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Nahata L, Liles SM, Gerhardt CA, Housten AJ, Jalili D, O'Brien SH, Vadaparampil ST, Quinn GP. Clinicians' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to sperm banking in adolescent males with cancer: a mixed-methods study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2809-2817. [PMID: 37730946 PMCID: PMC10656382 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02944-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine processes, barriers, and facilitators to sperm banking counseling and decision-making for adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer from the perspective of clinicians who completed Oncofertility communication training. We also identify opportunities for improvement to inform future interventions and implementation. METHODS A survey (N=104) and subsequent focus groups (N=15) were conducted with non-physician clinicians practicing in pediatric oncology who completed Oncofertility communication training. RESULTS Most survey participants were confident in communicating about the impact of cancer on fertility (n=87, 83.7%) and fertility preservation options (n=80, 76.9%). Most participants reported never/rarely using a sperm banking decision tool (n=70, 67.3%), although 98.1% (n=102) said a decision tool with a family-centered approach would be beneficial. Primary themes in the subsequent focus groups included variable processes/workflows (inconsistent approaches to consult initiation; involvement of adolescents, caregivers, and various clinician types; assessment of puberty/sexual experience), structural and psychosocial barriers (cost and logistics, developmental, cultural, clinical acuity/prognosis), and facilitators (educational materials, alternative options for banking). Opportunities and strategies for improvement (including fertility preservation in existing research protocols; additional staffing/resources; oncologist education and buy-in; and development of decision tools) were informed by challenges identified in the other themes. CONCLUSION Barriers to adolescent sperm banking remain, even among clinicians who have completed Oncofertility training. Although training is one factor necessary to facilitate banking, structural and psychosocial barriers persist. Given the complexities of offering sperm banking to pediatric populations, continued efforts are needed to mitigate structural barriers and develop strategies to facilitate decision-making before childhood cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Nahata
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 431 S 18th St, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Sophia M Liles
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 431 S 18th St, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 431 S 18th St, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ashley J Housten
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dona Jalili
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah H O'Brien
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 431 S 18th St, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Susan T Vadaparampil
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Gwendolyn P Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Ludemann J, Pruett M, Klosky JL, Meacham L, Cherven B. The evolution of fertility preservation care models in a large pediatric cancer and blood disorders center. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30052. [PMID: 36308423 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents who receive gonadotoxic treatments are at risk for future infertility. While there is a growing focus on integrating fertility preservation (FP) within pediatric cancer and blood disorder centers, wide variations in care models and methods exist across institutions. The purpose of this work is to describe the evolution of FP care models within a large pediatric hematology/oncology center. METHODS Models of care and associated timeframes are described, including a pre-FP program model, establishment of a formal FP program, integration of nurse navigators, and the addition of FP consult stratification based on urgency (urgent/nonurgent). The number of patient consults within each model, patient sex, diagnosis (oncologic/hematologic), and consult timing (pre-gonadotoxic treatment/posttreatment completion) were abstracted from the clinical database. RESULTS The number of annual consults increased from 24 during the pre-FP program model (2015) to 181 during the current care model (2020). Over time, the proportion of consults for females and patients with nonmalignant hematologic disorders increased. Patient stratification reduced the proportion of consults needing to be completed urgently from 75% at the advent of the FP program to 49% in the current model. CONCLUSIONS The evolution of care models within our FP program allowed for growth in the number of consults completed, expansion of services to more patients with nonmalignant hematologic disorders, and more consults for female patients. Nurse navigators play a critical role in care facilitating referrals, coordination, and patient education. Urgency stratification has allowed FP team members to manage increasing FP-related encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ludemann
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Megan Pruett
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James L Klosky
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brooke Cherven
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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3
