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Jans V, Dondorp W, Mastenbroek S, Mertes H, Pennings G, Smeets H, de Wert G. Between innovation and precaution: how did offspring safety considerations play a role in strategies of introducing new reproductive techniques? Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa003. [PMID: 32201741 PMCID: PMC7077615 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of reproductive medicine has been criticized for introducing ARTs without systematic research on possible safety risks and for failing to meet the standards of evidence-based innovation held elsewhere in medicine. In this paper, firstly, we ask whether ‘responsible innovation’ has been a concern for the field, and if so, how it has understood the practical implications of this idea for the development and introduction of potentially risky new ARTs. Secondly, we consider whether the field has indeed fallen short of its responsibilities in this respect, and if so, how things can be improved. To answer these questions, we present three case studies involving the introduction of a new reproductive technology: ICSI, preimplantation genetic testing and mitochondrial replacement therapy. As a framework for analyzing these cases, we used Per Sandin’s account of the four dimensions of dealing with risks (threat, uncertainty, action, command) that are central to debates about the possible role of the so-called precautionary principle. We conclude that, although offspring safety concerns have been on the agenda of the debate about bringing the relevant technologies to the clinic, systematic safety and effectiveness studies were not always conducted. As professionals in assisted reproduction have a responsibility to take account of the welfare of the children they are creating, we suggest a policy of proceeding with systematic caution. Legal measures may be needed to ensure that professional guidance is followed in practice. Finally, an open question concerns the threshold for acceptable risk in the context of introducing new ARTs. Multiple stakeholders, including professional societies and patient organizations, should have a role in the urgent debate about this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verna Jans
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society and Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wybo Dondorp
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society and Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guido Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hubert Smeets
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society and Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Gleicher N, Orvieto R. Is the hypothesis of preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) still supportable? A review. J Ovarian Res 2017; 10:21. [PMID: 28347334 PMCID: PMC5368937 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-017-0318-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGS) was first proposed 20 years ago, suggesting that elimination of aneuploid embryos prior to transfer will improve implantation rates of remaining embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF), increase pregnancy and live birth rates and reduce miscarriages. The aforementioned improved outcome was based on 5 essential assumptions: (i) Most IVF cycles fail because of aneuploid embryos. (ii) Their elimination prior to embryo transfer will improve IVF outcomes. (iii) A single trophectoderm biopsy (TEB) at blastocyst stage is representative of the whole TE. (iv) TE ploidy reliably represents the inner cell mass (ICM). (v) Ploidy does not change (i.e., self-correct) downstream from blastocyst stage. We aim to offer a review of the aforementioned assumptions and challenge the general hypothesis of PGS. We reviewed 455 publications, which as of January 20, 2017 were listed in PubMed under the search phrase < preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) for aneuploidy>. The literature review was performed by both authors who agreed on the final 55 references. Various reports over the last 18 months have raised significant questions not only about the basic clinical utility of PGS but the biological underpinnings of the hypothesis, the technical ability of a single trophectoderm (TE) biopsy to accurately assess an embryo’s ploidy, and suggested that PGS actually negatively affects IVF outcomes while not affecting miscarriage rates. Moreover, due to high rates of false positive diagnoses as a consequence of high mosaicism rates in TE, PGS leads to the discarding of large numbers of normal embryos with potential for normal euploid pregnancies if transferred rather than disposed of. We found all 5 basic assumptions underlying the hypothesis of PGS to be unsupported: (i) The association of embryo aneuploidy with IVF failure has to be reevaluated in view how much more common TE mosaicism is than has until recently been appreciated. (ii) Reliable elimination of presumed aneuploid embryos prior to embryo transfer appears unrealistic. (iii) Mathematical models demonstrate that a single TEB cannot provide reliable information about the whole TE. (iv) TE does not reliably reflect the ICM. (v) Embryos, likely, still have strong innate ability to self-correct downstream from blastocyst stage, with ICM doing so better than TE. The hypothesis of PGS, therefore, no longer appears supportable. With all 5 basic assumptions underlying the hypothesis of PGS demonstrated to have been mistaken, the hypothesis of PGS, itself, appears to be discredited. Clinical use of PGS for the purpose of IVF outcome improvements should, therefore, going forward be restricted to research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, 10021, USA. .,Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY, 10022, USA. .,Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vienna School of Medicine, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Sermon K, Capalbo A, Cohen J, Coonen E, De Rycke M, De Vos A, Delhanty J, Fiorentino F, Gleicher N, Griesinger G, Grifo J, Handyside A, Harper J, Kokkali G, Mastenbroek S, Meldrum D, Meseguer M, Montag M, Munné S, Rienzi L, Rubio C, Scott K, Scott R, Simon C, Swain J, Treff N, Ubaldi F, Vassena R, Vermeesch JR, Verpoest W, Wells D, Geraedts J. The why, the how and the when of PGS 2.0: current practices and expert opinions of fertility specialists, molecular biologists, and embryologists. