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Amargant F, Zhou LT, Yuan Y, Nahar A, Krisher RL, Spate LD, Roberts RM, Prather RS, Rowell EE, Laronda MM, Duncan FE. FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 (FLI) supplementation during human in vitro maturation enhances markers of gamete competence. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1938-1951. [PMID: 37608600 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead162] [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] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does a chemically defined maturation medium supplemented with FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 (FLI) improve in vitro maturation (IVM) of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained from children, adolescents, and young adults undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC)? SUMMARY ANSWER Although FLI supplementation did not increase the incidence of oocyte meiotic maturation during human IVM, it significantly improved quality outcomes, including increased cumulus cell expansion and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression as well as enhanced transzonal projection retraction. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY During OTC, COCs, and denuded oocytes from small antral follicles are released into the processing media. Recovery and IVM of these COCs is emerging as a complementary technique to maximize the fertility preservation potential of the tissue. However, the success of IVM is low, especially in the pediatric population. Supplementation of IVM medium with FLI quadruples the efficiency of pig production through improved oocyte maturation, but whether a similar benefit occurs in humans has not been investigated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study enrolled 75 participants between January 2018 and December 2021 undergoing clinical fertility preservation through the Fertility & Hormone Preservation & Restoration Program at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Participants donated OTC media, accumulated during tissue processing, for research. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants who underwent OTC and include a pediatric population that encompassed children, adolescents, and young adults ≤22 years old. All participant COCs and denuded oocytes were recovered from media following ovarian tissue processing. IVM was then performed in either a standard medium (oocyte maturation medium) or one supplemented with FLI (FGF2; 40 ng/ml, LIF; 20 ng/ml, and IGF1; 20 ng/ml). IVM outcomes included meiotic progression, cumulus cell expansion, transzonal projection retraction, and detection of MAPK protein expression. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The median age of participants was 6.3 years, with 65% of them classified as prepubertal by Tanner staging. Approximately 60% of participants had been exposed to chemotherapy and/or radiation prior to OTC. On average 4.7 ± 1 COCs and/or denuded oocytes per participant were recovered from the OTC media. COCs (N = 41) and denuded oocytes (N = 29) were used for IVM (42 h) in a standard or FLI-supplemented maturation medium. The incidence of meiotic maturation was similar between cohorts (COCs: 25.0% vs 28.6% metaphase II arrested eggs in Control vs FLI; denuded oocytes: 0% vs 5.3% in Control vs FLI). However, cumulus cell expansion was 1.9-fold greater in COCs matured in FLI-containing medium relative to Controls and transzonal projection retraction was more pronounced (2.45 ± 0.50 vs 1.16 ± 0.78 projections in Control vs FLIat 16 h). Additionally, MAPK expression was significantly higher in cumulus cells obtained from COCs matured in FLI medium for 16-18 h (chemiluminescence corrected area 621,678 vs 2,019,575 a.u., P = 0.03). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our samples are from human participants who exhibited heterogeneity with respect to age, diagnosis, and previous treatment history. Future studies with larger sample sizes, including adult participants, are warranted to determine the mechanism by which FLI induces MAPK expression and activation. Moreover, studies that evaluate the developmental competence of eggs derived from FLI treatment, including assessment of embryos as outcome measures, will be required prior to clinical translation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS FLI supplementation may have a conserved beneficial effect on IVM for children, adolescents, and young adults spanning the agricultural setting to clinical fertility preservation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology startup funds (F.E.D.), Department of Surgery Faculty Practice Plan Grant and the Fertility & Hormone Preservation & Restoration Program at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (M.M.L. and E.E.R.). M.M.L. is a Gesualdo Foundation Research Scholar. Y.Y.'s research is supported by the internal research funds provided by Colorado Center of Reproductive Medicine. Y.Y., L.D.S., R.M.R., and R.S.P. have a patent pending for FLI. The remaining authors have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farners Amargant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luhan T Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - Asrafun Nahar
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | | | - Lee D Spate
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - R Michael Roberts
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Erin E Rowell
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Monica M Laronda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kusuhara A, Babayev E, Zhou LT, Singh VP, Gerton JL, Duncan FE. Immature Follicular Origins and Disrupted Oocyte Growth Pathways Contribute to Decreased Gamete Quality During Reproductive Juvenescence in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:693742. [PMID: 34222262 PMCID: PMC8244820 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.693742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Egg quality dictates fertility outcomes, and although there is a well-documented decline with advanced reproductive age, how it changes during puberty is less understood. Such knowledge is critical, since advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies are enabling pre- and peri-pubertal patients to preserve fertility in the medical setting. Therefore, we investigated egg quality parameters in a mouse model of the pubertal transition or juvenescence (postnatal day; PND 11-40). Animal weight, vaginal opening, serum inhibin B levels, oocyte yield, oocyte diameter, and zona pellucida thickness increased with age. After PND 15, there was an age-associated ability of oocytes to resume meiosis and reach metaphase of meiosis II (MII) following in vitro maturation (IVM). However, eggs from the younger cohort (PND 16-20) had significantly more chromosome configuration abnormalities relative to the older cohorts and many were at telophase I instead of MII, indicative of a cell cycle delay. Oocytes from the youngest mouse cohorts originated from the smallest antral follicles with the fewest cumulus layers per oocyte, suggesting a more developmentally immature state. RNA Seq analysis of oocytes from mice at distinct ages revealed that the genes involved in cellular growth signaling pathways (PI3K, mTOR, and Hippo) were consistently repressed with meiotic competence, whereas genes involved in cellular communication were upregulated in oocytes with age. Taken together, these data demonstrate that gametes harvested during the pubertal transition have low meiotic maturation potential and derive from immature follicular origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Kusuhara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Elnur Babayev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Luhan T. Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Vijay P. Singh