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Zhu H, Shi L, Wang R, Cui L, Wang J, Tang M, Qian H, Wei M, Wang L, Zhou H, Xu W. Global Research Trends on Infertility and Psychology From the Past Two Decades: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:889845. [PMID: 35903282 PMCID: PMC9317298 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.889845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the global scientific output of research on infertility and psychology; explore the current status and trends in this field through the cooperation of authors, countries, and institutions; shed light on the direction of clinical infertility research in the future, and provide inspiration for targeted diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Methods Research publications on infertility and psychology from the past two decades were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix R package. Network maps were generated to evaluate the collaborations between different authors, countries, institutions, and keywords. Results A total of 151 articles related to the study of infertility and psychology were identified. We observed a gradual increase in the number of publications from 2001 to 2021, and the trend has been relatively stable in the past eight years. Human Reproduction (England), as the leading journal publishing the most papers (29 articles), was cited in the most journals (1208 times). Boivin J was the most prolific author (16 articles), with the largest number of citations (890 times) and the highest h-index (14) during the past decades. Boivin J was also the leader with the highest publication frequency and more active cooperation with other top authors. The United Kingdom (34 papers) and Cardiff University (25 articles) contributed the most publications and were the leading contributors in this field. Active cooperation between countries and between institutions was observed, and analyses of articles and references were also shown. The main hot topics included matters related to women (39 times), in-vitro salt (31 times), infertility (30 times), couples (25 times), and impact (24 times). Conclusion Our study results provide a comprehensive overview of the development of scientific literature, allowing relevant authors and research teams to recognize the current research status in this field. At the same time, infertility and psychology may soon become hotspots and should be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkun Zhu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingli Shi
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Cui
- Department of Pathology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengyu Tang
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Haiqing Qian
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Minggang Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Wang
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Huifang Zhou
- Department of Gynaecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenting Xu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
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Stanek C, Theroux CI, Olsavsky AL, Hill KN, Rausch JR, O’Brien SH, Quinn GP, Gerhardt CA, Nahata L. Study protocol for fertility preservation discussions and decisions: A family-centered psychoeducational intervention for male adolescents and emerging adults newly diagnosed with cancer and their families. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263886. [PMID: 35171948 PMCID: PMC8849538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many childhood cancer survivors desire biological children but are at risk for infertility after treatment. One option for mitigating risk is the use of fertility preservation prior to gonadotoxic therapy. Adolescents and emerging adults may rely on their parents to help them decide whether to use fertility preservation. While this is often a collaborative process, it is currently unknown how parents can optimally support adolescents and emerging adults through this decision. To address this gap, we developed a family-centered, psychoeducational intervention to prompt adolescents and emerging adults to reflect on their future parenthood goals and attitudes towards fertility preservation, as well as to prompt their parents (or other caregivers) to reflect on their own and their child's perspectives on the topic. In this randomized controlled trial, families will be randomized to either the standard of care control group (fertility consult) or the intervention group. After their fertility consult, adolescents and emerging adults and parents in the intervention group will complete a fertility preservation values clarification tool and then participate in a guided conversation about their responses and the fertility preservation decision. The primary expected outcome of this study is that participation in the intervention will increase the use of fertility preservation. The secondary expected outcome is an improvement in decision quality. Chi-square analyses and t-tests will evaluate primary and secondary outcomes. The goal of this intervention is to optimize family-centered fertility preservation decision-making in the context of a new cancer diagnosis to help male adolescents and emerging adults achieve their future parenthood goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charis Stanek
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Charleen I. Theroux
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Anna L. Olsavsky
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kylie N. Hill
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Joseph R. Rausch
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sarah H. O’Brien
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Cynthia A. Gerhardt
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Leena Nahata
