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Talbot L, Corkum KS, McCracken K, Cost NG, Aldrink JH. Oncofertility care for children, adolescents, and young adults at risk for treatment-related fertility loss. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024:e31277. [PMID: 39138622 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31277] [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: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
As therapy for childhood malignancies becomes more sophisticated and survival has improved, long-term therapy-related sequelae have emerged. Loss of reproductive potential among childhood cancer survivors is one such concern that has become increasingly recognized among patients, families, and healthcare providers. The risk status for infertility based upon therapy received, state of current reproductive technology and outcomes, and an emphasis on adequate referral and counseling for fertility preservation options are reviewed. Contributing factors to infertility are discussed, and options for female and male preservation based upon age and pubertal status are summarized. This article highlights the current state of fertility opportunities for children and adolescents undergoing therapy for cancer. Providers caring for these young patients should be familiar with such options and should routinely initiate evaluations for eligibility of fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Talbot
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kristine S Corkum
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, and the Surgical Oncology Program, Children's Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kate McCracken
- Section of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Division of Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas G Cost
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, and the Surgical Oncology Program, Children's Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jennifer H Aldrink
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Hoyos-Martinez A, Scheurer ME, Allen-Rhoades W, Okcu MF, Horne VE. Leuprolide Protects Ovarian Reserve in Adolescents Undergoing Gonadotoxic Therapy. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:828-834. [PMID: 36976803 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Treatment sequelae compromising reproductive health are highly prevalent in childhood cancer survivors, and a main determinant of health and quality of life. Follicular reserve determines ovarian function life span; thus, its preservation is important in the care of female survivors. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a biomarker to measure functional ovarian reserve. We aimed to evaluate the effect of leuprolide during gonadotoxic therapy on pubertal females' post-treatment functional ovarian reserve using AMH levels. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study including all pubertal females who had undergone gonadotoxic treatments between January 2010 and April 2020, and had an AMH level after completion of therapy. We used multivariable linear regressions to compare AMH-level beta coefficients in patients stratified by gonadotoxic risk, adjusting for leuprolide use. Results: Fifty-two females meeting study eligibility were included, of which 35 received leuprolide. The use of leuprolide was associated with higher post-treatment AMH levels in the lower gonadotoxic risk group (beta 2.74, 95% CI 0.97-4.51; p = 0.004). This association was lost in the higher gonadotoxic risk groups. Conclusions: Leuprolide may have a protective effect on the functional ovarian reserve. However, this is limited by increasing treatment gonadotoxicity. Larger, prospective studies are needed to elucidate the potential benefits of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist on preservation of ovarian reserve among children receiving gonadotoxic therapies, as cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Hoyos-Martinez
- Divisions of Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael E Scheurer
- Divisions of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wendy Allen-Rhoades
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - M Fatih Okcu
- Divisions of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vincent E Horne
- Divisions of Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells ameliorate the viability of ovarian granulosa cells injured by cisplatin through activating autophagy. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 110:39-48. [PMID: 35346788 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Although the cancer incidence showed a yearly increasing trend, the long-term survival rate of cancer patients significantly increased with the continuous improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, recent strategies for cancer treatment not only focus on improving the survival rate of patients but also simultaneously consider the life quality of cancer patients, especially for those with fertility requirements. Stem cell-based therapies have exhibited promising improvement in various disease treatments, and provide hope for diseases without effective treatment. Menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells (MenSCs) can be noninvasively and periodically obtained from discarded menstrual blood samples and exhibit high proliferative capacity, low immunogenicity and autologous transplantation. As expected, MenSCs treatment effectively improved the viability of cisplatin-injured ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and significantly upregulated their antiapoptotic capacity. Further results demonstrated that MenSCs treatment significantly upregulated autophagy activity in cisplatin-injured ovarian GCs, and the degree of autophagy activation was positively correlated with the viability improvement of ovarian GCs, while autophagy inhibitors significantly impaired MenSC-promoted viability improvement of cisplatin-injured ovarian GCs. Additionally, MenSCs treatment can also significantly promote the proliferation of normal GCs by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Conclusively, MenSCs treatment not only enhanced the antiapoptotic capacity and survival of cisplatin-injured ovarian GCs by upregulating autophagy activity but also improved the viability of normal ovarian GCs by activating the PI3K/Akt signal pathway. These results provide a theoretical and experimental foundation for the clinical application of MenSCs in improving chemotherapy-induced ovarian injury and delaying ovarian senescence.