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | | | - Francesca E. Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Herraiz S, Cervelló I. New insights for fertility preservation by ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in pediatric cancer patients. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:1191. [PMID: 32917382 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Herraiz
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Cervelló
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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Pampanini V, Wagner M, Asadi-Azarbaijani B, Oskam IC, Sheikhi M, Sjödin MOD, Lindberg J, Hovatta O, Sahlin L, Björvang RD, Otala M, Damdimopoulou P, Jahnukainen K. Impact of first-line cancer treatment on the follicle quality in cryopreserved ovarian samples from girls and young women. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1674-1685. [PMID: 31411325 PMCID: PMC6736429 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does first-line chemotherapy affect the quality of ovarian pre-antral follicles and stromal tissue in a population of young patients? SUMMARY ANSWER Exposure to first-line chemotherapy significantly impacts follicle viability, size of residual intact follicles, steroid secretion in culture and quality of the stromal compartment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY First-line chemotherapy is considered to have a low gonadotoxic potential, and as such, does not represent an indication for fertility preservation. Studies investigating the effects of chemotherapy on the quality of ovarian tissue stored for fertility preservation in young patients are limited and the results sometimes contradictory. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a retrospective cohort study including young patients referred to three centers (Helsinki, Oslo and Tampere) to perform ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation between 2003 and 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 43 patients (age 1-24 years) were included in the study. A total of 25 were exposed to first-line chemotherapy before cryopreservation, whereas 18 patients were not. Density and size of follicles divided by developmental stages, prevalence of atretic follicles, health of the stromal compartment and functionality of the tissue in culture were evaluated and related to age and chemotherapy exposure. Activation of dormant follicles and DNA damage were also assessed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Patients exposed to first-line chemotherapy showed a significantly higher density of atretic primordial and intermediary follicles than untreated patients. The intact primordial and intermediary follicles were significantly smaller in size in patients exposed to chemotherapy. Production of steroids in culture was also significantly impaired and a higher content of collagen and DNA damage was observed in the stromal compartment of treated patients. Collectively, these observations may indicate reduced quality and developmental capacity of follicles as a consequence of first-line chemotherapy exposure. Neither increased activation of dormant follicles nor elevated levels of DNA damage in oocyte nuclei were found in patients exposed to chemotherapy. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The two groups were not homogeneous in terms of age and the patients were exposed to different treatments, which did not allow us to distinguish the effect of specific agents. The limited material availability did not allow us to perform all the analyses on the entire set of patients. WIDER IMPLICATION OF THE FINDINGS This study provides for the first time a comprehensive analysis of the effects of first-line chemotherapy on the health, density and functionality of follicles categorized according to the developmental stage in patients under 24 years of age. When exposed to these treatments, patients were considered at low/medium risk of infertility. Our data suggest a profound impact of these relatively safe therapies on ovarian health and encourages further exploration of this effect in follow-up studies in order to optimize fertility preservation for young cancer patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation, the Finnish Cancer Society, the Finnish Pediatric Research Foundation, the Väre Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Research, The Swedish Research Council, the Stockholm County Council (ALF project) and Karolinska Institutet. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pampanini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Wagner
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Irma C Oskam
- The Animal Production Experimental Centre at the Norwegian University for Life Sciences, Oslo Norway
| | - Mona Sheikhi
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholm IVF-Eugin, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus O D Sjödin
- Unit of Toxicological Sciences, Swetox, Karolinska Institutet, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Johan Lindberg
- Unit of Toxicological Sciences, Swetox, Karolinska Institutet, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Outi Hovatta
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Sahlin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Richelle D Björvang
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Unit of Toxicological Sciences, Swetox, Karolinska Institutet, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Marjut Otala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Unit of Toxicological Sciences, Swetox, Karolinska Institutet, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Kirsi Jahnukainen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden.,Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, New Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Quan N, Mara JN, Grover AR, Pavone ME, Duncan FE. Spatial Analysis of Growing Follicles in the Human Ovary to Inform Tissue Engineering Strategies. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 26:733-746. [PMID: 32598235 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0051] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer survivorship has increased considerably, but common cancer treatments may threaten female reproductive health and fertility. In females, standard fertility preservation techniques include egg and embryo banking and ovarian tissue cryopreservation, but these methods are not suitable for all individuals. Emerging fertility preservation technologies include in vitro follicle growth and ovarian bioprosthetics. Although these platforms hold tremendous promise, they remain in the preclinical phase likely because of our inability to adequately phenocopy the complexity of the in vivo ovarian environment. The goal of this study was to use an established research archive of fixed human ovarian tissue established through the Oncofertility Consortium to better understand the dynamics and milieu of growing follicles within the human ovary. We performed a histological analysis of the immediate surroundings of primary and secondary stage follicles. We evaluated oocyte and follicle diameters of these