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Nahata L, Olsavsky A, Dattilo TM, Lipak KG, Whiteside S, Yeager ND, Audino A, Rausch J, Klosky JL, O'Brien SH, Quinn GP, Gerhardt CA. Parent-Adolescent Concordance Regarding Fertility Perspectives and Sperm Banking Attempts in Adolescent Males With Cancer. J Pediatr Psychol 2021; 46:1149-1158. [PMID: 34333651 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsab069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Approximately half of male childhood cancer survivors experience impaired fertility, yet fertility preservation (FP) remains underutilized. Although parent recommendation influences adolescents' decision-making, parents may be uncertain and/or underrate their sons' parenthood goals. This study assessed parent-adolescent and family-level concordance regarding adolescent fertility perspectives (i.e., values, goals) and associations with FP attempts. METHODS A prospective pilot study examined the impact of a family-centered values clarification tool (FAST) on banking attempts among adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer at risk for infertility. The FAST assessed adolescent and parent perceptions of adolescents' fertility values and goals (i.e., perceived threat of infertility, perceived benefits/barriers to banking). Parent-adolescent concordance and family-level concordance on fertility perspectives were examined, along with associations with banking attempts and salient demographic factors. RESULTS Ninety-eight participants (32 adolescents aged 12-20, 37 mothers, 29 fathers) from 32 families completed the FAST before treatment initiation. Parent-adolescent dyads were concordant on approximately one-half of responses. Banking attempts were associated with higher family-level concordance regarding perceived benefits, r(32) = .40, p = .02. Older adolescent age was associated with higher family-level concordance regarding perceived threat, r(31) = .37, p = .04, and benefits, r(32) = .40, p = .03. Fathers' education was associated with higher family-level concordance regarding barriers, r(21) = .53, p = .01. CONCLUSIONS When parents were concordant with their son's fertility values and goals, particularly perceived benefits, adolescents were more likely to attempt FP. Clinicians should facilitate sharing of fertility perspectives within families before cancer treatment, especially with younger adolescents. Psychosocial support for families facing FP decisions is recommended at diagnosis and across the care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Nahata
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute.,Nationwide Children's Hospital.,The Ohio State University College of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Nicholas D Yeager
- Nationwide Children's Hospital.,The Ohio State University College of Medicine
| | - Anthony Audino
- Nationwide Children's Hospital.,The Ohio State University College of Medicine
| | - Joseph Rausch
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute.,The Ohio State University College of Medicine
| | - James L Klosky
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine & The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
| | - Sarah H O'Brien
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute.,Nationwide Children's Hospital.,The Ohio State University College of Medicine
| | | | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute.,The Ohio State University College of Medicine
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Theroux CI, Hill KN, Olsavsky AL, Klosky JL, Yeager ND, Audino A, O’Brien SH, Quinn GP, Gerhardt CA, Nahata L. Satisfaction with Fertility Preservation Decisions among Adolescent Males with Cancer: A Mixed Methods Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143559. [PMID: 34298773 PMCID: PMC8304836 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fertility impairment is common among male childhood cancer survivors and negatively impacts quality of life. Sperm banking, before starting cancer treatment, is an established fertility preservation option, yet it remains underutilized at many pediatric centers. Although survivors often report regret about missed banking opportunities, little is known about short-term decisional satisfaction. The aim of this mixed methods study was to examine decisional satisfaction one month after diagnosis by comparing satisfaction among families of adolescents who did or did not attempt to bank. Quantitatively, families reported satisfaction regardless of the banking decision, while qualitatively, families of adolescents who did not attempt to bank reported potential for future regret. Thus, decisional dissatisfaction may not present after one month but could emerge in the future. The findings underscore the importance of longitudinal research to examine satisfaction over time, and why quantitative and qualitative discrepancies exist, as well as psychosocial support across the care continuum as survivors approach their reproductive years. Abstract Half of male childhood cancer survivors experience treatment-related fertility impairment, which can lead to distress. Survivors often regret forgoing fertility preservation (FP), and decisional dissatisfaction is associated with a lower quality of life. This mixed methods study examined short-term FP decisional satisfaction among families of male adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer who received an initial fertility consult and completed an FP values clarification tool. One-two months after the FP decision, thirty-nine families completed the Brief Subjective Decision Quality measure. Decisional satisfaction was compared for participants (mothers, fathers, adolescents) who did and did not attempt to bank. Semi-structured interviews included the following question: How do you/your family feel about the banking decision now/in the future? Decisional quality scores were moderate-high (M = 5.74–6.33 out of 7), with no significant differences between non-attempter (n = 15) and attempter (n = 24) families (adolescents: p = 0.83, d = 0.08; mothers: p = 0.18, d = 0.45; fathers: p = 0.32, d = 0.44). Three qualitative themes emerged among non-attempter families: (1) satisfaction with decision (50% of participants), (2) acceptance of decision (60%), and (3) potential for future regret (40%). Satisfaction with decision was the only theme identified in attempter families (93%). Quantitively, short-term decisional satisfaction was high regardless of the banking attempt. However, the qualitative findings suggest that the experiences of families who did not bank may be more nuanced, as several participants discussed a potential for future regret, highlighting the importance of ongoing support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charleen I. Theroux
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