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Abstract
Ovarian cancer is more frequent in post-menopausal women, however it can also occur in young premenopausal women. After diagnosis and cancer staging, health care providers should address the possibility of infertility and might offer fertility preservation options. Chemotherapy, frequently used when treating ovarian cancer, has proven to cause extensive ovarian damage. Standard surgery may be aggressive and the recurrence risk may not be relevant enough to opt for these approaches. Fertility sparing surgery has been progressively accepted and many alternative surgical approaches have proven to be successful in both cancer treatment, fertility preservation and low recurrence rates. Though there are several techniques available for fertility preservation in cancer patients, when dealing with ovarian cancer patients, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation are the only suitable. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has been largely studied, but no data on ovarian cancer patients exist, due to the risk of reimplanting cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Sofia Pais
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida Santos
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Fabiani C, Ferrante MG, Meneghini C, Licata E, Paciotti G, Gallo M, Schiavi M, Spina V, Guarino A, Caserta D, Rago R. Female fertility preservation: Impact of cancer on ovarian function and oocyte quality. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 156:166-171. [PMID: 33837528 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of cancer on ovarian response and oocyte quality in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). METHODS This prospective study conducted at the Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit of Sandro Pertini Hospital enrolled 82 cancer patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) cycles for fertility preservation, and age- and date-matched controls undergoing COH for in vitro fertilization for male-factor infertility from June 2016 to November 2019. The interventions performed were COH, oocyte retrieval, and quality evaluation. Main outcome measures were maximal estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration, duration of stimulation, total amount of gonadotropins administered, number of oocytes retrieved, and rates of metaphase 2 oocytes and abnormal oocytes. All data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) 22.0. RESULTS Intergroup comparisons (82 cancer patients and 180 patients in control group) showed a significant difference in ovarian response, especially for a significant higher number of abnormal oocytes in cancer patients (P < 0.0001). Regression analysis to assess the influence of the neoplastic process, regardless of the type, on ovarian response showed an effect on the main outcome measured due to cancer itself. CONCLUSION Cancer influences the ovarian response, particularly the oocyte quality, during COH performed for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fabiani
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Ferrante
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Meneghini
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Licata
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Paciotti
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Gallo
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Schiavi
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetric Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Spina
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetric Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Guarino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Rago
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Zohni K, Lopez L, Mander P, Szaraz P, Filice M, Wyse BA, Garcia M, Gat I, Glass K, Gauthier-Fisher A, Librach CL. Human umbilical cord perivascular cells maintain regenerative traits following exposure to cyclophosphamide. Cancer Lett 2020; 501:133-146. [PMID: 33387641 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapies can cause germ cell depletion and gonadal failure. When injected post-chemotherapy, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from various sources have been shown to have regenerative effects in rodent models of chemotherapy-induced gonadal injury. Here, we evaluated two properties of a novel source of MSC, first trimester (FTM) human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVCs) (with increased regenerative potential compared to older sources), that may render them a promising candidate for chemotherapeutic gonadal injury prevention. Firstly, their ability to resist the cytotoxic effects of cyclophosphamide (CTX) in vitro, as compared to term HUCPVCs and bone marrow cells (BMSCs); and secondly, whether they prevent gonadal dysfunction if delivered prior to gonadotoxic therapy in vivo. BMSC, FTM HUCPVC, term HUCPVC, and control NTERA2 cells were treated with moderate (150 μmol/L) and high (300 μmol/L) doses of CTX in vitro. Viability, proliferative capacity, mesenchymal cell lineage markers and differentiation capacity, immunogenicity, and paracrine gene expression were assessed. CTX was administered to Wistar rats 2 days following an intra-ovarian injection of FTM HUCPVC. HUCPVC survival and ovarian follicle numbers were assessed using histological methods. We conclude that FTM HUCPVC maintain key regenerative properties following chemotherapy exposure and that pre-treatment with these cells may prevent CTX-induced ovarian damage in vivo. Therefore, HUCPVCs are promising candidates for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Zohni
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Heartland Fertility and Gynecology Clinic, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lianet Lopez