growing follicles, analyzed their growth trajectories, and mapped their precise relationships to other stage follicles within a defined area. We also stratified our findings according to participant age and previous treatment history. Our results serve as in vivo benchmarks for follicles grown in vitro and provide insight into how follicles should be seeded spatially within bioprosthetic ovaries, potentially improving the efficacy and clinical translation of these emerging technologies. Impact statement Life-preserving cancer treatments have greatly increased survivorship. However, treatments often have off-target health consequences that threaten female reproductive health and fertility. Although several standard fertility preservation options exist, there is a constant need to explore and expand options for all populations. In vitro follicle growth and ovarian bioprosthetics are new experimental procedures, which are currently limited to proof of concept. In this study, we analyzed human ovarian tissue from a deidentified biospecimen repository to characterize the growing follicle landscape with the ultimate goal of informing bioengineering practices. This spatial analysis pinpoints the geometry of growing follicles within the human ovary and provides a framework for paralleling this environment in ex vivo platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Quan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jamie N Mara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Allison R Grover
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Klipstein S, Fallat ME, Savelli S. Fertility Preservation for Pediatric and Adolescent Patients With Cancer: Medical and Ethical Considerations. Pediatrics 2020; 145:peds.2019-3994. [PMID: 32071259 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-3994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cancers presenting in children and adolescents are curable with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. Potential adverse consequences of treatment include sterility, infertility, or subfertility as a result of gonad removal, damage to germ cells as a result of adjuvant therapy, or damage to the pituitary and hypothalamus or uterus as a result of irradiation. In recent years, treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies has been modified in an attempt to reduce damage to the gonadal axis. Simultaneously, advances in assisted reproductive technology have led to new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of infertility. This clinical report reviews the medical aspects and ethical considerations that arise when considering fertility preservation in pediatric and adolescent patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Klipstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; .,InVia Fertility Specialists, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mary E Fallat
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Hiram C. Polk Jr MD Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky; and
| | - Stephanie Savelli
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio
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Laronda MM. Engineering a bioprosthetic ovary for fertility and hormone restoration. Theriogenology 2020; 150:8-14. [PMID: 31973967 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There has been an increase in childhood cancer survivors over the past few decades, and with this, an increased awareness of the co-morbidities of the treatment or disease that affect the survivor's quality-of-life. The increased rate of infertility among this patient group and the desire to have biological children voiced by childhood cancer survivors underscores the urgent need for fertility preservation and development of techniques to restore fertility and gonadal hormone function for this population. The ovarian tissue contains a finite source of female gametes that can be transplanted to restore ovarian function and has resulted in over one hundred reported live births. However, the success of biological offspring per ovarian tissue transplant, the reduced lifespan of these transplants, and the potential for these tissues to contain cancer cells from patients with metastatic diseases supports the need for improved options. One innovation that could improve ovarian transplantation is the development of a bioprosthetic ovary comprised of a 3D printed scaffold with isolated ovarian follicles. A murine bioprosthetic ovary restored ovarian hormones in ovariectomized mice, which also gave birth to healthy offspring. Research is ongoing to create the next iteration of the scaffold that would support ovarian follicles from large animal models and humans with the hopes of translating this technology for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Laronda
- Department of Endocrinology, Department of Surgery and Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA.
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Akel RA, Guo XM, Moravek MB, Confino R, Smith KN, Lawson AK, Klock SC, Tanner Iii EJ, Pavone ME. Ovarian Stimulation Is Safe and Effective for Patients with Gynecologic Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2020; 9:367-374. [PMID: 31923372 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2019.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To compare long-term outcomes of gynecologic cancer patients who pursued controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for fertility preservation (FP) with those who did not. Methods: Retrospective cohort, COH, and health outcomes in gynecologic cancer patients; data were analyzed by chi-square test, t-tests, and logistic regression. Results: Ninety patients with a gynecologic malignancy contacted the FP patient navigator: 45.6% (n = 41) had ovarian cancer, 25.6% (n = 23) endometrial cancer, 18.9% (n = 17) cervical cancer, 5.6% (n = 5) uterine cancer, and 4.4% (n = 4) multiple gynecologic cancers. From this cohort, 32 underwent COH, 43 did not, and 18 pursued ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC; 3 patients had both COH and OTC). Median age and type of cancer were not significantly different between the groups. COH patients had a range of 1-35 oocytes retrieved. Days to next cancer treatment in the COH group was 36 days; for those who declined COH, it was 22 days (not significant [NS], p > 0.05). There were two recurrences reported in the stimulation group and four in the no stimulation group (NS). Five deaths were reported, two in the stimulation group, none in the no stimulation group, and three in the OTC group (NS); 34% (n = 11) COH patients returned to use cryopreserved specimens, of which 45% (n = 5) had a live birth. Conclusion: Although time to next treatment was longer in the group of patients who underwent COH, this did not reach statistical significance. It appears that in selected patients with GYN malignancies, COH for oocyte or embryo cryopreservation is safe, with reasonable stimulation outcomes and no difference in long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruba A Akel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Xiaoyue M Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rafael Confino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kristin N Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Angela K Lawson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Susan C Klock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Edward J Tanner Iii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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9
