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Abel MK, Wang A, Letourneau JM, Melisko ME, Cedars MI, Rosen MP. Changing the Perspective on Fertility Preservation for Women with Metastatic or Advanced Stage Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 2024; 26:583-592. [PMID: 38639793 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01530-9] [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] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this Perspective we share the personal story of a 33-year-old patient diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and her journey through fertility preservation, surrogacy, and eventually motherhood, highlighting misconceptions about fertility preservation in this population. RECENT FINDINGS There are nearly 1 million women under the age of 50 diagnosed and living with cancer in the USA. These patients are met with life-altering decisions, including those that may limit their reproductive ability. While there have been tremendous advances and advocacy in the field of oncofertility, there has been limited focus on patients with advanced stage or metastatic cancer. We describe five key misconceptions surrounding fertility preservation in patients with advanced stage cancer, offering a review of the literature and our approach to challenging topics like desiring fertility preservation in the face of Stage 4 disease, the safety and timing of ovarian stimulation during cancer treatment, and passing away following fertility preservation. We review the importance of assessing perceptions of fertility preservation in patients with metastatic cancer and highlight the lack of research in this area as a call to action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kathryn Abel
- San Francisco School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Ange Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph M Letourneau
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michelle E Melisko
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marcelle I Cedars
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell P Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Antonouli S, Di Nisio V, Messini C, Daponte A, Rajender S, Anifandis G. A comprehensive review and update on human fertility cryopreservation methods and tools. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1151254. [PMID: 37143497 PMCID: PMC10151698 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1151254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The broad conceptualization of fertility preservation and restoration has become already a major concern in the modern western world since a large number of individuals often face it in the everyday life. Driven by different health conditions and/or social reasons, a variety of patients currently rely on routinely and non-routinely applied assisted reproductive technologies, and mostly on the possibility to cryopreserve gametes and/or gonadal tissues for expanding their reproductive lifespan. This review embraces the data present in human-focused literature regarding the up-to-date methodologies and tools contemporarily applied in IVF laboratories' clinical setting of the oocyte, sperm, and embryo cryopreservation and explores the latest news and issues related to the optimization of methods used in ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
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3
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Frederick NN, Klosky JL, Meacham L, Quinn GP, Kelvin JF, Cherven B, Freyer DR, Dvorak CC, Brackett J, Ahmed-Winston S, Bryson E, Su HI, Chow EJ, Levine J. Fertility Preservation Practices at Pediatric Oncology Institutions in the United States: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e550-e558. [PMID: 36763922 PMCID: PMC10113112 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Fertility discussions are an integral part of comprehensive care for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients newly diagnosed with cancer and are supported by national guidelines. Current institutional practices are poorly understood. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 220 Children's Oncology Group member institutions regarding fertility discussion practices. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. The association between specific practices and selected outcomes on the basis of sex was examined via multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS One hundred forty-four programs (65.5%) returned surveys. Of these, 65 (45.1%) reported routine discussions of fertility with all female patients and 55 (38.5%) all male patients (P = .25). Ninety-two (63.8%) reported no specific criteria for offering females fertility preservation (FP), compared with 40 (27.7%) for males (P < .001). Program characteristics associated with fertility discussions included reproductive endocrinology and infertility on site (females odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.3), discussion documentation mandate (females OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.5; males OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 8.7), and cumulative institution-based FP infrastructure (which included [1] routine practice of documentation, [2] template for documentation, [3] mandate for documentation, and [4] availability of FP navigation; females OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.3; males OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6 to 3.4). Utilization of practices unsupported by guidelines included offering sperm banking after treatment initiation (39/135 programs; 28.9%), gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs for ovarian suppression/FP (75/144 programs; 52.1%), ovarian tissue cryopreservation at diagnosis for patients with leukemia (19/64 programs; 29.7%), and testicular tissue cryopreservation (23/138 programs; 16.7%) not part of a clinical trial. CONCLUSION Despite recommended guidelines, fertility discussions with patients/families before treatment initiation are not routine at Children's Oncology Group institutions. Standard criteria to determine which options should be offered to patients are more common for males than females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha N. Frederick
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT
| | - James L. Klosky
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Division of Medical Ethics, Departments of OB-GYN, Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY
| | | | - Brooke Cherven
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - David R. Freyer
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Christopher C. Dvorak