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:845-57. [PMID: 27256483 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION We wanted to probe the opinions and current practices on preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), and more specifically on PGS in its newest form: PGS 2.0? STUDY FINDING Consensus is lacking on which patient groups, if any at all, can benefit from PGS 2.0 and, a fortiori, whether all IVF patients should be offered PGS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY It is clear from all experts that PGS 2.0 can be defined as biopsy at the blastocyst stage followed by comprehensive chromosome screening and possibly combined with vitrification. Most agree that mosaicism is less of an issue at the blastocyst stage than at the cleavage stage but whether mosaicism is no issue at all at the blastocyst stage is currently called into question. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS A questionnaire was developed on the three major aspects of PGS 2.0: the Why, with general questions such as PGS 2.0 indications; the How, specifically on genetic analysis methods; the When, on the ideal method and timing of embryo biopsy. Thirty-five colleagues have been selected to address these questions on the basis of their experience with PGS, and demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, presentations at meetings and participation in the discussion. The first group of experts who were asked about 'The Why' comprised fertility experts, the second group of molecular biologists were asked about 'The How' and the third group of embryologists were asked about 'The When'. Furthermore, the geographical distribution of the experts has been taken into account. Thirty have filled in the questionnaire as well as actively participated in the redaction of the current paper. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The 30 participants were from Europe (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, UK) and the USA. Array comparative genome hybridization is the most widely used method amongst the participants, but it is slowly being replaced by massive parallel sequencing. Most participants offering PGS 2.0 to their patients prefer blastocyst biopsy. The high efficiency of vitrification of blastocysts has added a layer of complexity to the discussion, and it is not clear whether PGS in combination with vitrification, PGS alone, or vitrification alone, followed by serial thawing and eSET will be the favoured approach. The opinions range from in favour of the introduction of PGS 2.0 for all IVF patients, over the proposal to use PGS as a tool to rank embryos according to their implantation potential, to scepticism towards PGS pending a positive outcome of robust, reliable and large-scale RCTs in distinct patient groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Care was taken to obtain a wide spectrum of views from carefully chosen experts. However, not all invited experts agreed to participate, which explains a lack of geographical coverage in some areas, for example China. This paper is a collation of current practices and opinions, and it was outside the scope of this study to bring a scientific, once-and-for-all solution to the ongoing debate. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This paper is unique in that it brings together opinions on PGS 2.0 from all different perspectives and gives an overview of currently applied technologies as well as potential future developments. It will be a useful reference for fertility specialists with an expertise outside reproductive genetics. LARGE SCALE DATA none. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS No specific funding was obtained to conduct this questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonio Capalbo
- GENETYX, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Via Fermi 1, 36063 Marostica (VI), Italy
| | - Jacques Cohen
- ART Institute of Washington at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Edith Coonen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martine De Rycke
- Centre for Medical Genetics, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anick De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joy Delhanty
- University College London Centre for PGD, UCL, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Francesco Fiorentino
- GENOMA-Molecular Genetics Laboratories, Via di Castel Giubileo, 11 00138, Rome, Italy
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY 10021, USA The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY 1022, USA The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Georg Griesinger
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Jamie Grifo
- NYU Fertility Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, 660 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Alan Handyside
- The Bridge Centre, London SE1 9RY, UK Illumina Cambridge Ltd, Capital Park CPC4, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5XE, UK
| | - Joyce Harper
- University College London Centre for PGD, UCL, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Georgia Kokkali
