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Shan Y, Xu C, Cai J, Wang Y, Han Y, Zhang A, Zhang B, Xu M, Jiang D. Behavior, attitude, perception, and knowledge regarding fertility preservation among Chinese pediatric oncologists: a survey in China. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03270-y. [PMID: 39316331 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03270-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical specialists are supposed to inform childhood cancer patients of infertility risk and conduct fertility preservation (FP). However, little is known about whether doctors in China are fully prepared. This study aimed to investigate behavior, attitude, perception, and knowledge regarding FP among pediatric oncological specialists in a nation wide survey, to set the stage for improvements in current clinical practice patterns. METHODS This study was conducted on physicians and surgeons specialized in pediatric oncology using a questionnaire through the WeChat platform. The behavior, attitude, perception, and knowledge were assessed by Likert questions and results were quantified to obtain scores. Data were then described and analyzed using R and GraphPad. RESULTS Totally 373 specialists in pediatric tumors were included in the analysis. Hematologists, oncological surgeons, and reproductive medicine specialists won most trusts to be responsible for FP job. Most respondents did not have habits of delivering FP information or cooperating with FP specialists during treatment though they were well equipped with FP knowledge and desired for uniform national guideline for FP procedures. The severity of illness was regarded as the primary barrier of FP delivery. When a doctor was more educated and experienced, he was more likely to have better performance in FP. The total score, the knowledge score, and the single score concerning frequency of patients' inquiry showed aggregational trend on geographic distribution. CONCLUSION Chinese pediatric oncologists demonstrated unsatisfactory practice behaviors based upon this self-reporting survey, although their attitude towards FP was generally positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Shan
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P.R. China
| | - Chencheng Xu
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P.R. China
| | - Jiaoyang Cai
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P.R. China
| | - Yirou Wang
- Department of Endocrine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P.R. China
| | - Yali Han
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P.R. China
| | - Anan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P.R. China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Fuzhou Children's Hospital of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350005, P.R. China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P.R. China
| | - Dapeng Jiang
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, P.R. China.
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Kasaven LS, Mitra A, Chawla M, Murugesu S, Anson N, Ben Nagi J, Theodorou E, Rimmer MP, Al-Wattar B, Yazbek J, Jones BP, Saso S. A Cross-Sectional Survey of Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge, Attitude and Current Behaviours towards Female Fertility Preservation Services within the UK. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2649. [PMID: 39123377 PMCID: PMC11311658 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152649] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aims to establish the knowledge, attitudes and current behaviours towards female fertility preservation (FP) services amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the UK. (2) Methods: An online survey was advertised publicly on the social media platform Instagram between 25 February 2021 and 11 March 2021. (3) Results: In total, 415 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. The majority of HCPs discussed FP techniques either never 39.5% (n = 164), once a year 20.7% (n = 86) or once a month 17.8% (n = 74). The majority rated their knowledge of each type of FP method as 'very poor' or 'poor' and strongly disagreed 14.2% (n = 59) or disagreed 42.2% (n = 175) with the statement they 'felt confident to counsel a patient on FP'. The majority either agreed 37.8% (n = 157) or strongly agreed 22.2% (n = 92) that it was their responsibility to discuss FP and 38.1% (n = 158) agreed or strongly agreed 19.5% (n = 81) they considered the desire for future fertility when planning treatment. The majority 87.2% (n = 362) had not experienced formal training on FP. (4) Conclusions: Discrepancies in knowledge remain regarding techniques of FP, referral pathways, awareness of facilities offering services and existing educational resources. Many HCPs recognise the importance of FP and their responsibility to initiate discussions. The knowledge that FP may not delay the treatment of cancer has also improved; however, training in FP is scarce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine S. Kasaven
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (A.M.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (N.A.); (J.Y.); (B.P.J.); (S.S.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Cutrale Perioperative and Ageing Group, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QS, UK; (J.B.N.)
| | - Anita Mitra
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (A.M.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (N.A.); (J.Y.); (B.P.J.); (S.S.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Mehar Chawla
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (A.M.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (N.A.); (J.Y.); (B.P.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Sughashini Murugesu
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (A.M.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (N.A.); (J.Y.); (B.P.J.); (S.S.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Nicholas Anson
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (A.M.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (N.A.); (J.Y.); (B.P.J.); (S.S.)
- Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QS, UK; (J.B.N.)
| | - Jara Ben Nagi
- Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QS, UK; (J.B.N.)
| | - Efstathios Theodorou
- Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QS, UK; (J.B.N.)
| | - Michael P. Rimmer
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK;
| | - Bassel Al-Wattar
- Beginnings Assisted Conception Unit, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Sutton SM5 1AA, UK;
- Clinical Trials Unit, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Joseph Yazbek
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (A.M.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (N.A.); (J.Y.); (B.P.J.); (S.S.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Benjamin P. Jones
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (A.M.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (N.A.); (J.Y.); (B.P.J.); (S.S.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Srdjan Saso
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (A.M.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (N.A.); (J.Y.); (B.P.J.); (S.S.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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Affdal AO, Salama M, Ravitsky V. Ethical, legal, social, and policy issues of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in prepubertal girls: a critical interpretive review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:999-1026. [PMID: 38430324 PMCID: PMC11052756 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03059-z] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the increasing number of childhood cancer survivors, significant advances in ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) technique and medical societies' recommendations, fertility preservation (FP) and FP discussions are not always offered as a standard of care in the pediatric context. The aim of this literature review is to understand what ethical, legal, social, and policy issues may influence the provision of FP by OTC in prepubertal girls with cancer. METHODS A critical interpretive review of peer-reviewed papers published between 2000 and January 2023 was conducted, guided by the McDougall's version of the critical interpretive synthesis (Dixon-Woods), to capture recurring concepts, principles, and arguments regarding FP by OTC for prepubertal girls. RESULTS Of 931 potentially relevant papers, 162 were included in our analysis. Data were grouped into seven thematic categories: (1) risks of the procedure, (2) unique decision-making issues in pediatric oncofertility, (3) counseling, (4) cultural and cost issues, and (5) disposition of cryopreserved reproductive tissue. CONCLUSION This first literature review focusing on ethical, legal, social, and policy issues surrounding OTC in prepubertal girls highlights concerns in the oncofertility debate. Although OTC is no longer experimental as of December 2019, these issues could limit its availability and the child's future reproductive autonomy. This review concludes that specific actions must be provided to enable the offer of FP, such as supporting families' decision-making in this unique and complex context, and providing pediatric patients universal and full access to free or highly subsidized OTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vardit Ravitsky
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- The Hastings Center, Garrison, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Pawłowski P, Ziętara KJ, Michalczyk J, Fryze M, Buchacz A, Zaucha-Prażmo A, Zawitkowska J, Torres A, Samardakiewicz M. Fertility Preservation in Children and Adolescents during Oncological Treatment-A Review of Healthcare System Factors and Attitudes of Patients and Their Caregivers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4393. [PMID: 37686669 PMCID: PMC10487203 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174393] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncofertility is any therapeutic intervention to safeguard the fertility of cancer patients. Anti-cancer therapies (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.) entail the risk of reproductive disorders through cytotoxic effects on gamete-building cells, especially those not yet fully developed. This literature review analyzes the available data on securing fertility in pediatric and adolescent populations to identify the methods used and describe aspects related to financing, ethics, and the perspective of patients and their parents. Topics related to oncofertility in this age group are relatively niche, with few peer-reviewed articles available and published studies mostly on adults. Compared to pubertal individuals, a limited number of fertility preservation methods are used for prepubertal patients. Funding for the procedures described varies from country to country, but only a few governments choose to reimburse them. Oncofertility of pediatric and adolescent patients raises many controversies related to the decision, parents' beliefs, having a partner, ethics, as well as the knowledge and experience of healthcare professionals. As the fertility of young cancer patients is at risk, healthcare professionals should make every effort to provide them with an opportunity to fulfill their future reproductive plans and to have a family and offspring. Systemic solutions should form the basis for the development of oncofertility in pediatric and adolescent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Pawłowski
- Student Scientific Association at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Karolina Joanna Ziętara
- Student Scientific Association at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Justyna Michalczyk
- Student Scientific Association at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Magdalena Fryze
- Department of Psychology, Psychosocial Aspects of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Anna Buchacz
- Youth Cancer Europe, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Agnieszka Zaucha-Prażmo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (A.Z.-P.); (J.Z.)
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (A.Z.-P.); (J.Z.)
| | - Anna Torres
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Marzena Samardakiewicz
- Department of Psychology, Psychosocial Aspects of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.F.); (M.S.)