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Julienne Brackett
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX
| | | | - Elyse Bryson
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - H. Irene Su
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Eric J. Chow
- Clinical Research and Public Health Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Jennifer Levine
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
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Jiménez-Trejo F, Arriaga-Canon C, Herrera LA, Lisboa-Nascimento T, Diaz D. Insights of Oncofertility in Mexico and Latin America. Front Oncol 2022; 12:811464. [PMID: 35600375 PMCID: PMC9120766 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.811464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luis A. Herrera
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Daniel Diaz
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Coker Appiah L, Fei YF, Olsen M, Lindheim SR, Puccetti DM. Disparities in Female Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Oncofertility: A Needs Assessment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5419. [PMID: 34771582 PMCID: PMC8582476 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in cancer screening and implementation of targeted treatments have significantly improved survival rates to 85% for pediatric and AYA survivors. Greater than 75% of survivors will live to experience the long-term adverse outcomes of cancer therapies, termed late effects (LE), that disrupt quality of life (QoL). Infertility and poor reproductive outcomes are significant disruptors of QoL in survivorship, affecting 12-88% of survivors who receive at-risk therapies. To mitigate risk, fertility preservation (FP) counseling is recommended as standard of care prior to gonadotoxic therapy. However, disparities in FP counseling, implementation of FP interventions, and screening for gynecologic late effects in survivorship persist. Barriers to care include a lack of provider and patient knowledge of the safety and breadth of current FP options, misconceptions about the duration of time required to implement FP therapies, cost, and health care team bias. Developing strategies to address barriers and implement established guidelines are necessary to ensure equity and improve quality of care across populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Coker Appiah
- Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO 80045, USA
- Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver, CO 80045, USA
| | - Yueyang Frances Fei
- Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
| | - Mallery Olsen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.O.); (D.M.P.)
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, American Family Children’s Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Steven R. Lindheim
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45409, USA;
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Diane M. Puccetti
- Department of Medicine, The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.O.); (D.M.P.)
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, American Family Children’s Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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6
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Salsman JM, Yanez B, Snyder MA, Avina AR, Clayman ML, Smith KN, Purnell K, Victorson D. Attitudes and practices about fertility preservation discussions among young adults with cancer treated at a comprehensive cancer center: patient and oncologist perspectives. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:5945-5955. [PMID: 33763727 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adults (YAs, ages 18-39) diagnosed with cancer face multiple challenges that affect their health-related quality of life, including the potential for cancer-related infertility. Providing information about the risk of infertility and options to maintain fertility is critical for YAs who are newly diagnosed. However, barriers to effective communication exist for oncologists and their patients. The purpose of this study was to interview medical oncologists and YAs from the same cancer center to examine attitudes and practices about fertility preservation. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with medical oncologists (N=12) and YAs within 2 years post-treatment (N=24), representing the most common cancers affecting YAs. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using qualitative methodologies with the analysis software NVivo 10. RESULTS Twelve oncologists (50% female, 67% <50 years) and 24 YAs (67% female, M=29 years) completed interviews. Common themes across oncologist and YA interviews were the roles of cancer type or stage and patient interest or parity in influencing the decision. The most important factor for YAs was to receive accurate, in-depth information. Unique themes for oncologists focused on clinical aspects of their patient's disease. For YAs, they shared about the emotional impact of cancer-related infertility and desire for support from trusted others. CONCLUSIONS Results provide a better understanding of the attitudes and practices about fertility preservation discussions among YAs. Given the common factors affecting fertility preservation decisions, models of shared decision-making may be ideal for YAs and oncologists. Future interventions should explore tailored applications of this approach for YAs newly diagnosed with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Salsman
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine & the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
| | - Betina Yanez
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mallory A Snyder
- Office of Research and National Laboratories, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexis R Avina
- San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marla L Clayman
- General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kristin N Smith
- The Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - David Victorson
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Bojic S, Murray A, Bentley BL, Spindler R, Pawlik P, Cordeiro JL, Bauer R, de Magalhães JP. Winter is coming: the future of cryopreservation. BMC Biol 2021; 19:56. [PMID: 33761937 PMCID: PMC7989039 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00976-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The preservative effects of low temperature on biological materials have been long recognised, and cryopreservation is now widely used in biomedicine, including in organ transplantation, regenerative medicine and drug discovery. The lack of organs for transplantation constitutes a major medical challenge, stemming largely from the inability to preserve donated organs until a suitable recipient is found. Here, we review the latest cryopreservation methods and applications. We describe the main challenges-scaling up to large volumes and complex tissues, preventing ice formation and mitigating cryoprotectant toxicity-discuss advantages and disadvantages of current methods and outline prospects for the future of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Bojic