| | - Kylie N. Hill
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
| | - Anna L. Olsavsky
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
| | - James L. Klosky
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA;
| | - Nicholas D. Yeager
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (N.D.Y.); (A.A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Anthony Audino
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (N.D.Y.); (A.A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sarah H. O’Brien
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (N.D.Y.); (A.A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA;
| | - Cynthia A. Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Leena Nahata
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(614)-722-4502; Fax: +1-(614)-722-6980
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7
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Olsavsky A, Theroux CI, Dattilo TM, Klosky JL, O’Brien SH, Quinn GP, Gerhardt CA, Nahata L. Family communication about fertility preservation in adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28978. [PMID: 33629820 PMCID: PMC8164973 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately half of male childhood cancer survivors experience fertility impairment, which can cause psychological distress. Sperm banking remains underutilized among adolescent males with cancer. Parent recommendation influences banking decisions, yet multi-informant studies have not been conducted to examine fertility preservation (FP) communication and decision making in this population. This study explored FP communication among mothers, fathers, and their male adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer. PROCEDURE Thirty-three male adolescents, 32 mothers, and 22 fathers completed semi-structured interviews 1-2 months after cancer diagnosis addressing this question: Tell me more about conversations you had about fertility preservation/sperm banking with your health care providers, parents/son, other family members, or anyone else. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic content analysis. RESULTS Five process themes emerged: (1) reliance on health care team and social support networks to facilitate FP decisions (only parents); (2) withholding parental opinion and deferring the decision to the adolescent; (3) ease of communication (primarily adolescents); (4) communication barriers/facilitators; (5) not being present or not remembering details of FP conversations with health care providers (primarily fathers and adolescents). Four content themes included: (1) preference for biological (grand)parenthood; (2) consideration of adolescent's future partner's desire for biological parenthood (primarily parents); (3) banking while it is a viable option; (4) openness to alternative parenthood options (e.g., adoption/fostering, primary parents). CONCLUSIONS Understanding variation in what family members discuss and consider relevant when making FP decisions is an important step toward improving pediatric oncofertility care. Interventions are needed to facilitate family FP-related conversations and optimize decisional satisfaction over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James L. Klosky
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sarah H. O’Brien
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH,Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH,The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Cynthia A. Gerhardt
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH,The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Leena Nahata
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH,Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH,The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Impact of a novel family-centered values clarification tool on adolescent sperm banking attempts at the time of a new cancer diagnosis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1561-1569. [PMID: 33564937 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02092-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Over half of males experience fertility impairment after childhood cancer therapy, which often causes psychosocial distress. Yet, fertility preservation (FP) remains underutilized. The goals of this study were to determine the feasibility and impact of implementing a family-centered FP values clarification tool on sperm banking attempts among adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer, and identify key determinants of banking attempts. METHODS A prospective pilot study was conducted among families of males (12-25 years old), prior to cancer therapy. Thirty-nine of 41 families agreed to participate (95%); 98 participants (32 adolescents, 37 mothers, 29 fathers) completed the Family-centered Adolescent Sperm banking values clarification Tool (FAST). Analyses assessed the impact of the FAST on banking attempts and examined associations between demographic/medical characteristics, FAST subscales (perceived threat, benefits, barriers), and banking attempts. RESULTS Twenty-three (59%) adolescents attempted to bank, compared to 8 adolescents (33%) during baseline assessment (p=.04). Significant associations were identified between banking attempts and adolescents' report of perceived threat (rpb=.45, p=.01) and benefits (rpb=.57, p=.01). Only mothers' proxy reports of adolescent perceived threat (rpb=.42, p=.01) and benefits (rpb=.47, p=.003) were associated with banking attempts, while fathers' self-reported perceived benefits (rpb=.43, p=.03), self-reported barriers (rpb=.49, p=.01), and proxy reports of adolescent perceived threat (rpb=.38, p=.04) and benefits (rpb=.59, p=.02) were associated with banking attempts. CONCLUSION Adolescent sperm banking attempt rates significantly increased after implementation of a family-centered FP values clarification tool prior to cancer treatment. Findings underscore the importance of targeting both adolescents and their parents, particularly fathers, in FP efforts.
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