Preservation of Fertility in Patients with Cancer

• Published in: The New England journal of medicine Vol. 360; no. 9; pp. 902 - 911
• Main Authors: Jeruss, Jacqueline S, Woodruff, Teresa K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Waltham, MA Massachusetts Medical Society 26.02.2009
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Breast Neoplasms - physiopathology; Breast Neoplasms - therapy; Child; Cryopreservation; Female; Fertility; General aspects; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Neoplasms - physiopathology; Neoplasms - therapy; Ovary - transplantation; Tissue Banks; Young Adult; Human; Medicine; Preservation; Fertility; Conservation; Patient; Malignant tumor; Cancer
• ISSN: 0028-4793; 1533-4406
• DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra0801454

The increasing number of young survivors of cancer who have favorable outcomes necessitates planning for the preservation of fertility, which may mean modifying the strategy for oncologic treatment. In addition to in vitro fertilization in women and sperm banking in men, new methods on the horizon include in vitro follicle maturation and techniques for tissue transplantation. The increasing number of young survivors of cancer who have favorable outcomes necessitates planning for the preservation of fertility, which may mean modifying the strategy for oncologic treatment. New methods on the horizon include in vitro follicle maturation and techniques for tissue transplantation. The unique duality involved in confronting a life-threatening diagnosis while simultaneously considering the deeply human desire to have a child presents a struggle both for patients with cancer and for clinicians. Yet with improved survival rates among young patients with cancer, recent bench-to-bedside translation of new techniques to preserve fertility, and increased awareness of choices for the preservation of fertility, options for family planning are now being offered to patients who have received a diagnosis of cancer. Concerns about fertility are similar for men and women; however, their opportunities for intervention differ considerably. This review describes current and emerging options . . .