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Arafa MA, Abdulkader SM, Farhat KH, Rabah DM, Awartani DK, Aldriweesh AA, Awartani KA, Alkahtani MK, Alsadhan GA, Mohamed DA. Are There Any Developments in the Attitudes and Practices of Oncologists Regarding Fertility Preservation in Saudi Arabia After 12 Years? Cureus 2023; 15:e44562. [PMID: 37790050 PMCID: PMC10545002 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The current practice of offering fertility preservation (FP) counseling and treatment has become one of the focal points in patient care throughout cancer treatment. The turning point was the approval of the Council of Senior Religious Scholars four years ago to freeze tissues from the ovarian membrane, the entire ovary, and the eggs for later use in reproduction to preserve the offspring. Thus, we aimed to assess any development in oncologists' knowledge, attitude, and referral practices regarding FP in Saudi Arabia. METHODS This is a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire. We assessed oncologists' opinions on the importance of FP, their perception of the patient's preferences, and factors to consider when discussing the subject. Then, we assessed the knowledge and referral practices, including the timing of referral before starting cancer treatment. RESULTS Most oncologists showed good knowledge and positive attitudes toward FP; however, their referral practices could be better. Most were familiar with FP options. The most significant factors influencing the oncologist-patient FP discussion were the number of existing children, marital status, cost, and type of cancer (96.6%, 76.7%, 65.7%, and 58.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS There is a significant improvement in the knowledge and attitude of oncologists toward FP. However, patients' counseling and referral to fertility services still need to be improved. There is a shortfall in the clinical practice guidelines for FP in cancer patients in Saudi Arabia. The implementation of clinical practice guidelines would enhance FP. However, patients' counseling and referral to fertility services still need to be improved. The lack of proper guidelines on FP is affecting oncologists' practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa A Arafa
- Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU
- Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EGY
| | - Seham M Abdulkader
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, King Faisal University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Karim H Farhat
- Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Danny M Rabah
- Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU
- Urology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, King Faisal University, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Amani A Aldriweesh
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, King Faisal University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Khalid A Awartani
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, King Faisal University, Riyadh, SAU
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Slonim M, Peate M, Merigan K, Lantsberg D, Anderson RA, Stern K, Gook D, Jayasinghe Y. Ovarian stimulation and oocyte cryopreservation in females and transgender males aged 18 years or less: a systematic review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1146476. [PMID: 37404308 PMCID: PMC10315913 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1146476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fertility preservation is an important healthcare focus in the paediatric and adolescent population when gonadotoxic treatments are required. Ovarian stimulation (OS) resulting in oocyte cryopreservation is a well-established fertility preservation option in the adult population. It's utility, however, is little known in young patients. The purpose of this review was to synthesise the available literature on OS in patients ≤18 years old, to identify gaps in current research and provide suggestions for future research directions. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was performed for all relevant full-text articles published in English in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases. The search strategy used a combination of subject headings and generic terms related to the study topic and population. Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Characteristics of the studies, objectives and key findings were extracted and summarised in a narrative synthesis. Results Database search and manual review identified 922 studies, 899 were eliminated based on defined exclusion criteria. Twenty-three studies were included and comprised 468 participants aged ≤18 years who underwent OS (median 15.2, range 7-18 years old). Only three patients were premenarchal, and four patients were on treatment to suppress puberty. Patients had OS for a broad range of indications including oncology treatment, transgender care and Turner syndrome. A total of 488 cycles of OS were completed, with all but 18 of these cycles (96.3%) successfully resulting in cryopreserved mature oocytes (median 10 oocytes, range 0-35). Fifty-three cycles (9.8%) were cancelled. Complications were rare (<1%). One pregnancy was reported from a female who had OS aged 17 years old. Conclusion This systematic review demonstrates that OS and oocyte cryopreservation is achievable in young females however there are only a few cases in the literature describing OS in premenarcheal children or those who have suppressed puberty. There is little proof that OS can lead to pregnancy in adolescents, and no proof that this can be achieved in premenarchal girls. Therefore it should be regarded as an innovative procedure for adolescents and experimental for premenarcheal girls. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=265705, identifier CRD42021265705.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie Slonim
- Oncofertility Program and Department of Gynaecology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michelle Peate
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kira Merigan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Richard A. Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Debra Gook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Yasmin Jayasinghe
- Oncofertility Program and Department of Gynaecology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Pecker LH, Oteng-Ntim E, Nero A, Lanzkron S, Christianson MS, Woolford T, Meacham LR, Mishkin AD. Expecting more: the case for incorporating fertility services into comprehensive sickle cell disease care. Lancet Haematol 2023; 10:e225-e234. [PMID: 36708736 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(22)00353-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are not yet systematically available to people with sickle cell disease or their parents. Fertility care for these groups requires addressing sickle cell disease-associated infertility risks, fertility preservation options, pregnancy possibilities and outcomes, and, when needed, infertility treatment. People with a chance of having a child with sickle cell disease can use in-vitro fertilisation with preimplantation genetic testing to conceive a child unaffected by sickle cell disease. Also, parents of children with sickle cell disease can use this technology to identify embryos to become potential future matched sibling donors for stem cell transplant. In the USA, disparities in fertility care for the sickle cell disease community are especially stark. Universal screening of newborn babies' identifies sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, guidelines direct preconception genetic carrier screening, and standard-of-care fertility preserving options exist. However, potentially transformative treatments and cures for patients with sickle cell disease are not used due to iatrogenic infertility concerns. In diversely resourced care settings, obstacles to providing fertility care to people affected by sickle cell disease persist. In this Viewpoint, we contend that fertility care should be incorporated into the comprehensive care model for sickle cell disease, supporting alignment of treatment goals with reproductive life plans and delivering on the promise of individualised high-quality care for people with sickle cell disease and their families. We consider the obligation to provide fertility care in light of medical evidence, with acknowledgment of formidable obstacles to optimising care, and powerful historical and ethical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia H Pecker
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Eugene Oteng-Ntim
- Women's Health Academic Centre, King's College London, London, UK; Women's Services, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alecia Nero
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sophie Lanzkron
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mindy S Christianson
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Teonna Woolford
- Sickle Cell Reproductive Health Education Directive, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lillian R Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Pediatrics Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adrienne D Mishkin
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program, Division of Hematology & Oncology and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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8
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Allison KR, Patterson P, Ussher JM, McDonald FEJ, Perz J. Evaluating Maybe Later Baby, a Fertility Information Resource for Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:101-109. [PMID: 35333618 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Fertility is a major concern for adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15-30 years) diagnosed with cancer, yet they often report a lack of information and understanding about fertility impacts and preservation options. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of Maybe Later Baby (MLB), an oncofertility information resource for AYAs diagnosed with cancer. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 13 participants received MLB alone and 10 received an augmented intervention involving an additional consultation with a health care professional (HCP). Pre- and postintervention surveys and interviews explored participants' well-being, fertility knowledge, health literacy, and experiences using the resource. Results: Participants indicated that the resource was accessible and understandable and provided valuable information without increasing distress. When averaged across conditions, functional health literacy (p = 0.006) and oncofertility knowledge (p = 0.002) increased, although there were no significant changes in fertility-related emotions (p > 0.05), and quality of life decreased (p = 0.014). While qualitative accounts suggested that HCP consultations were useful and validated participants' experiences and concerns, participants receiving the augmented intervention became more nervous/fearful about fertility treatment (p = 0.005). There were no other differences in outcomes between conditions. Conclusions: Young people diagnosed with cancer want and value information about oncofertility and resources such as MLB are acceptable and useful means of providing this information. This could be supplemented by clinical discussion to ensure that tailored situation-specific information is provided and understood and patient distress is appropriately managed. Clinical Trial Registration number: 12615000624583.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley R Allison
- Research and Youth Cancer Services, Canteen Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pandora Patterson
- Research and Youth Cancer Services, Canteen Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jane M Ussher
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona E J McDonald
- Research and Youth Cancer Services, Canteen Australia, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janette Perz
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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9