- School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Alex Murray
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Barry L Bentley
- Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.,Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Piotr Pawlik
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, University College London Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Roman Bauer
- Department of Computer Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
| | - João Pedro de Magalhães
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing Group, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Qu J, Li Y, Liao S, Yan J. The Effects of Negative Elements in Environment and Cancer on Female Reproductive System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1300:283-313. [PMID: 33523439 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-33-4187-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
With the development of human society, factors that contribute to the impairment of female fertility is accumulating. Lifestyle-related risk factors, occupational risk factors, and iatrogenic factors, including cancer and anti-cancer treatments, have been recognized with their negative effects on the function of female reproductive system. However, the exact influences and their possible mechanism have not been elucidated yet. It is impossible to accurately estimate the indexes of female fertility, but many researchers have put forward that the general fertility has inclined through the past decades. Thus the demand for fertility preservation has increased more and more dramatically. Here we described some of the factors which may influence female reproductive system and methods for fertility preservation in response to female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangxue Qu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehan Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shujie Liao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Jie Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Barlevy D, Elger BS, Wangmo T, Ash S, Ravitsky V. The Meaning and Importance of Genetic Relatedness: Fertility Preservation Decision Making Among Israeli Adolescent Cancer Survivors and Their Parents. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS 2020. [DOI: 10.7202/1073782ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: With multiple options available today to become a parent, how does the matter of genetic relatedness factor into adolescent cancer patients’ fertility preservation (FP) decision making? This study reports on and normatively analyzes this aspect of FP decision making. Methods: A convenience sample of Israeli adolescent cancer survivors and their parents were invited to participate in individual, semi-structured interviews. Results: In discussing the importance of genetic relatedness to future children or grandchildren, participants repeatedly brought up the interrelated issues of nature, normalcy, and personal identity. Regardless of preference or ambivalence for genetic relatedness, the majority of participants were aware of alternative parenting options and noted both their advantages and disadvantages. However, knowledge of alternative parenting options was not uniform. Conclusions: To ensure that adolescent patients and their parents make informed FP decisions that meet their personal goals and values, it is important for physicians to discuss alternative parenting options with them in a culturally sensitive manner. Greater credence also should be given to those who question the importance of genetic relatedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Barlevy
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernice S. Elger
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shifra Ash
- Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tiqva, Israel
| | - Vardit Ravitsky
- Bioethics Program, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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D'Hondt C, Vanhoeij M, Van Moer E, Segers I, Fontaine C, Tournaye H, De Vos M. Fertility preservation does not delay the initiation of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 184:433-444. [PMID: 32794060 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05858-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether fertility preservation (FP) in adult women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) may impact the time interval between diagnosis and start of chemotherapy in an adjuvant or neo-adjuvant setting. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of breast cancer patients diagnosed between January 2012 and December 2017 undergoing FP at a tertiary-care academic fertility centre before neo-adjuvant (NAC) or adjuvant chemotherapy (AC), and matched control breast cancer patients who had no FP. FP interventions included oocyte vitrification following ovarian stimulation or after in-vitro maturation (IVM) of immature oocytes, and/or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Controls from the patient database of the affiliated Breast Cancer Clinic were matched for tumour characteristics and type of treatment. Time intervals between cancer diagnosis and the start of chemotherapy were analysed. RESULTS Fifty-nine BC patients underwent FP: 29 received NAC and 30 received AC. The average interval between diagnosis and chemotherapy in BC patients with NAC was 28.5 days (27.3 (range: 14.0-44.0) days in cases and 29.6 (range: 14.0-62.0) days in controls (NS)); this interval was 58.9 days in BC patients with AC (57.2 (range: 36.0-106.0) days in cases and 60.7 (range: 31.0-105.0) days in controls (NS)). CONCLUSION Fertility preservation does not delay the start of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia D'Hondt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marian Vanhoeij
- Breast Cancer Clinic, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Van Moer
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Segers
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christel Fontaine
- Breast Cancer Clinic, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium. .,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.