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Peter Szaraz
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Itai Gat
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Pinchas Borenstein Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Ramat Gan, Affiliated to Sackler Medical School, University of Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Karen Glass
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Ashizawa M, Kanda Y. Preservation of fertility in patients with hematological malignancies. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2020; 50:729-742. [PMID: 32419028 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyaa043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncofertility is the medical field that bridges oncology and reproduction that seeks to give healthcare providers and patients the opportunity to optimize residual fertility. The treatment for hematological malignancies carries gonadal toxicity, so that the preservation of fertility should be considered in all patients in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Most patients who receive only chemotherapy remain fertile, whereas those who receive regimens consisting of high-dose alkylating agents or total body irradiation can develop permanent infertility. In postpubertal patients, there are established methods for preserving fertility, such as the cryopreservation of sperm, oocytes and embryos. Although ideally performed before the initiation of gonadotoxic treatment, these procedures for fertility preservation can be performed any time prior to the loss of gonadal function. In contrast, a standard option is not available in prepubertal patients, and the preservation of fertility must be sought through experimental methods. Future advances in reproductive medicine may overcome this limitation. Gonadal tissue cryopreservation might be performed in the hope that sperm or mature oocytes could later be extracted from cryopreserved tissue. Healthcare providers, including hematologists, reproductive endocrinologists, nurses, clinical psychotherapists and embryologists, need to optimize the patient's fertility through shared decision-making while always remaining aware of the rapidly progressing developments in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ashizawa
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan, and
| | - Yoshinobu Kanda
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan, and.,Division of Hematology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
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Utilization and Outcomes of Fertility Preservation Techniques in Women Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019; 25:1232-1239. [PMID: 30772513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Iatrogenic menopause with consequent infertility is a major complication in reproductive-age women undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Recent guidelines recommend a discussion of the possibility of infertility and the options for fertility preservation as part of informed consent before initiation of any cancer-directed therapy, including HCT. Women age 15 to 49 years at the time of allogeneic HCT, between the years 2001 and 2017, were identified from the Mayo Clinic Rochester institutional HCT database. One hundred seventy-seven women were eligible, of whom 49 (28%) were excluded due to documented postmenopausal state or prior hysterectomy. The median age of the cohort was 31 years (range, 15 to 49 years) with median gravidity and parity being G1P1 (range, G0 to G8, P0 to P6). Fifty-four (42%) women were nulligravid at the time of HCT. Eighty-two percent underwent myeloablative conditioning (MAC), whereas 18% underwent reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC). Only 34 women (27%) had documented fertility counseling within 72 hours of diagnosis, and a total of 61 (48%) received fertility counseling prior to HCT. Thirty-eight women (30%) were referred to a reproductive endocrinologist, of whom 13 (10%) underwent assisted reproductive technologies (ART; nine oocyte cryopreservation, four embryo cryopreservation). Of these, nine procedures yielded successful cryopreserved tissue (two completed at outside institutions). The median time to completion of the seven successful ART procedures at Mayo Clinic was 13 days (range, 9 to 15 days). The remainder of women referred to reproductive endocrinology did not undergo ART due to disease severity (68%), financial barriers (20%), and/or low antral follicle count (12%). Ninety-three women (73%) received leuprolide for ovarian suppression prior to conditioning. Three (4%) of 75 women who underwent MAC and were alive >365 days after HCT had spontaneous menstrual recovery after HCT (median time, 14 months; range, 6 to 21 months), in comparison to 10 (50%) of 20 women who underwent RIC and were alive >365 days after HCT (P < .01) (median, 21.5 months; range, 5 to 83 months). In the latter cohort, there were two spontaneous pregnancies, occurring at 71 and 72 months after HCT, respectively. Oncofertility is an emerging field due to an increasing number of young cancer survivors. Herein, we document that even at a large tertiary HCT center, the rate of documented fertility counseling and reproductive endocrinology referrals was low and the rate of ART was even lower. Spontaneous menstrual recovery was rare but more likely in the setting of nonmalignant disease and RIC HCT. A concerted multidisciplinary effort is needed to understand parenthood goals and to explore the impact of HCT on decision making about fertility preservation and parenthood. These efforts could improve oncofertility referral, ART utilization, and reproductive outcomes.