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Emirdar V, Karataşli V, Acet F, Okay G, Gode F, Karabulut A, Arslan Ç. Perspectives and Knowledge about Fertility Preservation Strategies among Female Cancer Patients in Turkey. Int J Clin Pract 2023; 2023:6193187. [PMID: 36817282 PMCID: PMC9931481 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6193187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the knowledge level and perspectives of female cancer patients regarding fertility preservation techniques before gonadotoxic treatment. Material and Methods. This was a prospective observational survey-based study conducted between 2016 and 2020 in Izmir Economy University Medical Park Hospital. A total of 150 female cancer patients aged 18-42 years were included. The participants completed a 17-item questionnaire, developed by the research team to evaluate their knowledge and perspectives on fertility preservation techniques. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 39.5 ± 4.9 years. Only 64.7% of the patients were referred to fertility counseling by a gynecologist, while 72.6% of the patients knew of the risk of infertility after cancer treatment. There was a significant correlation between the health status and cancer stage of the patient (p=0.003). The estimated future chance of becoming pregnant spontaneously or through fertility preservation techniques was significantly higher in patients with a higher education level (p=0.041 or 0.008, respectively). Satisfaction with the counseling process was reported as high or low by 66.7% or 20% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The rate of referral of reproductive-age cancer patients to fertility preservation counseling is still not satisfactory. Education level was the only variable significantly associated with a motivation to become pregnant after cancer treatment, either spontaneously or through fertility preservation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Emirdar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Izmir Economy University, School of Medicine, Medical Park Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Izmir Economy University, Medical Park Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Volkan Karataşli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Health Science Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ferruh Acet
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ege University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulin Okay
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Izmir Economy University, School of Medicine, Medical Park Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Funda Gode
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Izmir Economy University, School of Medicine, Medical Park Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Izmir Economy University, Medical Park Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Alaattin Karabulut
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Health Science Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Çağatay Arslan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Izmir Economy University, School of Medicine, Medical Park Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
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10
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Global uptake of fertility preservation by women undergoing cancer treatment: An unmet need in low to high-income countries. Cancer Epidemiol 2022; 79:102189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2022.102189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Barriers to Oncofertility Care among Female Adolescent Cancer Patients in Canada. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:1583-1593. [PMID: 35323333 PMCID: PMC8947634 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29030133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
High survival rates in adolescent cancer patients have shifted the medical focus to the long-term outcomes of cancer treatments. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation increase the risk of infertility and infertility-related distress in adolescent cancer patients and survivors. The aims of this narrative review were to (1) describe the psychosocial impacts of cancer-related infertility in adolescents, (2) identify multilevel barriers to fertility preservation (FP) conversations and referrals, and (3) conclude with evidence-based clinical solutions for improving the oncofertility support available to Canadian adolescents. The results of this review revealed that FP decisions occur within the patient, parent, and health care provider (HCP) triad, and are influenced by factors such as parent attitudes, patient maturity, and HCP knowledge. Decision tools and HCP education can promote the occurrence of developmentally appropriate fertility discussions. At the systems level, cost and resource barriers prevent patients from receiving sufficient fertility information and referrals. Clinical models of care (MOCs) can define interdisciplinary roles and referral pathways to improve the integration of oncofertility services into adolescent cancer care. The continued integration of oncofertility care will ensure that all Canadian adolescents receive the exemplary medical and psychological support necessary to make empowered decisions about their own fertility.
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12
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Sisk BA, Harvey K, Friedrich AB, Antes AL, Yaeger LH, Mack JW, DuBois J. Multilevel barriers and facilitators of communication in pediatric oncology: A systematic review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29405. [PMID: 34662485 PMCID: PMC8875310 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Multiple factors can facilitate or impede the fulfillment of communication functions in pediatric cancer. In this systematic review, we evaluated 109 studies from the preceding 20 years that presented qualitative or quantitative evidence of barriers or facilitators to communication in pediatric cancer. Using a multilevel framework developed in our prior study, we then analyzed and categorized the levels of barriers and facilitators identified in included studies. The vast majority of studies focused on individual-level barriers, rather than team, organization/system, collaborating hospital, community, or policy-level barriers. Future studies should explore the full range of factors that affect communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A. Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kieandra Harvey
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Annie B. Friedrich
- Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alison L. Antes
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lauren H Yaeger
- Bernard Becker Medical Library, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jennifer W. Mack
- Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; and Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James DuBois
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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13
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Mulder RL, Font-Gonzalez A, van Dulmen-den Broeder E, Quinn GP, Ginsberg JP, Loeffen EAH, Hudson MM, Burns KC, van Santen HM, Berger C, Diesch T, Dirksen U, Giwercman A, Gracia C, Hunter SE, Kelvin JF, Klosky JL, Laven JSE, Lockart BA, Neggers SJCMM, Peate M, Phillips B, Reed DR, Tinner EME, Byrne J, Veening M, van de Berg M, Verhaak CM, Anazodo A, Rodriguez-Wallberg K, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Asogwa OA, Brownsdon A, Wallace WH, Green DM, Skinner R, Haupt R, Kenney LB, Levine J, van de Wetering MD, Tissing WJE, Paul NW, Kremer LCM, Inthorn J. Communication and ethical considerations for fertility preservation for patients with childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer: recommendations from the PanCareLIFE Consortium and the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group. Lancet Oncol 2021; 22:e68-e80. [PMID: 33539755 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(20)30595-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer who will be treated with gonadotoxic therapies are at increased risk for infertility. Many patients and their families desire biological children but effective communication about treatment-related infertility risk and procedures for fertility preservation does not always happen. The PanCareLIFE Consortium and the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group reviewed the literature and developed a clinical practice guideline that provides recommendations for ongoing communication methods for fertility preservation for patients who were diagnosed with childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer at age 25 years or younger and their families. Moreover, the guideline panel formulated considerations of the ethical implications that are associated with these procedures. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to grade the evidence and recommendations. In this clinical practice guideline, existing evidence and international expertise are combined to develop transparent recommendations that are easy to use to facilitate ongoing communication between health-care providers and patients with childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer who might be at high risk for fertility impairment and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée L Mulder
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Anna Font-Gonzalez
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eline van Dulmen-den Broeder
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gwendolyn P Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Population Health, and Division of Medical Ethics, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jill P Ginsberg
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erik A H Loeffen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, UMC Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Melissa M Hudson
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control and Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Karen C Burns
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hanneke M van Santen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Claire Berger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France; Host Research Team EA4607 Autonomic Nervous System, Epidemiology, Physiology, Exercise, and Health, Jean Monnet University of Saint-Étienne, Education and Research Cluster Lyon, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Tamara Diesch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uta Dirksen
- Department of Pediatrics III, West German Cancer Centre, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Essen, Germany
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Division of Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Clarisa Gracia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah E Hunter
- Starship Blood and Cancer Centre, Starship Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - James L Klosky
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joop S E Laven
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Barbara A Lockart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery and Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sebastian J C M M Neggers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Sophia Children's Hospital and Pituitary Center Rotterdam, Endocrinology Section, Department of Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michelle Peate
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bob Phillips
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Damon R Reed
- Adolescent Young Adult Oncology Program, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Eva Maria E Tinner
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Margreet Veening
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marleen van de Berg
- Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Chris M Verhaak
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboudumc Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Antoinette Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kenny Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marry M van den Heuvel-Eibrink
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Alexandra Brownsdon
- Children and Young Peoples' Cancer Service, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - W Hamish Wallace
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel M Green