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11
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Pretalli JB, Frontczak Franck S, Pazart L, Roux C, Amiot C. Development of Ovarian Tissue Autograft to Restore Ovarian Function: Protocol for a French Multicenter Cohort Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e12944. [PMID: 31573931 PMCID: PMC6802486 DOI: 10.2196/12944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sterility is a major late effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. Iatrogenic sterility is often permanent and greatly impacts long-term quality of life. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) performed before gonadotoxic treatments with subsequent autograft is a method of fertility preservation available for girls and women. Its application in prepubertal girls is of particular value as it is the only possible approach in this patient group. In addition, it does not require a delay in cancer therapy and no ovarian stimulation is needed. Objective The primary aim of this protocol is to help increase the implementation of ovarian tissue autografting in France. Knowledge is still lacking regarding the efficacy of ovarian transplantation in restoring ovarian function and regarding the safety of this procedure, especially the risk of cancer cell reseeding in certain types of cancer. A secondary aim of this study is to generate data to improve our understanding of these two essential aspects. Methods The DATOR (Development of Ovarian Tissue Autograft in Order to Restore Ovarian Function) study is ongoing in 17 university hospitals. The DATOR protocol includes the autograft of ovarian cortex fragments. Candidates are identified from an observational prospective cohort (called the Prospective Cohort of Patients Candidates for Ovarian Tissue Autograft [PERIDATOR]) of patients who have undergone OTC. Enrollment in the study is initiated at the patient’s request and must be validated by the center’s multidisciplinary team and by the study steering committee. The DATOR study begins with a total medical checkup. Ovarian tissue qualification and residual disease detection, if required, are performed. Results The study is ongoing. Currently, 38 patients have provided informed consent and have been entered into the DATOR study. Graft has been performed for 34 of these patients. An interim analysis was conducted on the first 25 patients for whom the period of at least 1 year posttransplantation was achieved. Out of these 25 patients, 11 women succeeded in becoming pregnant (pregnancy rate=44% [11/25]; delivery rate=40% [10/25]). Among these, 6 women conceived twice, and 1 pregnancy led to a miscarriage. Conclusions Our preliminary analysis appears to be coherent with the accumulating body of evidence indicating the potential utility of ovarian tissue autograft for patients with premature ovarian failure. All these elements justify the pursuit of our study. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02846064; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02846064 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/12944
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Pretalli
- INSERM CIC 1431, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besançon, Besançon, France.,Department of Reproductive Medicine and Biology, Cryobiology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Sophie Frontczak Franck
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Biology, Cryobiology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Lionel Pazart
- INSERM CIC 1431, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besançon, Besançon, France.,EA481 - Integrative and Clinical Neuroscience Laboratory, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Christophe Roux
- INSERM CIC 1431, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besançon, Besançon, France.,Department of Reproductive Medicine and Biology, Cryobiology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France.,INSERM, Établissement Français du Sang Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Clotilde Amiot
- INSERM CIC 1431, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besançon, Besançon, France.,Department of Reproductive Medicine and Biology, Cryobiology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France.,INSERM, Établissement Français du Sang Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
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12
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Fertility preservation in patients with hematologic malignancies and recipients of hematopoietic cell transplants. Blood 2019; 134:746-760. [PMID: 31292116 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2018846790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with hematologic malignancies and those undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) face a complex set of challenges when considering options for fertility preservation (FP). There are no standard options for prepubertal children, and women with hematologic malignancies may not be eligible for standard FP options. Fortunately, initial therapies for most blood cancers are not highly gonadotoxic, affording an important opportunity for postremission counseling and referrals to fertility specialists. These patients face a high risk of relapse, and many will be referred for autologous or allogeneic HCT, which carries an extremely high risk of infertility. The expanding indications for HCT to include benign hematologic disorders as well as autoimmune diseases mandate that all hematologists are familiar with these risks. Oncofertility researchers are continually pushing the boundaries of what may be possible for our patients; in the meantime, communication and shared decision-making between hematologists and patients, as well as program-building, education, and outreach are essential to ensure that these patients, many of whom will be cured, maintain all of their options for a fulfilling life after intensive therapy.