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Manuel SL, Moravek MB, Confino R, Smith KN, Lawson AK, Klock SC, Pavone ME. Ovarian stimulation is a safe and effective fertility preservation option in the adolescent and young adult population. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 37:699-708. [PMID: 31828481 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01639-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to describe the multidisciplinary approach and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) outcomes in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients (ages 13-21) who underwent oocyte cryopreservation for fertility preservation (FP). METHODS Multi-site retrospective cohort was performed from 2007 to 2018 at Northwestern University and Michigan University. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression. RESULTS Forty-one patients began COH of which 38 patients successfully underwent oocyte retrieval, with mature oocytes obtained and cryopreserved without any adverse outcomes. To treat this group of patients, we use a multidisciplinary approach with a patient navigator. When dividing patients by ages 13-17 vs. 18-21, the median doses of FSH used were 2325 and 2038 IU, the median number of mature oocytes retrieved were 10 and 10, and median number frozen oocytes were 11 and 13, respectively. Median days of stimulation were 10 for both groups. There was no statistical difference in BMI, AMH, peak E2, FSH dosage, days stimulated, total oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes retrieved, and oocytes frozen between the two groups. Three patients were canceled for poor response. CONCLUSION COH with oocyte cryopreservation is a feasible FP option for AYAs who may not have other alternatives when appropriate precautions are taken, such as proper counseling and having a support team. These promising outcomes correspond to similar findings of recent small case series, providing hope for these patients to have genetically related offspring in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharrόn L Manuel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Rafael Confino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Kristin N Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Angela K Lawson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Susan C Klock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Ave, Suite 2310, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Corkum KS, Rhee DS, Wafford QE, Demeestere I, Dasgupta R, Baertschiger R, Malek MM, Aldrink JH, Heaton TE, Weil BR, Madonna MB, Lautz TB. Fertility and hormone preservation and restoration for female children and adolescents receiving gonadotoxic cancer treatments: A systematic review. J Pediatr Surg 2019; 54:2200-2209. [PMID: 30773394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The purpose of this systematic review by the American Pediatric Surgical Cancer Committee was to summarize evidence from the current medical literature regarding fertility restoration and hormone replacement for female children and adolescents treated with gonadotoxic treatments. METHODS Using PRISMA guidelines, questions were addressed by searching Medline, Cochrane, Embase Central and National clearing house databases using relevant search terms. Eligible studies included those that addressed ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC), oocyte harvest, ovarian transposition, and ovarian tissue auto-transplantation for females under the age of 20. Four reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Study outcomes were summarized in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS Two thousand two hundred seventy-six studies were identified by database search and manual review and 2185 were eliminated based on defined exclusion criteria. Ninety-one studies served as the basis for the systematic review. There were 1019 patients who underwent OTC with ages ranging from 0.4 to 20.4 years old, with 298 under the age of 13. Twenty patients aged 13-20 years old underwent successful oocyte harvest. Thirty-seven children underwent ovarian transposition as a means of fertility preservation. Eighteen patients underwent auto-transplantation of thawed ovarian cortical tissue that was harvested before the age of 21 years resulting in 10 live births. CONCLUSIONS Clinically accepted and experimental fertility preservation options such as OTC, oocyte cryopreservation, and ovarian transposition are available to females aged 20 years and younger who are at risk for premature ovarian insufficiency and infertility due to gonadotoxic treatments. There is a large cohort of pediatric-aged patients, with a wide variety of diagnoses and treatments, who have undergone fertility preservation. Currently, fertility and hormone restoration experience for patients who were 20- years of age or younger at the time of fertility preservation remains limited. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine S Corkum
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel S Rhee
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Q Eileen Wafford
- Galter Health Sciences Library, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Reto Baertschiger
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Marcus M Malek
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer H Aldrink
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Todd E Heaton
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Brent R Weil
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Timothy B Lautz
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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11
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von Wolff M, Andersen CY, Woodruff TK, Nawroth F. FertiPROTEKT, Oncofertility Consortium and the Danish Fertility-Preservation Networks - What Can We Learn From Their Experiences? CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2019; 13:1179558119845865. [PMID: 31068758 PMCID: PMC6495450 DOI: 10.1177/1179558119845865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fertility preservation is an increasingly important discipline. It requires close coordination between reproductive medicine specialists, reproductive biologists, and oncologists in various disciplines. In addition, it represents a particular health policy challenge, since fertility-protection measures are to be understood as a treatment for side effects of gonadotoxic treatments and would therefore normally have to be reimbursed by health insurance companies. Therefore, it is inevitable that fertility-preservation activities should organise themselves into a network structure both as a medical-logistic network and as a professional medical society. The necessary network structures can differ significantly at regional, national, and international level, as the size of the regions to be integrated and the local cultural and geographical conditions, as well as the political conditions are very different. To address these issues, the current review aims to point out the basic importance and the chances but also the difficulties of fertility-protection networks and give practical guidance for the development of such network structures. We will not only discuss network structures theoretically but also present them based on three established, different sized networks, such as the Danish Network (www.rigshospitalet.dk), representing a centralised network in a small country; the German-Austrian-Swiss network FertiPROTEKT® (www.fertiprotekt.com), representing a centralised as well as decentralised network in a large country; and the Oncofertility® Consortium (www.oncofertility.northwestern.edu), representing a decentralised, internationally oriented network, primarily serving the transfer of knowledge among its members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael von Wolff