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control and Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Roderick Skinner
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Haematology/Oncology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Riccardo Haupt
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit and DOPO Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Lisa B Kenney
- Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Levine
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Wim J E Tissing
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, UMC Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Norbert W Paul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Population Health, and Division of Medical Ethics, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leontien C M Kremer
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julia Inthorn
- Institute for the History, Philosophy, and Ethics of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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14
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Grèze V, Mechdoud S, Vorilhon S, Isfan F, Rouel N, Chaput L, Brugnon F, Kanold J. [Access to fertility preservation for adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 years with cancers in Auvergne, France]. Bull Cancer 2020; 107:773-778. [PMID: 32387060 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2020.03.013] [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: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancers of adolescents and young adults have particular epidemiological specificities. The improvement in their survival should be accompanied by an increased consideration of the treatments' side effects, among which the potential decrease in fertility. The objective of the study was to describe the access to fertility preservation of these patients at the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand over a period of 3 years. METHODS During this retrospective descriptive study, various socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. RESULTS One hundred and fifty new cases of cancers were diagnosed in patients aged 15 to 24 years. Forty-four percent received at least one fertility consultation, 29 % for girls and 58 % for boys (P<0.001). The number of cases that did not result in fertility preservation was significantly higher for girls than boys (P=0.005). Fertility preservation was mainly achieved by cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in female adolescents, ovocytes in young women and sperm in boys. DISCUSSION We observed sex disparities in access to fertility preservation. Despite the existence of recommendations, progress remains to be made. The establishment of clinico-biological platforms should allow a better awareness of patients and professionals, and thus promote access to fertility preservation techniques for young patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Grèze
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, hôpital Estaing, service d'hématologie-oncologie pédiatrique, 1, place Lucie-et-Raymond-Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont-Auvergne, Inserm-CIC 1405, unité CRECHE, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sabrina Mechdoud
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, hôpital Estaing, service d'hématologie-oncologie pédiatrique, 1, place Lucie-et-Raymond-Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Solène Vorilhon
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, hôpital Estaing, service de biologie et médecine de la reproduction, AMP-CECOS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florentina Isfan
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, hôpital Estaing, service d'hématologie-oncologie pédiatrique, 1, place Lucie-et-Raymond-Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nadège Rouel
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, hôpital Estaing, service d'hématologie-oncologie pédiatrique, 1, place Lucie-et-Raymond-Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont-Auvergne, Inserm-CIC 1405, unité CRECHE, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laure Chaput
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, hôpital Estaing, service de biologie et médecine de la reproduction, AMP-CECOS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, hôpital Estaing, service de biologie et médecine de la reproduction, AMP-CECOS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Justyna Kanold
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, hôpital Estaing, service d'hématologie-oncologie pédiatrique, 1, place Lucie-et-Raymond-Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont-Auvergne, Inserm-CIC 1405, unité CRECHE, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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15
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Nassau DE, Chu KY, Blachman-Braun R, Castellan M, Ramasamy R. The pediatric patient and future fertility: optimizing long-term male reproductive health outcomes. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:489-499. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Srikanthan A, Amir E, Gupta A, Baxter N, Kennedy ED. Assisting with Decision-Making: How Standardized Information Impacts Breast Cancer Patient Decisions Regarding Fertility Trade-Offs and Chemotherapy. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 8:660-667. [PMID: 31241397 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2019.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Fertility is a concern for young women with breast cancer. We explore patient preferences for chemotherapy and whether women will trade-off survival benefits to maintain fertility following standardized information delivery. Methods: During a standardized interview, outcomes associated with adjuvant chemotherapy and 5 years of tamoxifen (CT) or 5 years of tamoxifen alone (NoCT) were described to participants. A threshold task was performed, in which each participant participated in two scenarios: (1) 10% absolute survival benefit from treatment and (2) 25% absolute survival benefit from treatment. The threshold point represented the reduction in fertility post-treatment that a participant would accept before she would trade-off CT benefit. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participants. Demographic factors (age, marital status, parity at diagnosis, and education) associated with willingness to trade-off survival benefits were evaluated with logistic regression. Results: Analysis comprised 50 women with a median age of 34.5 years (range 25-39 years). Thirty-nine women (78%) completed university education. Thirty-four (68%) and 45 (90%) women in scenarios 1 and 2, respectively, were willing to trade-off all fertility (i.e., reduce fertility to 0% chance of conceiving naturally) to undertake CT and maintain survival benefits. Eight (16%) and three (6%) women in scenarios 1 and 2, respectively, chose to not pursue CT at all to maintain natural fertility. Regression analysis did not identify any variables that were predictive of participants' preferences. Conclusion: Most women with breast cancer are not willing to trade-off survival benefits of adjuvant therapy to maintain fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirrtha Srikanthan
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eitan Amir
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abha Gupta
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nancy Baxter
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Diane Kennedy
- Keenan Research Centre of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Srikanthan A, Ethier JL, Amir E. The Voices of Young Women with Breast Cancer: Providing Support and Information for Improved Fertility Preservation Discussions. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 8:547-553. [PMID: 31158039 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2019.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Fertility is a concern for young women with breast cancer. We explore patient experiences with fertility discussions at diagnosis to identify barriers and preferences to patient-centered delivery of care. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted on consecutive, female breast cancer survivors, 39 years of age or younger at diagnosis and within 2 years of diagnosis, who attended routine outpatient follow-up at a large academic teaching center. Interviews lasted 30 minutes and were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted to explore experiences around fertility discussions. Strength of the theme was determined by examining the frequency of a response. Data collection and analysis continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Results: Analysis comprised 50 women with a median age of 34.5 years (range 25-39 years). Thirty-nine women (78%) had completed university education. Thirty-three women (66%) recalled having fertility preservation discussions at diagnosis. The most common themes identified include the following: (i) the requirement for more patient support, (ii) improving information, (iii) integration of patient values, (iv) creating options for patients, (v) financial limitations, and (vi) the need to look beyond the immediate impact. Conclusions: In this contemporary cohort of young adult breast cancer survivors, fertility discussion experiences at diagnosis remain suboptimal. Improved information and a focus on individual patient desires can improve experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirrtha Srikanthan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Josee-Lyne Ethier
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario at Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Canada
| | - Eitan Amir
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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18
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Bowman-Curci M, Quinn GP, Reinecke J, Reich RR, Vadaparampil ST. Comparing fertility preservation resources and policies between NCCN member and non-member institutions. Support Care Cancer 2019; 27:2125-2129. [PMID: 30244291 PMCID: PMC6430706 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4475-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) created guidelines to facilitate implementation of fertility preservation (FP) discussions and referrals for adolescent and young adult patients. We assessed if availability of workplace FP resources and referral policies differed among learners in the Educating Nurses about Reproductive Health in Cancer Healthcare (ENRICH) training program based on NCCN membership. METHODS Learners completed a baseline application, including demographic information and the availability of FP resources and referral policies. Learners were categorized as either NCCN members or non-members and chi-square tests compared resources between the two groups. RESULTS Learners from NCCN institutions reported the highest rates of established FP referral guidelines (p < .01), reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist (REI) on staff (p < .01), partnerships with REI, educational materials for staff (p < .05), and patients (p < .01). CONCLUSION FP resources and referral policies were highest among learners from NCCN member institutions, but areas for development with fertility issues still exist and learners from non-member institutions may assist their workplaces in improving rates of discussions and referrals based on their ENRICH training. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The variation of available resources and referral policies between groups suggests more FP education and training; focusing on implementation programs is needed to make steps towards impactful institutional level resources and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Bowman-Curci
- Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, 4115 East Fowler Ave, MFC-CRISP, Tampa, FL, 33617, USA
| | - Gwendolyn P Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health and Center for Medical Ethics, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Richard R Reich
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resouce, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Susan T Vadaparampil
- Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, 4115 East Fowler Ave, MFC-CRISP, Tampa, FL, 33617, USA.
