Oncofertility in Canada: Gonadal Protection and Fertility-sparing Strategies

Overview

Journal Curr Oncol

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Oncology

Date 2013 Dec 7

PMID 24311962

Citations 5

Authors

R Ronn

H E G Holzer

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis. In particular, malignancy and its indicated treatments have profoundly negative effects on the fertility of young cancer patients. Oncofertility has emerged as a new interdisciplinary field to address the issue of gonadotoxicity associated with cancer therapies and to facilitate fertility preservation. In Canada, fertility issues are often inadequately addressed despite the availability of resources. The goal of this four-part series is to facilitate systemic improvements in fertility preservation for adolescent and young adult Canadians with a new diagnosis of cancer.

Methods: Here, we review the fertility preservation measures currently available. Medical and surgical strategies are both outlined.

Results: Fertility-preserving strategies and gonadal protection have demonstrated variable success in a number of approaches. The value of hormone suppression is still in question for women. Progestins for endometrial cancer and alternative chemotherapies are other medical approaches. Gonadal shielding and protective surgical approaches have also been attempted.

Conclusions: The techniques discussed here may be selectively considered and integrated into patient care in an attempt to preserve future fertility before initiating cancer treatment.

Citing Articles

Oncofertility and Fertility Preservation for Women with Gynecological Malignancies: Where Do We Stand Today?.

Di Nisio V, Daponte N, Messini C, Anifandis G, Antonouli S Biomolecules. 2024; 14(8).

PMID: 39199331 PMC: 11353009. DOI: 10.3390/biom14080943.

Fertility options after chemotherapy in young premenopausal patients.

Tanase A, Ciocoiu M, Tanase G Acta Endocrinol (Buchar). 2024; 19(3):398-402.

PMID: 38356982 PMC: 10863951. DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2023.398.

Laparoscopic Ovarian Transposition and Ovariopexy for Fertility Preservation in Patients Treated with Pelvic Radiotherapy with or without Chemotherapy.

Turkgeldi L, Cutner A, Turkgeldi E, Al Chami A, Cassoni A, Macdonald N Facts Views Vis Obgyn. 2020; 11(3):235-242.

PMID: 32082530 PMC: 7020947.

Female fertility preservation: a clinical perspective.

Pavone M, Confino R, Steinberg M Minerva Ginecol. 2016; 68(4):458-65.

PMID: 26847846 PMC: 5295363.

Fertility preservation in female cancer patients: An overview.

Mahajan N J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015; 8(1):3-13.

PMID: 25838742 PMC: 4381379. DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.153119.

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