- University Women’s Hospital, Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Health Science, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Frank Nawroth
- Centre for Infertility, Prenatal Medicine, Endocrinology and Osteology, Amedes group, Hamburg, Germany
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12
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Findeklee S, Radosa JC, Takacs Z, Hamza A, Sima R, Solomayer E, Sklavounos P. Fertility preservation in female cancer patients: current knowledge and future perspectives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 71:298-305. [PMID: 30993959 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.19.04387-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Protecting fertility in the presence of cancer has become highly significant, as the desire to give birth to a child is increasingly postponed to later in life, and long-term survival with cancer has increased. A variety of fertility-preserving methods have been developed. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION To find them, we performed a literature search in Medline using the key words "female fertility preservation in cancer" in December 2017. A total of 2381 different publications were found. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS After screening the abstracts 78 publications in English, French, or German language had been assessed as relevant (17 dealing with medical approaches, six with surgical approaches, 15 with oocyte cryopreservation, 11 with ovarian tissue cryopreservation and 29 were review articles). In general, there are medical (non-surgical) and surgical approaches. Medical approaches comprise administration of GnRH-analogues during gonad toxic oncologic treatment, and cryopreservation of oocytes after ovarian stimulation. Surgical approaches comprise traditional methods of organ-saving surgery and ovarian transposition outside of the radiation portal as well as ovary cryopreservation as standard. CONCLUSIONS It is important to inquire about a prospective desire to have children with premenopausal women with cancer and comprehensively explain the fertility conserving methods available. Every premenopausal woman with cancer should be counseled about the methods of fertility protection currently available at a multiprofessional center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Findeklee
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany -
| | - Julia C Radosa
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Zoltan Takacs
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Amr Hamza
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Romina Sima
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Erich Solomayer
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Sklavounos
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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13
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Albamonte MI, Albamonte MS, Bou-Khair RM, Zuccardi L, Vitullo AD. The ovarian germinal reserve and apoptosis-related proteins in the infant and adolescent human ovary. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:22. [PMID: 30857552 PMCID: PMC6410530 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-019-0496-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Normal pubertal ovary displays all stages of follicular development and a biased BAX/BCL2 protein ratio in favor of pro-apoptotic BAX protein comparable to the adult ovary. However, adolescents suffering malignant extra-gonadal disease show a limited follicle development after cytotoxic drug treatment and a reduced capacity of in vitro follicle growth. We evaluated the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic members of the BCL2 gene family, the FAS/FAS-L proteins from the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, the germ-cell-specific marker VASA, the pluripotency marker OCT3/4, and markers of early and late apoptosis in the ovary of pubertal patients with malignant extra-gonadal disease, which received or not pre-surgery chemotherapy, entering a cryopreservation program. Results Ovarian biopsies from 12 adolescent girls were screened for follicle count and expression of VASA, OCT3/4, BAX, BCL2, MCL1L and S, cleaved-BID, FAS/FAS-L and CASPASE 3 through immunohistochemistry, western blot and RT-PCR. All stages of folliculogenesis, from primordial to antral follicle, were present in all 12 patients analyzed. VASA and most of the screened apoptosis-related genes showed a pattern of immune-expression comparable to that previously reported. OCT3/4 showed a cytoplasmic localization in the great majority of the primordial follicles; however, in some cases the localization was nuclear. In addition, OCT3/4B showed a significant reduction compared to OCT3/4A. Unexpectedly, BCL2 was detected at all stages of folliculogenesis, associated to the Balbiani’s body in the primordial follicles, regardless of whether patients had or had not received chemotherapy, ruling out the possibility that its expression is a protective response to chemotherapy. Conclusions These findings reveal new information on the morphological status of the follicular reserve and the expression of apoptosis-related genes in histologically normal adolescent ovary from patients undergoing extragonadal cancer. The unexpected expression of apoptosis-inhibiting BCL2 protein, both in patients that had or had not received chemotherapy, opens a new avenue for thorough investigations. Moreover, the nuclear localization of OCT3/4 protein in primordial follicle-enclosed oocytes suggests a possible increased activity of ovarian stem cells in response to chemotherapy and/or extragonadal cancer. This new information can be essential for a better managing of in vitro culture of follicles that can be removed by filtration from preserved ovarian tissue, especially in girls that entered a cryopreservation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Itatí Albamonte
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnóstico -CEBBAD Universidad Maimónides, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, C1425FQB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mirta Susana Albamonte
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnóstico -CEBBAD Universidad Maimónides, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo M Bou-Khair
- Servicio de Ginecología Infantil, Hospital de Niños "Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez", C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Zuccardi
- Servicio de Ginecología Infantil, Hospital de Niños "Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez", C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Daniel Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnóstico -CEBBAD Universidad Maimónides, C1405BCK, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, C1425FQB, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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14