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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19
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Tennyson RE, Griffiths HC. A Systematic Review of Professionals' Experiences of Discussing Fertility Issues with Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 8:387-397. [PMID: 30900925 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2018.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired fertility is one potential late effect of cancer, with 15% of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAC) at a high risk. Guidelines state that fertility advice should be available at diagnosis; however, research shows that this is not routinely provided. This can negatively affect patients' emotional well-being, mental health, and satisfaction with care. This review aimed to synthesize and critically evaluate studies investigating professionals' experiences of discussing fertility issues with AYAC patients and to understand the barriers and facilitating factors to having these conversations with this specific age group. Peer-reviewed qualitative and quantitative studies were identified by systematically searching eight databases. Fifteen articles reporting from 14 studies were included in the review. Participants reported patient, parent, professional, and institutional factors that influenced fertility discussions. The most commonly reported barriers were the lack of patient educational materials and staff training. Participants were more likely to discuss fertility with patients who were male; had less severe disease; and raised the issue of fertility themselves. The findings suggest that professionals' own values and opinions influence the likelihood of fertility being discussed, with implications for guidance and training. Further, institutional barriers lead to a lack of consistent provision for patients both nationally and internationally. A paucity of research looking solely at AYA populations was noted. A need for research comparing the experiences of different professional groups and exploring the extent to which reported barriers impact on fertility discussions was highlighted. There is also a need for higher-quality qualitative research adopting stronger methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah E Tennyson
- 1Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,2Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Helen C Griffiths
- 3Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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20
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Anazodo A, Laws P, Logan S, Saunders C, Travaglia J, Gerstl B, Bradford N, Cohn R, Birdsall M, Barr R, Suzuki N, Takae S, Marinho R, Xiao S, Qiong-Hua C, Mahajan N, Patil M, Gunasheela D, Smith K, Sender L, Melo C, Almeida-Santos T, Salama M, Appiah L, Su I, Lane S, Woodruff TK, Pacey A, Anderson RA, Shenfield F, Ledger W, Sullivan E. How can we improve oncofertility care for patients? A systematic scoping review of current international practice and models of care. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:159-179. [PMID: 30462263 PMCID: PMC6390168 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility preservation (FP) is an important quality of life issue for cancer survivors of reproductive age. Despite the existence of broad international guidelines, the delivery of oncofertility care, particularly amongst paediatric, adolescent and young adult patients, remains a challenge for healthcare professionals (HCPs). The quality of oncofertility care is variable and the uptake and utilization of FP remains low. Available guidelines fall short in providing adequate detail on how oncofertility models of care (MOC) allow for the real-world application of guidelines by HCPs. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the components of oncofertility care as defined by patient and clinician representatives, and identify the barriers, facilitators and challenges, so as to improve the implementation of oncofertility services. SEARCH METHODS A systematic scoping review was conducted on oncofertility MOC literature published in English between 2007 and 2016, relating to 10 domains of care identified through consumer research: communication, oncofertility decision aids, age-appropriate care, referral pathways, documentation, training, supportive care during treatment, reproductive care after cancer treatment, psychosocial support and ethical practice of oncofertility care. A wide range of electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, AEIPT, Education Research Complete, ProQuest and VOCED) were searched in order to synthesize the evidence around delivery of oncofertility care. Related citations and reference lists were searched. The review was undertaken following registration (International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) registration number CRD42017055837) and guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). OUTCOMES A total of 846 potentially relevant studies were identified after the removal of duplicates. All titles and abstracts were screened by a single reviewer and the final 147 papers were screened by two reviewers. Ten papers on established MOC were identified amongst the included papers. Data were extracted from each paper and quality scores were then summarized in the oncofertility MOC summary matrix. The results identified a number of themes for improving MOC in each domain, which included: the importance of patients receiving communication that is of a higher quality and in different formats on their fertility risk and FP options; improving provision of oncofertility care in a timely manner; improving access to age-appropriate care; defining the role and scope of practice of all HCPs; and improving communication between different HCPs. Different forms of decision aids were found useful for assisting patients to understand FP options and weigh up choices. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This analysis identifies core components for delivery of oncofertility MOC. The provision of oncofertility services requires planning to ensure services have safe and reliable referral pathways and that they are age-appropriate and include medical and psychological oncofertility care into the survivorship period. In order for this to happen, collaboration needs to occur between clinicians, allied HCPs and executives within paediatric and adult hospitals, as well as fertility clinics across both public and private services. Training of both cancer and non-cancer HCPs is needed to improve the knowledge of HCPs, the quality of care provided and the confidence of HCPs with these consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, High Street Randwick, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Nelune Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Botany Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paula Laws
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, High Street Randwick, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shanna Logan
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Botany Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Fertility and Research Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carla Saunders
- Centre for Health Services Management, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jo Travaglia
- Centre for Health Services Management, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brigitte Gerstl
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, High Street Randwick, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Nelune Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Bradford
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard Cohn
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, High Street Randwick, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Botany Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary Birdsall
- Fertility Associates, 7 Ellerslie Racecourse Drive, Auckland City, New Zealand
| | - Ronald Barr
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nao Suzuki
- St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Kawasaki Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
| | - Seido Takae
- St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Kawasaki Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
| | - Ricardo Marinho
- Pro Criar Medicina Reprodutiva, Rua Bernardo Guimarães 2063, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Reproductive Health and Toxicology Lab, Dept. Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Discovery I, 915 Greene St, Rm 327, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Chen Qiong-Hua
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, 55 Zhenhai Road, Siming Qu, Xiamen Shi 35, China
| | - Nalini Mahajan
- Mother and Child Hospital, D-59 Defence Colony, New Delhi, India
| | - Madhuri Patil
- Dr. Patil’s Fertility and Endoscopy Center, Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology, Endoscopic Surgery and Andrology, Bangalore, India
| | - Devika Gunasheela
- Gunasheela Surgical & Maternity Hospital, No. 1, Dewan Madhava Road, Opp. M. N. Krishna Rao Park, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kristen Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, 420 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonard Sender
- Children’s Hospital Orange County, 1201 W La Veta Avenue, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Cláudia Melo
- Centro de Preservação da Fertilidade, Serviço de Medicina da Reprodução, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Edifício de São Jerónimo, Piso 2, Praceta Professor Mota Pinto, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida-Santos
- Centro de Preservação da Fertilidade, Serviço de Medicina da Reprodução, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Edifício de São Jerónimo, Piso 2, Praceta Professor Mota Pinto, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mahmoud Salama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, 420 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL, USA
- Reproductive Medicine Department, National Research Center, Buhouth Street 33, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Leslie Appiah
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Department of Paediatric Surgery, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Irene Su
- University of California San Diego, 355 Dickinson St # 315, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sheila Lane
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, UK
- University of Oxford, Wellington Square, Oxford, UK
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, 420 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Allan Pacey
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh University, 47 Little France Crescent, Scotland, UK
| | - Francoise Shenfield
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospital, 25 Grafton Way, London, UK
| | - William Ledger
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Botany Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Fertility and Research Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Sullivan
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Saraf AJ, Stanek J, Audino A, DaJusta D, Hansen-Moore J, McCracken K, Whiteside S, Yeager N, Nahata L. Examining predictors and outcomes of fertility consults among children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e27409. [PMID: 30124234 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infertility has a negative impact on quality of life among cancer survivors. Studies show establishing a fertility team results in improved patient satisfaction. A review of electronic medical records was performed to examine predictors of fertility referrals, interventions, and the impact of an opt-out consult mechanism. Findings show many patients, particularly those that are younger, are still not receiving fertility counseling despite the presence of a fertility team. Notably, patients were 3.6 times more likely to receive a consult after the opt-out. Strategies are needed to improve access to fertility related care, particularly in groups where consults are underutilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Saraf
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joseph Stanek
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Anthony Audino
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Daniel DaJusta
- Division of Urology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Kate McCracken
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Stacy Whiteside
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Nick Yeager
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Leena Nahata
- Division of Endocrinology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
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22
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Barlevy D, Wangmo T, Ash S, Elger BS, Ravitsky V. Oncofertility Decision Making: Findings from Israeli Adolescents and Parents. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2018; 8:74-83. [PMID: 30153089 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2018.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To date, few studies qualitatively investigate adolescent oncofertility decision making. This qualitative study seeks to understand the experiences of adolescents and parents in making oncofertility decisions within the pronatalist context of Israeli society. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Israel with adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 years who were in remission for at least 2 months and had been offered fertility preservation (FP) of sperm, ova, or ovary cryopreservation, and their parents, separately. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. RESULTS Thirty-five interviews were conducted-16 with adolescents and 19 with parents-representing 20 cases of FP decision making. Adolescents and parents do not necessarily view decision making in the same way. Both parties mention a variety of factors in and justifications for FP decisions. Although most participants imagine the adolescent will use cryopreserved biological materials only if s/he experiences reproductive difficulties, nearly all participants do not recall having discussed what to do with these materials in the case of death. Many adolescents and parents feel comfortable waiting to take further action regarding adolescent fertility until the topic has greater relevance to the adolescent's life. Satisfaction with FP decision making is nearly unanimous, regardless of whether FP was pursued. CONCLUSION As in other cultural contexts, Israeli adolescents and parents demonstrate multifaceted decision making with respect to oncofertility. A significant finding from this study suggests that health professionals shy from discussing posthumous planning of cryopreserved materials with adolescent cancer patients and their parents. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether this is a uniquely Israeli phenomenon, the cause for it, and how to overcome it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Barlevy
- 1 Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- 1 Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shifra Ash
- 2 Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tiqva, Israel
| | - Bernice S Elger
- 1 Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vardit Ravitsky
- 3 Bioethics Program, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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23