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Dunn TN, Khazaeian K, Coffey DM, Rohozinski J, Kovanci E, Edwards CL, Tung CS. Successful yolk-sac tumor treatment with fertility-sparing partial oophorectomy. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2019; 27:22-24. [PMID: 30581951 PMCID: PMC6293018 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Yolk-sac tumors account for about 20% of ovarian germ cell tumors and occur predominantly in women below 35 years of age. Modern evidence-based treatment strategies have ensured long term post-treatment survival, but with increased survival, attention has been turned to an urgent need for developing fertility sparing treatment strategies. In this report we describe the successful treatment of a young woman who was able to conceive and deliver two children, in spite of the loss of one ovary two years prior to being diagnosed with an ovarian yolk-sac tumor on the remaining ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy N. Dunn
- Department of OB/GYN, University of Alabama-Birmingham, 1700 6th Ave S, Woman & Infants Center Rm 5328, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Kamyar Khazaeian
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Donna M. Coffey
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jan Rohozinski
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Ertug Kovanci
- Houston Fertility Specialists, 7900 Fannin Street, Suite 4400, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Creighton L. Edwards
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Celestine S. Tung
- Department of OB/GYN, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Specchia C, Baggiani A, Immediata V, Ronchetti C, Cesana A, Smeraldi A, Scaravelli G, Levi-Setti PE. Oocyte Cryopreservation in Oncological Patients: Eighteen Years Experience of a Tertiary Care Referral Center. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:600. [PMID: 31551931 PMCID: PMC6733913 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the present study is to report our experience on elective women fertility preservation before cancer treatment. Study Design: This is a single-center retrospective observational study, including all patients who underwent elective fertility preservation before oncological treatment between January 2001 and March 2019 at our Institute. Results: Of a total of 568 women who received fertility counseling, 244 (42.9%) underwent 252 oocyte retrieval cycles after controlled ovarian stimulation for cryopreservation. The majority of patients were diagnosed with breast cancer (59.9%), followed by women affected by Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (27.4%). A minority comprised patients diagnosed with other malignancies that affected soft tissues (2.8%), ovary borderline type (2.4%), digestive system (1.6%), leukemia (1.6%), uterine cervix (1.2%). The remaining 3.1% were affected by other cancer types. The mean age of the cohort was 31.3 ± 6.4 years and the mean oocyte retrieval was 13.5± 8.4. Of 11 women who returned to attempt a pregnancy, three performed two thawed cycles. We obtained four pregnancies from 24 embryo transfers (Pregnancy Rate 36.4% for couple): two miscarriages and two live births. Overall, 95.7% of oocytes are still in storage. Conclusions: A close collaboration between Cancer and Fertility Center in a tertiary care hospital is essential to provide a good health service in oncological patients. Offering fertility preservation is no longer considered optional and must be included in every therapeutic program for women who receive an oncological diagnosis in their reproductive age. Oocyte cryopreservation appears to be a good opportunity for fertility preservation. Our results, although they are obtained in a small sample, are encouraging, even if only 4.5% of patients returned to use their gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Specchia
- Division of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Humanitas Fertility Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Baggiani
- Division of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Humanitas Fertility Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Immediata
- Division of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Humanitas Fertility Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Ronchetti
- Division of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Humanitas Fertility Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Amalia Cesana
- Division of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Humanitas Fertility Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Smeraldi
- Division of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Humanitas Fertility Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Scaravelli
- ART Italian National Register, National Centre for Epidemiology, Surveillance and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- Division of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Humanitas Fertility Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
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ACOG Committee Opinion No. 747: Gynecologic Issues in Children and Adolescent Cancer Patients and Survivors. Obstet Gynecol 2018; 132:e67-e77. [DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000002763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Fisch B, Abir R. Female fertility preservation: past, present and future. Reproduction 2018; 156:F11-F27. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Anti-cancer therapy, particularly chemotherapy, damages ovarian follicles and promotes ovarian failure. The only pharmacological means for protecting the ovaries from chemotherapy-induced injury is gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist, but its efficiency remains controversial; ovarian transposition is used to shield the ovary from radiation when indicated. Until the late 1990s, the only option for fertility preservation and restoration in women with cancer was embryo cryopreservation. The development of other assisted reproductive technologies such as mature oocyte cryopreservation andin vitromaturation of oocytes has contributed to fertility preservation. Treatment regimens to obtain mature oocytes/embryos have been modified to overcome various limitations of conventional ovarian stimulation protocols. In the last decades, several centres have begun cryopreserving ovarian samples containing primordial follicles from young patients before anti-cancer therapy. The first live birth following implantation of cryopreserved-thawed ovarian tissue was reported in 2004; since then, the number has risen to more than 130. Nowadays, ovarian tissue cryopreservation can be combined within vitromaturation and vitrification of oocytes. The use of cryopreserved oocytes eliminates the risk posed by ovarian implantation of reseeding the cancer. Novel methods for enhancing follicular survival after implantation are presently being studied. In addition, researchers are currently investigating agents for ovarian protection. It is expected that the risk of reimplantation of malignant cells with ovarian grafts will be overcome with the putative development of an artificial ovary and an efficient follicle class- and species-dependentin vitrosystem for culturing primordial follicles.