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Laparoscopic unilateral oophorectomy for ovarian tissue cryopreservation in children. J Pediatr Surg 2019; 54:543-549. [PMID: 30782317 PMCID: PMC6383797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Many survivors of childhood cancer will experience premature gonadal insufficiency or infertility as a consequence of their medical treatments. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) remains an experimental means of fertility preservation with few reports focused on the surgical technique and postoperative outcomes for OTC in children. METHODS This is a single institution, retrospective review of OTC cases from January 2011 to December 2017. Children were eligible for OTC if they had a greater than 80% risk of premature ovarian insufficiency or infertility owing to their anticipated gonadotoxic medical treatment. RESULTS OTC was performed in 64 patients. Median age was 12 years old (range: 5 months-23 years). Nearly half (48%) of the patients were premenarchal. Laparoscopic unilateral oophorectomy was performed in 84% of patients. There were no surgical complications. In 76% of patients, OTC was performed in conjunction with an ancillary procedure. The majority (96%) of patients were discharged within 24 hours. Median time from operation to medical therapy was six days, with no unanticipated treatments delays attributable to OTC. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic unilateral oophorectomy for OTC can be performed safely, in combination with other ancillary procedures, as an outpatient procedure without delaying medical therapy for children facing a fertility-threatening diagnosis or treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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15
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Immuno-Isolating Dual Poly(ethylene glycol) Capsule Prevents Cancer Cells from Spreading Following Mouse Ovarian Tissue Auto-Transplantation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 2019. [PMID: 33969303 PMCID: PMC8101948 DOI: 10.20900/rmf20190006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
For female cancer survivors, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a common complication of anticancer treatments. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation before treatment, followed by auto-transplantation after remission is a promising option to restore fertility and ovarian endocrine function. However, auto-transplantation is associated with the risk of re-introducing malignant cells harbored in the stroma of the ovarian autograft. To mitigate this risk, we investigated in this pilot study whether an immuno-isolating dual-layered poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) capsule can retain cancer cells, while supporting folliculogenesis. The dual PEG capsule loaded with 1000 4T1 cancer cells retained 100% of the encapsulated cells in vitro for 21 days of culture. However, a greater cell load of 10,000 cells/capsule led to capsule failure and cells’ release. To assess the ability of the capsule to retain cancer cells, prevent metastasis, and support folliculogenesis in vivo we co-encapsulated cancer cells with ovarian tissue in the dual PEG capsule and implanted subcutaneously in mice. Control mice implanted with 2000 non-encapsulated cancer cells had tumors formed within 14 days and metastasis to the lungs. In contrast, no tumor mass formation or metastasis to the lungs was observed in mice with the same number of cancer cells encapsulated in the capsule. Our findings suggest that the immuno-isolating capsule may prevent the escape of the malignant cells potentially harbored in ovarian allografts and, in the future, improve the safety of ovarian tissue auto-transplantation in female cancer survivors.
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16
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Arian SE, Flyckt RL, Herman R, Erfani H, Falcone T. Fertility preservation in pediatric female cancer patients. Fertil Steril 2018; 109:941. [PMID: 29778393 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.02.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe and demonstrate ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) as an emerging fertility preservation technique DESIGN: Video presentation. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A 6 year-old female patient diagnosed with aplastic anemia with plan for bone marrow transplantation underwent laparoscopic unilateral oophorectomy in conjunction with surgical procedure for port placement by the pediatric surgeon, followed by cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. INTERVENTION(S) Laparoscopic unilateral oophorectomy followed by ovarian decortication in the operating room, and ovarian tissue freezing prior to undergoing bone marrow transplantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) To present principle surgical techniques of ovarian tissue harvesting prior to OTC in pediatric patients, and different surgical techniques for ovarian auto-transplantation of cryobanked ovarian tissue after completion of gonadotoxic treatment and when the patient is ready to conceive. RESULT(S) This video demonstrates the detailed surgical technique for ovarian tissue harvesting. This harvesting can be performed laparoscopically or via mini-laparotomy and can involve a complete oophorectomy versus removing a portion of the ovary (a procedure also known as ovarian decortication). CONCLUSION(S) In the prepubertal child, due to the small size of the ovaries, we recommend oophorectomy rather than decortication owing to the small size of prepubertal gonadal tissue. Many young cancer patients can be offered the option of ovarian tissue freezing. This tissue contains immature primordial follicles that can be stored. OTC requires surgical ovarian harvesting followed by cryopreservation of strips of ovarian tissue. The increased number of eggs in prepubertal children underscores the fact that smaller ovarian size in this population does not preclude OTC. At this time, ovarian auto-transplantation is the only option to utilize this stored tissue for fertility preservation. OTC is a relatively new procedure within the area of ART. The overall data from OTC is reassuring and further suggests that cryopreservation of ovarian tissue has the potential to become an established fertility preservation method in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Arian
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| | - Rebecca L Flyckt
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Richard Herman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Hadi Erfani
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Tommaso Falcone
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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17