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Klosky JL, Lehmann V, Flynn JS, Su Y, Zhang H, Russell KM, Schenck LAM, Schover LR. Patient factors associated with sperm cryopreservation among at-risk adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer. Cancer 2018; 124:3567-3575. [PMID: 29975417 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although survivors of adolescent-onset cancers are at risk of infertility, the majority desire children. Fertility preservation options are available for adolescents, but sperm banking remains underused. To the authors' knowledge, patient factors that influence decisions to bank sperm are poorly understood. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 146 adolescent males who were newly diagnosed with cancer and who completed surveys within 1 week of treatment initiation was performed. Participants, 65% of whom were white, were aged 13 to 21 years (mean, 16.49 years; standard deviation, 2.02 years) and were at risk of infertility secondary to impending gonadotoxic treatment. Participating institutions included 8 leading pediatric oncology centers across the United States and Canada. RESULTS Of the patients approached, approximately 80.6% participated. Parent recommendation to bank (odds ratio [OR], 4.88; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.15-20.71 [P = .03]), higher Tanner stage (OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.60-11.27 [P < .01]), greater perceived benefits (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.12-1.77 [P < .01]), and lower social barriers to banking (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.96 [P < .01]) were found to be associated with adolescent collection attempts, whereas meeting with a fertility specialist (OR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.00-11.83 [P = .05]), parent (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.12-8.10 [P = .03]) or provider (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.05-6.77 [P = .04]) recommendation to bank, and greater adolescent self-efficacy to bank (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.33 [P = .03]) were found to be associated with successful sperm banking. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents' perceived benefits of sperm banking, higher Tanner stage, and parent recommendation were associated with collection attempts, whereas perceived social barriers decreased this likelihood. Successful banking was associated with greater adolescent self-efficacy, parent and provider recommendation to bank, and consultation with a fertility specialist. Providers should consult with both adolescents and parents regarding fertility preservation, and interventions should be tailored to address barriers to sperm banking while promoting its benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Klosky
- The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Vicky Lehmann
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jessica S Flynn
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Yin Su
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Kathryn M Russell
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Leslie R Schover
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (retired)
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24
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Lau GA, Schaeffer AJ. Current standing and future directions in pediatric oncofertility: a narrative review. Transl Androl Urol 2018; 7:S276-S282. [PMID: 30159233 PMCID: PMC6087837 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2018.05.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of infertility in childhood and adolescent cancer. We also review the current guidelines and ethical issues related to pediatric oncofertility. Finally, we present recent advances in basic science and translational research in pediatric fertility preservation (FP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen A Lau
- Division of Urology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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25
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Factors influencing the documentation of fertility-related discussions for adolescents and young adults with cancer. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2018; 34:42-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Skaczkowski G, White V, Thompson K, Bibby H, Coory M, Orme LM, Conyers R, Phillips MB, Osborn M, Harrup R, Anazodo A. Factors influencing the provision of fertility counseling and impact on quality of life in adolescents and young adults with cancer. J Psychosoc Oncol 2018; 36:484-502. [DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2018.1443986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Skaczkowski
- center for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria White
- center for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Thompson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer center, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen Bibby
- center for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Coory
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa M. Orme
- Peter MacCallum Cancer center, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Conyers
- Peter MacCallum Cancer center, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Children's Cancer center, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Michael Osborn
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Antoinette Anazodo
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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27
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Hand M, Kemertzis MA, Peate M, Gillam L, McCarthy M, Orme L, Heloury Y, Sullivan M, Zacharin M, Jayasinghe Y. A Clinical Decision Support System to Assist Pediatric Oncofertility: A Short Report. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2018; 7:509-513. [PMID: 29733237 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2018.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Fertility preservation discussions with pediatric and adolescent cancer patients can be difficult for clinicians. This study describes the acceptability of a fertility clinician decision support system (CDSS). METHODS A cross-sectional study of clinicians at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Participants were trained on CDSS purpose, contents, and use. A survey captured the perceived benefits and weaknesses of the CDSS. RESULTS Thirty-nine clinicians participated. Over 90% felt the CDSS aims and format were clear, and understood the components. Over 80% felt it would enable adherence to clinical pathways, policy, and standards of care. CONCLUSIONS The CDSS provided significant perceived benefits to oncofertility care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Hand
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne , Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew A Kemertzis
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne , Victoria, Australia .,2 Department of Gynaecology, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle Peate
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne , Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynn Gillam
- 3 School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne , Parkville, Victoria, Australia .,4 Children's Bioethics Centre, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria McCarthy
- 5 Social and Mental Health Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Orme
- 6 Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital , Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yves Heloury
- 7 Department of Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital , Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Sullivan
- 6 Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital , Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Zacharin
- 8 Department of Endocrinology, Royal Children's Hospital , Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yasmin Jayasinghe
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne , Victoria, Australia .,2 Department of Gynaecology, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,9 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne , Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Oktem O, Kim SS, Selek U, Schatmann G, Urman B. Ovarian and Uterine Functions in Female Survivors of Childhood Cancers. Oncologist 2017; 23:214-224. [PMID: 29158370 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult survivors of childhood cancers are more prone to developing poor reproductive and obstetrical outcomes than their siblings and the general population as a result of previous exposure to chemotherapy and radiation during childhood. Chemotherapy drugs exert cytotoxic effects systemically and therefore can damage the ovaries, leading to infertility, premature ovarian failure, and, to a lesser extent, spontaneous abortions. They have very limited or no deleterious effects on the uterus that can be recognized clinically. By contrast, radiation is detrimental to both the ovaries and the uterus, thereby causing a greater magnitude of adverse effects on the female reproductive function. These include infertility, premature ovarian failure, miscarriage, fetal growth restrictions, perinatal deaths, preterm births, delivery of small-for-gestational-age infants, preeclampsia, and abnormal placentation. Regrettably, the majority of these adverse outcomes arise from radiation-induced uterine injury and are reported at higher incidence in the adult survivors of childhood cancers who were exposed to uterine radiation during childhood in the form of pelvic, spinal, or total-body irradiation. Recent findings of long-term follow-up studies evaluating reproductive performance of female survivors provided some reassurance to female cancer survivors by documenting that pregnancy and live birth rates were not significantly compromised in survivors, including those who had been treated with alkylating agents and had not received pelvic, cranial, and total-body irradiation. We aimed in this narrative review article to provide an update on the impact of chemotherapy and radiation on the ovarian and uterine function in female survivors of childhood cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Adult survivors of childhood cancers are more prone to developing a number of poor reproductive and obstetrical outcomes than their siblings and the general population as a result of previous exposure to chemotherapy and radiation during childhood. The impact of radiation therapy on the female genital system is greater than chemotherapy regimens because radiation is detrimental to both the uterus and the ovaries, whereas toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs are confined to the ovaries. Therefore, radiation-induced uterine damage accounts for most poor obstetrical outcomes in the survivors. These include infertility, miscarriages, stillbirths, fetal growth restrictions, preeclampsia, and preterm deliveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozgur Oktem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Fertility Preservation Program, American Hospital Women's Health Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Samuel S Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kansas University, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Ugur Selek
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Koc University School of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Care Program, American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Glenn Schatmann
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bulent Urman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Fertility Preservation Program, American Hospital Women's Health Center, Istanbul, Turkey
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29
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Armuand G, Nilsson J, Rodriguez‐Wallberg K, Malmros J, Arvidson J, Lampic C, Wettergren L. Physicians' self-reported practice behaviour regarding fertility-related discussions in paediatric oncology in Sweden. Psychooncology 2017; 26:1684-1690. [PMID: 28734133 PMCID: PMC5656910 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate practice behaviours of Swedish physicians with regard to discussing the impact of cancer treatment on fertility with paediatric oncology patients and their parents, and to identify factors associated with such discussions. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study was conducted targeting all physicians in Sweden working in paediatric oncology care settings. Participants responded to a questionnaire measuring practice behaviour, attitudes, barriers, and confidence in knowledge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with seldom discussing fertility. RESULTS More than half of the physicians routinely talked with their patients/parents about the treatment's potential impact on fertility (male patients: 62%; female patients: 57%; P = 0.570). Factors associated with less frequently discussing fertility with patients/parents were working at a non-university hospital (male patients: OR 11.49, CI 1.98-66.67; female patients: OR 33.18, CI 4.06-271.07), concerns that the topic would cause worry (male patients: OR 8.23, CI 1.48-45.89; female patients: OR 12.38, CI 1.90-80.70), and perceiving the parents as anxious (male patients: OR 7.18, CI 1.20-42.85; female patients: OR 11.65, CI 1.32-103.17). CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, we recommend structured training in how to communicate about fertility issues in stressful situations, which in turn might increase fertility-related discussions in paediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- G.M. Armuand
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - J. Nilsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - K.A. Rodriguez‐Wallberg
- Department of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Reproductive MedicineKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - J. Malmros
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, Astrid Lindgren Children's HospitalKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - J. Arvidson
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - C. Lampic
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - L. Wettergren
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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30
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Logan S, Perz J, Ussher J, Peate M, Anazodo A. Clinician provision of oncofertility support in cancer patients of a reproductive age: A systematic review. Psychooncology 2017; 27:748-756. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.4518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Logan
- School of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine; UNSW Australia; Sydney Australia
| | - J. Perz
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine; Western Sydney University; Sydney Australia
| | - J. Ussher
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine; Western Sydney University; Sydney Australia
| | - M. Peate
- Psychosocial Health and Wellbeing (emPoWeR) Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Australia
| | - A. Anazodo
- School of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine; UNSW Australia; Sydney Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre Sydney Children's Hospital; Sydney Australia
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre; Prince of Wales Hospital; Sydney Australia
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31
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Chehin MB, Bonetti TC, Serafini PC, Motta ELA. Knowledge regarding fertility preservation in cancer patients: a population-based survey among Brazilian people during the Pink October awareness event. JBRA Assist Reprod 2017; 21:84-88. [PMID: 28609273 PMCID: PMC5473699 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20170021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about the risk of
infertility in cancer patients after treatment, and the options for
fertility preservation based on a survey carried out during the 2013 Pink
October campaign. Methods This survey was carried out during the 2013 Pink October event in the most
important public park of São Paulo, Brazil. Approximately 900 people
expressed interest in learning about breast cancer prevention and fertility
preservation by participating in workshops, and 242 people filled out a
questionnaire. Results Most of the respondents (78.5%) were women, and one-fourth (25%) had at least
one relative with gynecological cancer. Among women over 40 years of age,
86.3% had been screened for breast cancer at some point. However, few
participants (34.0%) were aware that cancer treatment can lead to
infertility or had heard about fertility preservation options (22.0%).
