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Alon I, Bussod I, Golan OC, Ravitsky V. Mapping ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of fertility preservation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03210-w. [PMID: 39141169 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03210-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION The study examines the ethical, legal, and social implications of fertility preservation, highlighting its importance across oncofertility, elective egg freezing, and posthumous assisted reproduction, as well as its impact on transgender individuals undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. DESIGN A comprehensive analysis of 600 articles, focusing on a diverse range of disciplines, including bioethics, psychology, and sociology, to explore public and healthcare professionals' knowledge, patient experiences, and regulatory constraints. RESULTS The body of literature is growing, indicating increasing recognition of FP's significance. Key themes included the centrality of counseling and informed decision-making, especially in oncofertility and EEF, and ethical debates surrounding informed consent and the autonomy of involved individuals. The analysis underscored a western-centric bias in current research, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and culturally sensitive studies. CONCLUSIONS The study calls for a nuanced understanding of FP, advocating for policies that consider ethical, cultural, and social dimensions. It suggests the necessity for interdisciplinary research to address identified gaps, particularly in understanding non-Western perspectives and ensuring equitable access to FP services globally. Moreover, the review emphasizes the importance of integrating patient-centric approaches and ethical frameworks to guide FP practices and policies, ensuring they respect diverse values and meet individuals' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Alon
- Department of Development Economics, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
| | | | - Orit Cherny Golan
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel
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2
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Boedeker D, Hunkler K, Pekny C, Watson N, Yamasaki M, Drayer S, Spitzer T. Assessing Knowledge, Counseling, and Referral Patterns Regarding Fertility Preservation Before Gonadotoxic Treatments Among Physicians in the Military Health System. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:607-613. [PMID: 38451721 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We sought to evaluate physicians' baseline knowledge of fertility preservation services available to patients with a cancer diagnosis within the military health system (MHS). Methods: Data on current cancer prevalence of over 31,000 unique cancer diagnoses were obtained from a comprehensive nationwide MHS dataset. Additionally, a 22-item survey was distributed to physicians practicing within the MHS assessing knowledge of reproductive health benefits, oncofertility counseling practices, and subspecialist referral patterns. Results: From 2020 to 2022, there were 31,103 individuals of reproductive age with cancer receiving care at a military treatment facility. One hundred fourteen physicians completed our survey, 76 obstetrician gynecologists (OB/GYNs), 18 oncologists, and 20 primary care physicians (PCPs). Ninety-three percent of respondents felt conversations about fertility preservation for reproductive-aged patients with cancer were very important. A total of 66.7% of oncologists, 35.5% of OB/GYNs, and 0% of PCPs felt comfortable counseling patients on coverage. A total of 33.3% of oncologists, 29.3% of OB/GYNs, and 0% of PCPs were familiar with oncofertility Defense Health Agency guidelines. Conclusion: Primary care, OB/GYN, and oncology practitioners are well situated to provide fertility preservation counseling to all individuals with a cancer diagnosis, but differences in counseling and referral patterns and a lack of knowledge of current agency policies may impair a patient's timely access to these resources. We propose implementation of an electronic patient navigator to address gaps in oncofertility care and standardize patient counseling in the MHS. This patient-focused guide would serve as a valuable model in all types of health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Boedeker
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kiley Hunkler
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Carissa Pekny
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nora Watson
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Meghan Yamasaki
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara Drayer
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda Maryland, USA
| | - Trimble Spitzer
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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3
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El Alaoui-Lasmaili K, Nguyen-Thi PL, Demogeot N, Lighezzolo-Alnot J, Gross MJ, Mansuy L, Chastagner P, Koscinski I. Fertility discussions and concerns in childhood cancer survivors, a systematic review for updated practice. Cancer Med 2023; 12:6023-6039. [PMID: 36224740 PMCID: PMC10028046 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide ways to improve the clinical practice of fertility preservation (FP) for children, adolescents, and young adults (AYA) with cancer. DESIGN A systematic research of online databases was undertaken in March 2020 following the PRISMA criteria, including Medline and Web of Science. RESULTS Fifty-nine articles were included. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups were used to collect data from patients, parents, and health care providers (HCPs). Four themes worth exploring emerged: (a) what do patients and professionals think of and know about FP? (b) what makes the fertility discussion happen or not? (c) what, retrospectively, led to FP being pursued or not? and (d) how do patients and HCPs feel about fertility issues? CONCLUSION A minority of AYAs preserve their fertility (banking assay for 45% of boys and 23% of girls). Yet fertility concerns have a significant impact on the quality of life of young cancer survivors. Although recommendations and guidelines regarding FP are available internationally, there are no specific guidelines as to how to conduct fertility counseling for children and adolescents. Some barriers are not removable, such as a poor prognosis of an obvious severe disease, time constraints for starting treatment, and cultural and religious beliefs. In response to aspects hindering patients and families to be receptive to any discussion at the time of diagnosis, psychological support could reduce the level of emotional distress and help restore a degree of open-mindedness to open a window for discussion. Moreover, as the lack of knowledge of professionals about fertility is frequently pointed out as a limiting factor for fertility discussion, reinforcing professional training regarding FP could be proposed to promote fertility discussion and eventually referral for FP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phi Linh Nguyen-Thi
- Unité d'évaluation médicale, Unité de Méthodologie, Data management et Statistique - UMDS, CHRU de Nancy
| | - Nadine Demogeot
- Interpsy Laboratory (UR4432), University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | | | | | - Ludovic Mansuy
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Pascal Chastagner
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Isabelle Koscinski
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Lorraine, University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
- INSERM U1256, NGERE, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
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4
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Psychological State and Decision Perceptions of Male and Female Cancer Patients on Fertility Preservation. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:5723-5728. [PMID: 35322275 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-06973-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the emotional state and decision perceptions of fertility preservation (FP) decisions of male and female cancer patients undergoing FP. SETTING Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University. METHOD All patients with a cancer diagnosis were referred by their physician to contact a fertility preservation specialist for FP plan discussion. After FP counseling, participants completed sociodemographic and basic information surveys and validated psychological and decisional scales. RESULTS The final sample included 17 male and 16 female cancer FP patients. Overall, 85% of participants reported currently undergoing moderate to severe depression and anxiety states. Sex differences were found in both depression and anxiety states (P < 0.05). Both genders demonstrated a low level of regret in the decision to preserve fertility, indicating that participants felt they had made the right decision. However, there displayed decisional conflict, suggesting that cancer patients felt high conflict when making decisions. CONCLUSION In conclusion, there is a nonnegligible emotional burden on FP patients who have already undergone a painful situation before the start of oncological treatment. This is the first study to use validated DRS to examine emotional problems occurring in both men and women during FP decision-making.
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McClam M, Xiao S. Preserving Oocytes in Oncofertility†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:328-337. [PMID: 35040934 PMCID: PMC8862718 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The prodigious rise of cancer survival rates enables many cancer survivors to live long lives. Therefore, the side effects of cancer treatments as well as the long-term quality of life after cancer have become more relevant. Ovarian toxicity is a major off-target effect of anticancer agents for childhood and young adult female cancer patients. Both chemotherapy and irradiation have been demonstrated to damage the ovary and increase the risks of premature ovarian failure (POF), early menopause, ovarian endocrine disorders, and sub- or infertility. Oncofertility is an emerging and multidisciplinary research and medical field that focuses on providing cancer patients with fertility preservation options. Oocyte quality and quantity are one of the most important factors to determine women's fertility success; therefore, preserving oocytes is paramount for maintaining the ability of young female cancer patients' reproduction after their recovery. This review summarizes peer-reviewed literature on current oocyte preservation options in oncofertility. We describe in-depth oocyte and embryo cryopreservation, ovarian suppression, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, in vitro maturation, ovarian transposition, and adjuvant therapy. Further, we discuss current guidelines and practices of female fertility preservation that cover preserving oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria McClam
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA,Correspondence: 170 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. Tel: + 1-848-445-3729; E-mail:
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Biskup E, Xin Z, Li R, Zucal JP, Lu Y, Sun Y, Appiah LC, Lindheim SR, Zhang H. Oncofertility Knowledge and Communication: Comparison Between Medical and Surgical Oncologists and Breast Cancer Patients in Academic Chinese Centers. Front Surg 2021; 8:681614. [PMID: 34557514 PMCID: PMC8453209 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.681614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As cancer has become a major public health issue in China, fertility preservation remains limited despite the wide application of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) throughout the country. Objective: This study aimed to identify gaps in knowledge and communication as well as referrals in the previous year regarding oncofertility among medical and surgical oncologists and breast cancer patients (BCPs) in Chinese academic settings to target areas of needed improvement. Materials and Methods: A WeChat online questionnaire was designed, distributed, and compared between medical and surgical oncology specialists and reproductive age BCPs in academic teaching settings in Shanghai. Results: Sixty-one medical and surgical oncologists and 125 BCPs responded to the survey. 