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Hickman LC, Llarena NC, Valentine LN, Liu X, Falcone T. Preservation of gonadal function in women undergoing chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the potential role for gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:571-581. [PMID: 29470701 PMCID: PMC5949114 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1128-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the literature investigating the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) co-treatment for ovarian preservation in women receiving chemotherapy. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed from 1960 through 2017 to identify relevant RCTs. Included patients had lymphoma, ovarian cancer, or breast cancer. The primary outcome was the proportion of women who retained ovarian function after chemotherapy. Extracted data points included study design, patient characteristics, and proportion of women who developed premature ovarian failure (POF). A risk of bias assessment was performed according to the criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The pooled odds ratio was calculated, and outcomes of individual studies were compared using the random-effects model with the inverse-variance method and the DerSimonian-Laird estimator. RESULTS Twenty-nine RCTs were identified, and 10 met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. An analysis of patients who did not develop POF after chemotherapy revealed eight studies supporting the use of GnRHa (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.34-2.49). The duration of benefit of GnRHa is unclear. An analysis of three studies with outcome data at 2 years revealed a non-significant OR of 0.53 (95% CI 0.22-1.30) for the preservation of ovarian function with GnRHa treatment. CONCLUSION GnRHa may have a protective effect against the development of POF after gonadotoxic chemotherapy; however, the duration of benefit is unclear and requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Hickman
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A81, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Natalia C Llarena
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A81, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Lindsey N Valentine
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A81, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- Department of Quantitative Health Science, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Tommaso Falcone
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A81, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is recognized as the central regulator of the functions of the pituitary-gonadal axis. The increasing knowledge on the mechanisms controlling the development and the function of GnRH-producing neurons is leading to a better diagnostic and therapeutic approach for hypogonadotropic hypogonadisms and for alterations of the puberty onset. During female life span, the function of the GnRH pulse generator may be affected by a number of inputs from other neuronal systems, offering alternative strategies for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the identification of a GnRH/GnRH receptor system in both human ovary and endometrium has widened the spectrum of action of the peptide outside its hypothalamic functions. The pharmacological use of GnRH itself or its synthetic analogs (agonists and antagonists) provides a valid tool to either stimulate or block gonadotropin secretion and to modulate the female fertility in several reproductive disorders and in assisted reproduction technology. The use of GnRH agonists in young female patients undergoing chemotherapy is also considered a promising therapeutic approach to counteract iatrogenic ovarian failure.