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13
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Kimberly LL, Folkers KM, Friesen P, Sultan D, Quinn GP, Bateman-House A, Parent B, Konnoth C, Janssen A, Shah LD, Bluebond-Langner R, Salas-Humara C. Ethical Issues in Gender-Affirming Care for Youth. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2018-1537. [PMID: 30401789 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-1537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) youth who suffer from gender dysphoria are at a substantially elevated risk of numerous adverse physical and psychosocial outcomes compared with their cisgender peers. Innovative treatment options used to support and affirm an individual's preferred gender identity can help resolve gender dysphoria and avoid many negative sequelae of nontreatment. Yet, despite advances in these relatively novel treatment options, which appear to be highly effective in addressing gender dysphoria and mitigating associated adverse outcomes, ethical challenges abound in ensuring that young patients receive appropriate, safe, affordable treatment and that access to this treatment is fair and equitable. Ethical considerations in gender-affirming care for TGNC youth span concerns about meeting the obligations to maximize treatment benefit to patients (beneficence), minimizing harm (nonmaleficence), supporting autonomy for pediatric patients during a time of rapid development, and addressing justice, including equitable access to care for TGNC youth. Moreover, although available data describing the use of gender-affirming treatment options are encouraging, and the risks of not treating TGNC youth with gender dysphoria are evident, little is known about the long-term effects of both hormonal and surgical interventions in this population. To support ethical decision-making about treatment options, we encourage the development of a comprehensive registry in the United States to track long-term patient outcomes. In the meantime, providers who work with TGNC youth and their families should endeavor to offer ethically sound, patient-centered, gender-affirming care based on the best currently available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L Kimberly
- Division of Medical Ethics, Department of Population Health.,Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, and
| | | | - Phoebe Friesen
- Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
| | | | - Gwendolyn P Quinn
- Division of Medical Ethics, Department of Population Health.,Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | | | - Brendan Parent
- Division of Medical Ethics, Department of Population Health
| | - Craig Konnoth
- Colorado Law, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
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14
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Quinn GP, Sampson A, Campo-Engelstein L. Familial Discordance Regarding Fertility Preservation for a Transgender Teen: An Ethical Case Study. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ETHICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1086/jce2018294261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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15
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Müller M, Urech C, Boivin J, Ehrbar V, Moffat R, Daellenbach RZ, Rochlitz C, Tschudin S. Addressing decisional conflict about fertility preservation: helping young female cancer survivors' family planning decisions. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2018; 44:175-180. [PMID: 29150522 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2017-101820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health professionals are challenged by a growing number of young long-term cancer survivors with their specific needs with regard to family planning. This study aimed at assessing decisional conflict (DC) in young female cancer patients regarding fertility preservation, identifying demographic, fertility and fertility preservation related factors, which may affect DC, and assessing the helpfulness of various decision-supports. METHODS A retrospective, cross-sectional, web-based survey via an online questionnaire available in three languages with specific items concerning cancer, fertility, fertility preservation and the validated Decisional Conflict Scale targeted at current or former female cancer patients aged 18-45 years, with cancer types or treatment potentially affecting reproductive function. RESULTS The 155 participating women showed considerable DC, especially with regard to missing information and support. DC was significantly lower in patients when the risk of infertility was discussed with a health professional, when they had undergone any procedure to preserve fertility, and when they had a university education. A longer time interval since cancer diagnosis was associated with higher DC. The most helpful decision-support tools were specialised websites and leaflets. CONCLUSIONS Young female cancer patients' DC with regard to fertility preservation is very high. Information and support seem to be deficient. More information through standardised information tools might be an effective strategy to lower their DC at the time when treatment decisions need to be taken, and to improve their reproductive health after they have overcome cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madleina Müller
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Urech
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jacky Boivin
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Verena Ehrbar
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Moffat
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Christoph Rochlitz
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sibil Tschudin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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16
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Urech C, Ehrbar V, Boivin J, Müller M, Alder J, Zanetti Dällenbach R, Rochlitz C, Tschudin S. Knowledge about and attitude towards fertility preservation in young female cancer patients: a cross-sectional online survey. HUM FERTIL 2017; 21:45-51. [DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2017.1380317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Urech
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Verena Ehrbar
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jacky Boivin
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Madleina Müller
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Judith Alder
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Christoph Rochlitz
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sibil Tschudin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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