-001783
Author(s):  
Katherine Stewart ◽  
Sukhkamal Campbell ◽  
Michael Frumovitz ◽  
Pedro T Ramirez ◽  
Laurie J McKenzie

Fertility-sparing management of early-stage gynecologic cancers is becoming more prevalent as increasing evidence demonstrates acceptable oncologic and reproductive outcomes in appropriately selected patients. However, in the absence of randomized controlled trials, most of the commonly used treatment algorithms are based only on observational studies. As women are increasingly postponing childbearing, the need for evidence-based guidance on the optimal selection of appropriate candidates for fertility-sparing therapies is paramount. It is imperative to seriously consider the fertility potential of a given individual prior to making major oncologic treatment decisions that may deviate from the accepted standard of care. It is a disservice to patients to undergo a fertility-sparing procedure in hopes of ultimately achieving a live birth, only to determine later they have poor baseline fertility potential or other substantial barriers to conception including excess financial toxicity. Many women with oncologic diagnoses are of advanced maternal age and their obstetric and neonatal risks must be considered. In the era of advanced assisted reproductive technologies, patients should be provided realistic expectations regarding success rates while understanding the potential oncologic perils. A multidisciplinary approach to the conservative treatment of early-stage gynecologic cancers with early referral to reproductive specialists as well as maternal-fetal medicine specialists is warranted. In this review, we discuss the recommended fertility evaluation for patients with newly diagnosed, early-stage gynecologic cancers who are considering fertility-sparing management.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vittorio Unfer ◽  
John E. Nestler ◽  
Zdravko A. Kamenov ◽  
Nikos Prapas ◽  
Fabio Facchinetti

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, with complex etiology and pathophysiology, which remains poorly understood. It affects about 5–10% of women of reproductive age who typically suffer from obesity, hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction, and menstrual irregularity. Indeed, PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility in industrialized nations, and it is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and increased cardiovascular risk. Although insulin resistance is not included as a criterion for diagnosis, it is a critical pathological condition of PCOS. The purpose of this systematic review is the analysis of recent randomized clinical trials of inositol(s) in PCOS, in particular myo- and D-chiro-inositol, in order to better elucidate their physiological involvement in PCOS and potential therapeutic use, alone and in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies, in the clinical treatment of women with PCOS.


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