63.3% of oncologists were familiar with the term “oncofertility” compared to 25.6% of BCPs (p < 0.001). Oncologists were more likely to correctly know the costs associated with treatment (59.0 vs. 32.0%, p < 0.001); patient did not have to be married to undergo oncofertility treatment (50.8 vs. 24.8%, p < 0.001). Both oncologists and BCPs were similarly unlikely to know when patients could utilize cryopreserved tissue in the future (37.7 vs. 22.2%, p = 0.056). While oncologists reported they discussed all oncofertility options (41.0%) and offered psychological counseling (98.4%), significantly fewer BCPs reported receiving information on all options and offered counseling (3.2%, p < 0.001 and 85.6%, p < 0.01). Knowledge of oncofertility was the most important predictor for providing and receiving counseling from oncologists [OR = 6.44 (95% CI = 1.59–26.1, p = 0.009] and BCPs (OR = 3.73 95% CI: = 1.36–10.2, p = 0.011). Overall, 57.4% of oncologists referred <10 patients and none referred more than 25 patients in the past year. Conclusion: Data suggests a significant knowledge gap and ineffective communication/comprehension exists between academic Chinese oncologists and BCPs. Continued education and raised awareness are needed to optimize utilization of oncofertility services in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Biskup
- Department of Medical Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Basic and Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,International Center for Multimorbidity and Complexity in Medicine (ICMC), Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Zhaochen Xin
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - John P Zucal
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Yao Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Leslie Coker Appiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Steven R Lindheim
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, United States.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Zhao Y, Zhang X, Zubizarreta ME, Xia Y, Li Y, Zhang X, Sheng M, Song Q, Xiao S. A Survey Study Reveals the Positive Impact of Oncofertility Knowledge and Attitude on Oncofertility Practice Among Oncologists in China. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2020; 10:606-613. [PMID: 33121315 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0110] [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: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The advances of early cancer diagnoses and treatment methods allow many adolescent and young adult-aged cancer patients to live long lives after having cancer. There is a rising concern regarding cancer treatment-induced reproductive toxicities and infertility. Oncologists are the first line of medical professionals interacting with cancer patients and playing essential roles in oncofertility practice. This study aimed to assess the oncofertility knowledge, attitude, and practice of oncologists in China. Methods: We created an online questionnaire survey to examine 927 Chinese oncologists' demographics, knowledge, attitude, experience, and practice regarding young female cancer patients' infertility risk and fertility preservation. Results: Results showed that there is an inadequate oncofertility knowledge among surveyed oncologists, which was affected by oncologists' demographic background of education level, clinical title, and working experience. The majority of surveyed oncologists (84.8%-88.7%) held a positive attitude on young female cancer patients' infertility risk and their fertility preservation demand, but their attitude was impacted by marriage status and patients risk of cancer recurrence. Only 11.8% of surveyed oncologists often referred their patients for fertility preservation, while 66.3% and 21.9% of them have referred once or never, respectively. The oncologists' oncofertility practice was not correlated with their demographic background but was significantly influenced by their oncofertility knowledge and attitude. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that there is an urgent unmet need to improve oncologists' oncofertility knowledge, attitude, and practice in China as well as remove the communication barrier between oncologists and fertility specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.,School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Maria E Zubizarreta
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Yankai Xia
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.,School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Minjia Sheng
- Reproductive Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Qingkun Song
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Therapeutic Vaccines, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Harzif AK, Santawi VPA, Maidarti M, Wiweko B. Investigation of Each Society for Fertility Preservation in Asia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:151. [PMID: 30923515 PMCID: PMC6426758 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation (FP) remains a future direction for reproductive medicine. FP development is needed to keep up with advancements in other areas of medicine, such as cancer research that has successfully prolonged patients' survival. The demand for optimum FP is sought by both patients and practitioners alike. The American Society of Clinical Oncology has published and updated several FP guidelines. However, these guidelines need to be optimized for each country due to the nature of FP that interacts with the local policy, social decorum, and economic factors. Furthermore, the availability and success rate for each procedure might differ since there is a requirement for advanced and innovative technologies involved in FP. These guidelines should ideally be supported by the FP society to overcome unique barriers that may arise in each country. Here we try to illustrate the most recent update on the condition of FP practice in several countries in Asia. This hopefully will encourage future FP development and might become a useful reference for other countries, especially in Asia.
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