Having a relative with cancer did not influence their knowledge about
fertility preservation (22.4% versus 21.3%; p=0.864).
However, a higher educational level was significantly associated with more
knowledge about the effects of cancer on fertility and options for fertility
preservation. Conclusions The majority of participants did not have knowledge about the impact of
oncologic treatment on fertility and did not know that there are options to
preserve fertility in cancer patients. Awareness of infertility risk factors
is an essential first step to safeguard future fertility, and therefore,
more educational initiatives are needed to spread knowledge about
oncofertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio B Chehin
- Huntington - Medicina Reprodutiva. Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Disciplina de Ginecologia Endocrinológica, Departamento de Ginecologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM). Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Tatiana Cs Bonetti
- Huntington - Medicina Reprodutiva. Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Disciplina de Ginecologia Endocrinológica, Departamento de Ginecologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM). Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Paulo C Serafini
- Huntington - Medicina Reprodutiva. Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo (FMUSP). Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Eduardo LA Motta
- Huntington - Medicina Reprodutiva. Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Disciplina de Ginecologia Endocrinológica, Departamento de Ginecologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM). Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil
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32
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Barlevy D, Elger BS, Wangmo T, Ravitsky V. Adolescent oncofertility discussions: Recommendations from a systematic literature review. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2017; 8:106-115. [PMID: 28949840 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2017.1305006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing cancer incidence and survivorship rates have made late-term effects, such as effects on fertility, a salient issue for adolescent cancer patients. While various barriers make it difficult for health care professionals to discuss oncofertility with adolescents and their parents, there are numerous reasons to hold such discussions, based on professional obligations and the ethical principles of respect for autonomy and beneficence. This systematic literature review presents and critically examines recommendations for adolescent oncofertility discussions. METHODS Conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, this systematic literature review includes English, French, and German articles published up until December 31, 2014. Articles were sought via a combination of search terms in four databases. RESULTS Eighty of 96 articles included in this review address recommendations for improving adolescent oncofertility discussions. These recommendations deal with how, when, what, and with whom professionals ought to have these discussions, as well as various systemic barriers and ways to address them. CONCLUSIONS Based upon the principles of beneficence, respect for autonomy, and justice, we endorse several recommendations for oncofertility discussions with adolescents and their parents, including having a specific professional on the health care team initiate these discussions with all newly diagnosed patients; regularly doing so before, during, and after treatment; allowing adolescents to decide for themselves whom they wish to include in such discussions; employing various forms of communication; obtaining both adolescent assent and parental consent for fertility preservation (FP) procedures, especially at each stage (e.g., procurement and use); properly educating and training professionals to discuss oncofertility; promoting interdisciplinary collaboration; creating and implementing guidelines and policies; and ensuring equity of access to FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Barlevy
- a Institute for Biomedical Ethics , University of Basel
| | | | - Tenzin Wangmo
- a Institute for Biomedical Ethics , University of Basel
| | - Vardit Ravitsky
- b Bioethics Program, School of Public Health , University of Montreal
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33
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Silva C, Almeida-Santos AT, Melo C, Rama ACR. Decision on Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients: Development of Information Materials for Healthcare Professionals. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2017; 6:353-357. [PMID: 28112543 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2016.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a potential side effect of cancer chemotherapy. As the number of adolescent and young adult (AYA)-aged survivors increases, future fertility becomes an important issue. However, many patients are not adequately informed and oncologists point the lack of information as a barrier to discussion. Our aim was to produce information materials tailored to oncologists' needs to promote and support discussion on infertility risk and fertility preservation (FP) with AYA-aged patients. After literature review, information materials were successfully developed and are currently being distributed to healthcare professionals in Portugal, with the collaboration of several national organizations. These information materials will contribute to shared informed decisions regarding FP in AYA-aged patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Silva
- 1 Centre for 20th Century Interdisciplinary Studies CEIS20, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Almeida-Santos
- 2 Human Reproduction Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre (CHUC) , EPE, Coimbra, Portugal .,3 Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Melo
- 4 Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal .,5 Unit for Psychological Intervention, Maternity Dr. Daniel de Matos, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre (CHUC) , EPE, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Ribeiro Rama
- 1 Centre for 20th Century Interdisciplinary Studies CEIS20, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal .,6 Pharmacy Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre (CHUC) , EPE, Coimbra, Portugal
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34
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Vindrola-Padros C, Dyer KE, Cyrus J, Lubker IM. Healthcare professionals' views on discussing fertility preservation with young cancer patients: a mixed method systematic review of the literature. Psychooncology 2017; 26:4-14. [PMID: 26890220 PMCID: PMC5025377 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In spite of efforts to guarantee patients are adequately informed about their risk of fertility loss and offered treatment for fertility preservation (FP), previous studies have reported that this topic is not routinely discussed with patients, especially with younger patient populations. A mixed method systematic review was undertaken to explore the factors shaping the discussion of FP with children (0-15 years) and adolescents/young adults (16-24 years) with cancer. METHODS Six databases were searched independently using a combination of keywords and controlled vocabulary/subject headings relating to cancer and fertility. Inclusion criteria consisted of: (a) being published in a peer-reviewed journal, (b) a focus on healthcare professionals' (HCPs') beliefs, attitudes, or practices regarding fertility issues in cancer patients, (c) primary data collection from HCPs, and (d) a focus on HCPs who provide services to young patients. Of the 6276 articles identified in the search, 16 articles presenting the results of 14 studies were included in the final review. RESULTS Common themes reported across studies indicate that five main factors influence HCPs' discussion of FP with young cancer patients: (a) HCPs' knowledge, (b) HCPs' sense of comfort, (c) patient factors (i.e., sexual maturity, prognosis, partnership status, and whether or not they initiate the conversation), (d) parent factors (i.e., HCPs' perception of the extent of their involvement), and (e) availability of educational materials. CONCLUSIONS Future work should ensure that HCPs possess knowledge of cancer-related FP and that they receive adequate training on how to consent and discuss information with young patients and their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen E. Dyer
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - John Cyrus
- Tompkins-McCaw Library, Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Irene Machowa Lubker
- Tompkins-McCaw Library, Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries, Richmond, VA, United States of America
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35
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Taylor JF, Ott MA. Fertility Preservation after a Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of Adolescents', Parents', and Providers' Perspectives, Experiences, and Preferences. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2016; 29:585-598. [PMID: 27108230 PMCID: PMC5903553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Survival into adulthood is now a reality for many adolescents facing cancer. Fertility preservation (FP) is rapidly advancing, but oncology providers and health systems struggle to incorporate the newest FP technologies into the clinical care of adolescents. Our objective was to systematically review and synthesize the available data regarding the perspectives, experiences, and preferences of adolescents, parents, and oncology providers about FP to inform clinical implementation of FP technologies. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsychInfo) were systematically searched for studies published between January 1999 and May 2014. Adolescents were defined as 12-18 years at the time of diagnosis or designated as pubertal/postpubertal and younger than 18 years of age. Studies were assessed for methodological quality, data were extracted using a standardized form, and results were synthesized using guidelines for a narrative syntheses of quantitative and qualitative data. RESULTS In total, 1237 records were identified, with 22 articles, representing 17 unique studies that met the inclusion criteria. The following topics were consistently observed across studies and populations: (1) fertility in trust; (2) decision-making challenges; (3) provider knowledge and practices; and (4) discrepancies between desired and actual experiences. CONCLUSION Despite the challenges associated with a new cancer diagnosis, adolescents and parents value the opportunity to discuss fertility concerns and preservation options. Providers play an important role in addressing these topics for families and efforts should be made to incorporate FP discussions into routine cancer care for all adolescents, with attention paid to the unique needs of adolescents and their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia.