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanicoli 14-16, Chalandri, 152-32, Athens, Greece
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Meldrum
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI) Clinic Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Markus Montag
- ilabcomm GmbH, Eisenachstr. 34, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | | | - Laura Rienzi
- GENERA, Centres for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen Rubio
- Igenomix, and IVI Fundation, Parc Cientific Universitat de Valencia, Catedrático Agustín Escardino 9, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Richard Scott
- Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) of New Jersey, 140 Allen Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Carlos Simon
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain IGenomix, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jason Swain
- CCRM IVF Laboratory Network, Englewood, CO 80112 USA
| | - Nathan Treff
- Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) of New Jersey, 140 Allen Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | | | - Rita Vassena
- Clinica EUGIN, Travessera de Les Corts 322, 08029 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Willem Verpoest
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dagan Wells
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK Reprogenetics UK, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford Business Park, Oxford OX4 2HW, UK
| | - Joep Geraedts
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Dahdouh EM, Balayla J, García-Velasco JA. Impact of blastocyst biopsy and comprehensive chromosome screening technology on preimplantation genetic screening: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 30:281-9. [PMID: 25599824 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic aneuploidy is highly prevalent in IVF cycles and contributes to decreased implantation rates, IVF cycle failure and early pregnancy loss. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) selects the most competent (euploid) embryos for transfer, and has been proposed to improve IVF outcomes. Use of PGS with fluorescence-in-situ hybridization technology after day 3 embryo biopsy (PGS-v1) significantly lowers live birth rates and is not recommended for use. Comprehensive chromosome screening technology, which assesses the whole chromosome complement, can be achieved using different genetic platforms. Whether PGS using comprehensive chromosome screening after blastocyst biopsy (PGS-v2) improves IVF outcomes remains to be determined. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted on PGS-v2. Three trials met full inclusion criteria, comparing PGS-v2 and routine IVF care. PGS-v2 is associated with higher clinical implantation rates, and higher ongoing pregnancy rates when the same number of embryos is transferred in both PGS and control groups. Additionally, PGS-v2 improves embryo selection in eSET practice, maintaining the same ongoing pregnancy rates between PGS and control groups, while sharply decreasing multiple pregnancy rates. These results stem from good-prognosis patients undergoing IVF. Whether these findings can be extrapolated to poor-prognosis patients with decreased ovarian reserve remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias M Dahdouh
- ART-PGD Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Canada, H3T 1C5; PROCREA Clinics, Montreal, Canada, H3P 2W3; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada, H3T 1C5.
| | - Jacques Balayla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada, H3T 1C5
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Gleicher N, Kushnir VA, Barad DH. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) still in search of a clinical application: a systematic review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:22. [PMID: 24628895 PMCID: PMC3986466 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Only a few years ago the American Society of Assisted Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the British Fertility Society declared preimplantation genetic screening (PGS#1) ineffective in improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy rates and in reducing miscarriage rates. A presumably upgraded form of the procedure (PGS#2) has recently been reintroduced, and is here assessed in a systematic review. PGS#2 in comparison to PGS#1 is characterized by: (i) trophectoderm biopsy on day 5/6 embryos in place of day-3 embryo biopsy; and (ii) fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) of limited chromosome numbers is replaced by techniques, allowing aneuploidy assessments of all 24 chromosome pairs. Reviewing the literature, we were unable to identify properly conducted prospective clinical trials in which IVF outcomes were assessed based on "intent to treat". Whether PGS#2 improves IVF outcomes can, therefore, not be determined. Reassessments of data, alleged to support the efficacy of PGS#2, indeed, suggest the opposite. Like with PGS#1, the introduction of PGS#2 into unrestricted IVF practice again appears premature, and threatens to repeat the PGS#1 experience, when thousands of women experienced reductions in IVF pregnancy chances, while expecting improvements. PGS#2 is an unproven and still experimental procedure, which, until evidence suggests otherwise, should only be offered under study conditions, and with appropriate informed consents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), New York, USA
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
| | | | - David H Barad
- The Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), New York, USA
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, USA
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