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Smith BM, Duncan FE, Ataman L, Smith K, Quinn GP, Chang RJ, Finlayson C, Orwig K, Valli-Pulaski H, Moravek MB, Zelinski MB, Irene Su H, Vitek W, Smith JF, Jeruss JS, Gracia C, Coutifaris C, Shah D, Nahata L, Gomez-Lobo V, Appiah LC, Brannigan RE, Gillis V, Gradishar W, Javed A, Rhoton-Vlasak AS, Kondapalli LA, Neuber E, Ginsberg JP, Muller CH, Hirshfeld-Cytron J, Kutteh WH, Lindheim SR, Cherven B, Meacham LR, Rao P, Torno L, Sender LS, Vadaparampil ST, Skiles JL, Schafer-Kalkhoff T, Frias OJ, Byrne J, Westphal LM, Schust DJ, Klosky JL, McCracken KA, Ting A, Khan Z, Granberg C, Lockart B, Scoccia B, Laronda MM, Mersereau JE, Marsh C, Pavone ME, Woodruff TK. The National Physicians Cooperative: transforming fertility management in the cancer setting and beyond. Future Oncol 2018; 14:3059-3072. [PMID: 30474429 PMCID: PMC6331694 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2018-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Once unimaginable, fertility management is now a nationally established part of cancer care in institutions, from academic centers to community hospitals to private practices. Over the last two decades, advances in medicine and reproductive science have made it possible for men, women and children to be connected with an oncofertility specialist or offered fertility preservation soon after a cancer diagnosis. The Oncofertility Consortium's National Physicians Cooperative is a large-scale effort to engage physicians across disciplines – oncology, urology, obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, and behavioral health – in clinical and research activities to enable significant progress in providing fertility preservation options to children and adults. Here, we review the structure and function of the National Physicians Cooperative and identify next steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigid M Smith
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lauren Ataman
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kristin Smith
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Gwendolyn P Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - R Jeffrey Chang
- Department of OB/GYN & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Courtney Finlayson
- Division of Endocrinology, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611 USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kyle Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Hanna Valli-Pulaski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mary B Zelinski
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Science, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - H Irene Su
- Department of Reproductive Medicine & Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wendy Vitek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - James F Smith
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Jacqueline S Jeruss
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Clarisa Gracia
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Divya Shah
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leena Nahata
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine/Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Center for Behavioral Health, the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Veronica Gomez-Lobo
- Division of Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Leslie Coker Appiah
- The James Cancer Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Robert E Brannigan
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Valerie Gillis
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - William Gradishar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Asma Javed
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Alice S Rhoton-Vlasak
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | | | - Evelyn Neuber
- Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Jill P Ginsberg
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Charles H Muller
- Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - William H Kutteh
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Surgery, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.,Fertility Associates of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38120, USA
| | - Steven R Lindheim
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Brooke Cherven
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA
| | - Lillian R Meacham
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center & Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology & Division of Endocrinology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Pooja Rao
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Lilibeth Torno
- Division of Oncology, CHOC Children's Hospital, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Leonard S Sender
- Division of Oncology, CHOC Children's Hospital, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Susan T Vadaparampil
- Department of Health Outcomes & Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Health Outcomes and Behaviors, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jodi L Skiles
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.,Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Tara Schafer-Kalkhoff
- Division of Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Oliva J Frias
- Division of Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Julia Byrne
- Children's Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Lynn M Westphal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Danny J Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - James L Klosky
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center & Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology & Division of Endocrinology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
| | - Kate A McCracken
- Section of Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Alison Ting
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Science, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.,21st Century Medicine, Inc., Fontana, CA 92336, USA
| | - Zaraq Khan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | - Barbara Lockart
- Division of Hematology, Oncology & Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Division of General Pediatric Surgery, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Bert Scoccia
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Monica M Laronda
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jennifer E Mersereau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA
| | - Courtney Marsh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Woodruff TK. Fertility Lost-Fertility Found: Narratives from the Leading Edge of Oncofertility. Narrat Inq Bioeth 2018; 7:147-150. [PMID: 29056645 DOI: 10.1353/nib.2017.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A cancer diagnosis at a young age creates one of the most existential crises one can imagine. The good news is that for many of these young patients, they will survive their diagnosis. They will be told of the side effects of treatment including loss of hair but will not be told of the other losses associated with their reproductive function-loss of menstrual cycles, early menopause and the potential for pregnancy for women, loss of viable sperm for men, and loss of sexual libido in both cases. Not all cancer treatments result in the same series of fertility effects so one of the issues that physicians face is determining what the best course of fertility sparing options should be. That dilemma is in the best cases-in many more cases the patients are not told about the potential loss of fertility and are left with a myriad of financial and psychological decisions and costs that they navigate on their own. The stories in this symposium capture this unfolding series of events. Some cases result in good prognosis and fertility options that are appropriate and the patients are happy with the outcome. Others express regret and loss of potential now beyond their reach. As a practitioner in the field I find these narratives reinforce how important the broad research field of oncofertility is. These patients are at the forefront of emerging technologies and emerging medical interactions between disciplines that were miles away from each other. The stories illuminate the individual and the universal and are critical to the overall context of this field.