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15
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De Felice F, Marchetti C, Di Pinto A, Musella A, Palaia I, Porpora MG, Muzii L, Tombolini V, Panici PB, Tomao F. Fertility preservation in gynaecologic cancers. Ecancermedicalscience 2018; 12:798. [PMID: 29434664 PMCID: PMC5804712 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2018.798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to substantial improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of gynaecologic cancers, a better understanding of patient care needs to be revised. We reviewed the literature related to fertility preservation strategies in gynaecological cancer and discussed current general management approaches. New technical modalities and patients' own desire for motherhood should be integral and paramount in the clinical evaluation to significantly contribute to preserving fertility in those women diagnosed with gynaecologic cancers during the reproductive years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Felice
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Claudia Marchetti
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Anna Di Pinto
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Angela Musella
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Innocenza Palaia
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Porpora
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tombolini
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Benedetti Panici
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Federica Tomao
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
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16
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von Wolff M, Germeyer A, Liebenthron J, Korell M, Nawroth F. Practical recommendations for fertility preservation in women by the FertiPROTEKT network. Part II: fertility preservation techniques. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2017; 297:257-267. [PMID: 29181578 PMCID: PMC5762782 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4595-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose In addition to guidelines focusing on scientific evidence, practical recommendations on fertility preservation are also needed. Methods A selective literature search was performed based on the clinical and scientific experience of the authors. This article (Part II) focuses on fertility preservation techniques. Part I, also published in this journal, provides information on disease prognosis, disease-specific therapy, and risks for loss of fertility. Results Ovarian stimulation including double stimulation and freezing of oocytes is the best-established therapy providing live birth chances in women < 35 years with high ovarian reserve of around 30–40%. Ovarian tissue freezing is especially useful in young women with good ovarian, if spontaneous conception is favoured and if < 1 week until chemotherapy is provided. Data on success rates are still limited, but this further evolving technique will possibly reach similar success rates as ovarian stimulation. GnRH agonists seem to reduce the risk of premature ovarian failure up to 50%; however, the effect is possibly not long-lasting. Ovarian transposition can easily be combined with freezing of ovarian tissue and is the preferred technique before pelvic radiotherapy. Other techniques, such as in vitro maturation, are limited to women with high ovarian reserve and remain less effective. In addition, procedures such as in vitro growth of follicles, etc. are still experimental. Conclusions Fertility preservation in women provides realistic chances of becoming pregnant. The choice of technique needs to be based on the time required, the woman’s age, its risks and efficacy, and the individual preference of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael von Wolff
- Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
- Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's hospital, Inselspital Bern, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - A Germeyer
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Medical University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - J Liebenthron
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - M Korell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Johanna Etienne Hospital of Neuss, Neuss, Germany
| | - F Nawroth
- Centre for Infertility, Prenatal Medicine, Endocrinology and Osteology, Amedes Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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17
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Shin YW, Lee ST, Park KI, Jung KH, Jung KY, Lee SK, Chu K. Treatment strategies for autoimmune encephalitis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2017; 11:1756285617722347. [PMID: 29399043 PMCID: PMC5784571 DOI: 10.1177/1756285617722347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis is one of the most rapidly growing research topics in neurology. Along with discoveries of novel antibodies associated with the disease, clinical experience and outcomes with diverse immunotherapeutic agents in the treatment of autoimmune encephalitis are accumulating. Retrospective observations indicate that early aggressive treatment is associated with better functional outcomes and fewer relapses. Immune response to first-line immunotherapeutic agents (corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, and immunoadsorption) is fair, but approximately half or more of patients are administered second-line immunotherapy (rituximab and cyclophosphamide). A small but significant proportion of patients are refractory to all first- and second-line therapies and require further treatment. Although several investigations have shown promising alternatives, the low absolute number of patients involved necessitates more evidence to establish further treatment strategies. In this review, the agents used for first- and second-line immunotherapy are discussed and recent attempts at finding new treatment options are introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Won Shin
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea Yeongjusi Health Center, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
| | - Soon-Tae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Il Park
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keun-Hwa Jung
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki-Young Jung
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Kun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kon Chu
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National niversity Hospital, 101, Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, South Korea Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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18
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Muñoz M, Santaballa A, Seguí MA, Beato C, de la Cruz S, Espinosa J, Fonseca PJ, Perez J, Quintanar T, Blasco A. SEOM Clinical Guideline of fertility preservation and reproduction in cancer patients (2016). Clin Transl Oncol 2016; 18:1229-1236. [PMID: 27896641 PMCID: PMC5138251 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-016-1587-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy often result in reduced fertility in cancer patients. With increasing survival rates, fertility is an important quality-of-life concern for many young cancer patients. Around 70–75% of young cancer survivors are interested in parenthood but the numbers of patients who access fertility preservation techniques prior to treatment are significantly lower. Moreover, despite existing guidelines, healthcare professionals do not address fertility preservation issues adequately. There is a critical need for improvements in clinical care to ensure patients are well informed about infertility risks and fertility preservation options and to support them in their reproductive decision-making prior to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Muñoz
- Servicio de Oncología Médica, Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Villarroel, 170-08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - A Santaballa
- Hospital Universitari I Politècnic la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - M A Seguí
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulì, Sabadell, Spain
| | - C Beato
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - S de la Cruz
- Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - J Espinosa
- Hospital General de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - P J Fonseca
- Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - J Perez
- Hospital General Universitario de Elche y Vega Baja, Elche, Spain
| | - T Quintanar
- Hospital General Universitario de Elche y Vega Baja, Elche, Spain
| | - A Blasco
- Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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