Retrieval of immature oocytes from unstimulated ovaries followed by in vitro maturation and vitrification: A novel strategy of fertility preservation for breast cancer patients

• Published in: The American journal of surgery Vol. 200; no. 1; pp. 177 - 183
• Main Authors: Huang, Jack Yu Jen, M.D, Chian, Ri-Cheng, Ph.D, Gilbert, Lucy, M.D, Fleiszer, David, M.D, Holzer, Hananel, M.D, Dermitas, Ezgi, M.D, Elizur, Shai Elazar, M.D, Gidoni, Yariv, M.D, Levin, Dan, M.D, Son, Weon-Young, Ph.D, Tan, Seang Lin, M.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.07.2010; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: 17β-Estradiol; Adult; Age; Births; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - complications; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Breast Neoplasms - therapy; Cancer; Cancer therapies; Cell Culture Techniques; Chemotherapy; Clinical trials; Cohort Studies; Cryopreservation - methods; Embryo cryopreservation; Embryo Culture Techniques - methods; Embryos; Feasibility Studies; Female; Fertility; Fertility preservation; Fertilization; Humans; In vitro fertilization; In vitro maturation; In vitro methods and tests; Infertility; Maturation; Menstruation; Middle Aged; Newborn babies; Obstetrics; Oocyte cryopreservation; Oocyte Retrieval - methods; Oocytes; Oocytes - growth & development; Ovaries; Ovulation Induction; Patients; Pregnancy; Preservation; Retrieval; Sex hormones; Sperm; Stimulation; Strategy; Studies; Surgery; Vitrification; Womens health; Young Adult; United States > US; Embryo cryopreservation; Breast cancer; Fertility preservation; Vitrification; In vitro maturation; Oocyte cryopreservation
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2009.04.004

Abstract Background We report a novel fertility preservation strategy that may be useful for young breast cancer patients who present with time constraints or concerns about the effect of ovarian stimulation. Methods The protocol involves retrieval of immature oocyte from unstimulated ovaries followed by in vitro maturation (IVM), and vitrification of oocytes or embryos. Results Thirty-eight patients (age 24–45 years) underwent vitrification of oocytes (n = 18) or embryos (n = 20). The mean ages were 33.1 ± 5.0 years and 34.7 ± 4.8 years, respectively. The mean days required to complete the egg collection was 13 days. The median numbers of vitrified oocytes and embryos per retrieval were 7 (range 1–22) and 4 (range 1–13), respectively. Conclusions The strategy of immature oocyte retrieval without ovarian stimulation followed by IVM and oocyte or embryo vitrification, which does not increase the serum estradiol level and delay cancer treatment, represents an attractive option of fertility preservation for many breast cancer patients.