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Armstrong AG, Kimler BF, Smith BM, Woodruff TK, Pavone ME, Duncan FE. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation in young females through the Oncofertility Consortium's National Physicians Cooperative. Future Oncol 2018; 14:363-378. [PMID: 29345507 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To characterize the clinical indications of females (<15 years old) undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) through the Oncofertility Consortium's National Physicians Cooperative (OC-NPC). PATIENTS & METHODS The clinical indications of 114 females who underwent OTC were classified, and their incidence was compared with childhood cancer databases. RESULTS Leukemias/myeloproliferative diseases/myelodysplastic diseases and hemoglobinopathies were the most prevalent oncologic and nononcologic indications for OTC, respectively. The frequencies of malignant bone tumors and soft tissue and other extraosseous sarcomas were higher in the OC-NPC cohort relative to the general population, while CNS/intracranial/intraspinal neoplasms, retinoblastoma and hepatic tumors were lower. CONCLUSION Those opting for OTC through the OC-NPC are at highest fertility risk, indicating that the appropriate patient populations are being identified. [Formula: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruce F Kimler
- Radiation Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Brigid M Smith
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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20
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Duncan FE. Egg Quality during the Pubertal Transition-Is Youth All It's Cracked Up to Be? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:226. [PMID: 28928717 PMCID: PMC5591325 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is well accepted that egg quality decreases with advanced maternal age, we do not know how it is affected at the earliest ages during the pubertal transition-likely because this young population is not typically reproducing. However, in the setting of fertility preservation, more childhood cancer patients are surviving their diagnosis due to medical advances, forcing patients and their families to consider their future fertility at a very young age. Ex vivo in vitro maturation, in which cumulus oocyte complexes harvested from ovarian tissue are cultured to obtain mature gametes, is gaining traction as a fertility preservation method that is coupled to ovarian tissue cryopreservation. This method is particularly suitable for prepubertal and young adolescent girls, although live births have not yet been reported in gametes derived from females during the pubertal transition. Importantly, the period immediately following menarche in primate species (non-human primate and human) is characterized by relative subfecundity or sterility, and data from agricultural species and humans suggest that this may in part be due to increased chromosomal abnormalities in the egg. Together these data provide a compelling rationale for pushing the age boundary of when egg quality is considered, for performing further basic research to understand egg quality during this period, and for appropriately counseling patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca E. Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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21
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A review of reported surgical techniques in fertility preservation for prepubertal and adolescent females facing a fertility threatening diagnosis or treatment. Am J Surg 2017; 214:695-700. [PMID: 28683892 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is increasing as a preferred option for fertility preservation for prepubertal and young adolescent females facing a fertility threatening diagnosis or treatment. DATA SOURCES Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed searches for terms related to ovarian tissue removal for fertility preservation revealed there is no current consensus on operative technique for surgical ovarian cortical tissue removal in adult females. Additionally, there are limited published reports of surgical approach and outcomes in the pediatric population. In total, 22 publications were reviewed for their operative approach, ovarian tissue harvesting techniques, complications and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Reported operative approaches and techniques for ovarian tissue cryopreservation for pediatric and adolescent patients are variable. Further investigations into operative technique and tissue harvesting that maintains healthy ovarian follicles for transplant will help establish standard technical principles for surgery in pediatric and adolescent females undergoing fertility preservation.
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22
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Duncan FE, Zelinski M, Gunn AH, Pahnke JE, O'Neill CL, Songsasen N, Woodruff RI, Woodruff TK. Ovarian tissue transport to expand access to fertility preservation: from animals to clinical practice. Reproduction 2016; 152:R201-R210. [PMID: 27492079 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primordial follicles dictate a female's reproductive life span and therefore are central to fertility preservation for both endangered species and individuals with fertility-threatening conditions. Ovarian tissue containing primordial follicles can be cryopreserved and later thawed and transplanted back into individuals to restore both endocrine function and fertility. Importantly, increasing numbers of human live births have been reported following ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. A current limitation of this technology is patient access to sites that are approved or equipped to process and cryopreserve ovarian tissue - especially in larger countries or low resource settings. Here, we review empirical evidence from both animal models and human studies that suggest that ovarian tissue can be transported at cold temperatures for several hours while still maintaining the integrity and reproductive potential of the primordial follicles within the tissue. In fact, several human live births have been reported in European countries using tissue that was transported at cold temperatures for up to 20 h before cryopreservation and transplantation. Ovarian tissue transport, if implemented widely in clinical practice, could therefore expand both patient and provider access to emerging fertility preservation options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mary Zelinski
- Oregon National Primate Research CenterBeaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Alexander H Gunn
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jennifer E Pahnke
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Conor L O'Neill
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Ryan I Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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23
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Finlayson C, Johnson EK, Chen D, Dabrowski E, Gosiengfiao Y, Campo-Engelstein L, Rosoklija I, Jacobson J, Shnorhavorian M, Pavone ME, Moravek MB, Bonifacio HJ, Simons L, Hudson J, Fechner PY, Gomez-Lobo V, Kadakia R, Shurba A, Rowell E, Woodruff TK. Proceedings of the Working Group Session on Fertility Preservation for Individuals with Gender and Sex Diversity. Transgend Health 2016; 1:99-107. [PMID: 28111635 PMCID: PMC5243122 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2016.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Children and adolescents with gender and sex diversity include (1) gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals for whom gender identity or expression are incongruent with birth-assigned sex (heretofore, transgender) and (2) individuals who have differences in sex development (DSD). Although these are largely disparate groups, there is overlap in the medical expertise necessary to care for individuals with both gender and sex diversity. In addition, both groups face potential infertility or sterility as a result of desired medical and surgical therapies. The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (Lurie Children's) gender and sex development program (GSDP) provides specialized multidisciplinary care for both transgender and DSD patients. In response to patient concerns that recommended medical treatments have the potential to affect fertility, the Lurie Children's GSDP team partnered with experts from the Oncofertility Consortium at Northwestern University to expand fertility preservation options to gender and sex diverse youth. This article summarizes the results of a meeting of experts across this field at the annual Oncofertility Consortium conference with thoughts on next steps toward a unified protocol for this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Finlayson
- Division of Endocrinology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.; Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Emilie K Johnson
- Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.; Department of Urology, Center for Healthcare Studies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Diane Chen
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elizabeth Dabrowski
- Division of Endocrinology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yasmin Gosiengfiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lisa Campo-Engelstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alden March Bioethics Institute, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Ilina Rosoklija
- Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jill Jacobson
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Margarett Shnorhavorian
- Division of Urology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Department of Urology, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Herbert J Bonifacio
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lisa Simons
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.; Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Janella Hudson
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Patricia Y Fechner
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle, Washington
| | - Veronica Gomez-Lobo
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Rachel Kadakia
- Division of Endocrinology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Angela Shurba
- Division of Urology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Erin Rowell
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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