| | - Mary A Ott
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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36
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Preaubert L, Pibarot M, Courbiere B. Can we improve referrals for fertility preservation? Evolution of practices after the creation of a fertility network. Future Oncol 2016; 12:2175-7. [PMID: 27513104 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2016-0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lise Preaubert
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine, APHM, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, Univ Avignon, CNRS, IRD, IMBE UMR7263, Marseille, France
| | - Michele Pibarot
- Regional Network of Cancerology ONCOPACA-Corse, hôpitaux Sud, 270, Boulevard Sainte-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Blandine Courbiere
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine, APHM, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, Univ Avignon, CNRS, IRD, IMBE UMR7263, Marseille, France
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37
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Arora PR, Misra R, Mehrotra S, Mittal C, Sharma S, Bagai P, Arora RS. Pilot initiative in India to explore the gonadal function and fertility outcomes of a cohort of childhood cancer survivors. J Hum Reprod Sci 2016; 9:90-3. [PMID: 27382233 PMCID: PMC4915292 DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.183508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT: Steady improvement in childhood cancer outcomes has led to a growing number of survivors, many of who develop long-term sequelae. There is limited data about these sequelae (including those related to fertility) on childhood cancer survivors from India. AIMS: We undertook a prospective pilot study on childhood cancer survivors from India to assess their gonadal function and fertility. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A pediatric oncologist and a reproductive medicine specialist assessed 21 childhood cancer survivors. The risk of infertility was established using disease and treatment variables. Current status of puberty, sexuality, and fertility were assessed using clinical and biochemical parameters. Outcomes were correlated with risk group of infertility. Information was also ascertained on counseling with regards to risk of infertility. RESULTS: The cohort included 21 survivors (71% males) with a median age of 18 years who were off treatment for a median age of 7 years. Ten (48%) survivors were at low risk for infertility, 9 (43%) at medium risk and 2 (9%) at high risk. Gonadal dysfunction was seen in 3 (14%) survivors: 0/10 (0%) low risk, 1/9 (11%) medium risk, and 2/2 (100%) high risk. None of the survivors, who are at high risk or medium risk of infertility, received any counseling before treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective pilot study of a cohort of childhood cancer survivors from India demonstrates a deficiency in the information provided and counseling of patients/families at the time of diagnosis with regards to the risk of infertility. Fertility outcomes of childhood cancer survivors were congruent with recognized risk groups for infertility. Future action points have been identified.
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38
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Gupta AA, Donen RM, Sung L, Boydell KM, Lo KC, Stephens D, Pritchard S, Portwine C, Maloney AM, Lorenzo AJ. Testicular Biopsy for Fertility Preservation in Prepubertal Boys with Cancer: Identifying Preferences for Procedure and Reactions to Disclosure Practices. J Urol 2016; 196:219-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.2967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abha A. Gupta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel M. Donen
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine M. Boydell
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirk C. Lo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek Stephens
- Division of Biostatistics, Design and Analysis, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheila Pritchard
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carol Portwine
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Marie Maloney
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Armando J. Lorenzo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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39
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Ellis SJ, Wakefield CE, McLoone JK, Robertson EG, Cohn RJ. Fertility concerns among child and adolescent cancer survivors and their parents: A qualitative analysis. J Psychosoc Oncol 2016; 34:347-62. [DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2016.1196806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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40
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Barlevy D, Wangmo T, Elger BS, Ravitsky V. Attitudes, Beliefs, and Trends Regarding Adolescent Oncofertility Discussions: A Systematic Literature Review. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2016; 5:119-34. [DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2015.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Barlevy
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernice S. Elger
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vardit Ravitsky
- Bioethics Program, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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41
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Srikanthan A, Amir E, Warner E. Does a dedicated program for young breast cancer patients affect the likelihood of fertility preservation discussion and referral? Breast 2016; 27:22-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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42
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Long CJ, Ginsberg JP, Kolon TF. Fertility Preservation in Children and Adolescents With Cancer. Urology 2016; 91:190-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2015.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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43
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Buske D, Sender A, Richter D, Brähler E, Geue K. Patient-Physician Communication and Knowledge Regarding Fertility Issues from German Oncologists' Perspective-a Quantitative Survey. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2016; 31:115-122. [PMID: 25934223 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-015-0841-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Many people diagnosed with haematologic malignancies are of child-bearing age. Typical treatment courses pose a high risk of infertility, and a lot of people affected by this are in the midst of starting or growing their families. Thus, it is crucial that they are well informed about fertility preservation options and can discuss these with an oncologist early on in the development of their treatment plans. Unfortunately, however, this does not always happen. One hundred twenty oncologists from 37 German adult clinical facilities were surveyed regarding their discussions with young patients about fertility, family planning, and fertility preservation. Almost all of them said that they consider fertility preservation to be an important issue. They also reported several factors as having an influence on the likelihood and practicability of discussing these subjects. Most knew about the existence of cryoconservation of germ cells and the use of GnRH analogues (95 %), but only half of them claimed to have a thorough understanding of these options. Many said they would like to learn more about this and that informational brochures could be helpful. Even though many oncologists do have good working knowledge of the subject, patients of reproductive age are not yet consistently given comprehensive information about the options available to them. To improve oncologists' knowledge of reproductive medicine, cooperation with fertility specialists should be facilitated, and informational leaflets should be made available both to patients and their medical care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annekathrin Sender
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Diana Richter
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristina Geue
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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44
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Shnorhavorian M, Johnson R, Shear SB, Wilfond BS. Responding to Adolescents with Cancer who Refuse Sperm Banking: When "No" Should Not Be the Last Word. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2016; 1:114-7. [PMID: 26811921 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2011.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Margarett Shnorhavorian
- 1 Department of Urology, Division of Pediatric Urology, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital , Seattle, Washington
| | - Rebecca Johnson
- 2 Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital , Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Benjamin S Wilfond
- 4 Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine , Seattle, Washington
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45
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46
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Panagiotopoulou N, Ghuman N, Sandher R, Herbert M, Stewart J. Barriers and facilitators towards fertility preservation care for cancer patients: a meta-synthesis. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2015; 27. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Panagiotopoulou
- Newcastle Fertility Centre; International Centre for Life; Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - N. Ghuman
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department; Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - R. Sandher
- Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - M. Herbert
- Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - J.A. Stewart
- Newcastle Fertility Centre; International Centre for Life; Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
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47
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Wallace WHB, Kelsey TW, Anderson RA. Fertility preservation in pre-pubertal girls with cancer: the role of ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Fertil Steril 2015; 105:6-12. [PMID: 26674557 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing numbers of survivors of cancer in young people, future fertility and ovarian function are important considerations that should be discussed before treatment commences. Some young people, by nature of the treatment they will receive, are at high risk of premature ovarian insufficiency and infertility. For them, ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is one approach to fertility preservation that remains both invasive and for young patients experimental. There are important ethical and consent issues that need to be explored and accepted before OTC can be considered established in children with cancer. In this review we have discussed a framework for patient selection which has been shown to be effective in identifying those patients at high risk of premature ovarian insufficiency and who can be offered OTC safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Hamish B Wallace
- Department of Haematology/Oncology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Thomas W Kelsey
- School of Computer Science, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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48
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In vitro follicle growth supports human oocyte meiotic maturation. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17323. [PMID: 26612176 PMCID: PMC4661442 DOI: 10.1038/srep17323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro follicle growth is a potential approach to preserve fertility for young women who are facing a risk of premature ovarian failure (POF) caused by radiation or chemotherapy. Our two-step follicle culture strategy recapitulated the dynamic human follicle growth environment in vitro. Follicles developed from the preantral to antral stage, and, for the first time, produced meiotically competent metaphase II (MII) oocytes after in vitro maturation (IVM).
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49
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Jensen AK, Kristensen SG, Macklon KT, Jeppesen JV, Fedder J, Ernst E, Andersen CY. Outcomes of transplantations of cryopreserved ovarian tissue to 41 women in Denmark. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2838-45. [PMID: 26443605 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the results of transplanting cryopreserved ovarian tissue? SUMMARY ANSWER The transplanted ovarian tissue can last up to 10 years, with no relapses following the 53 transplantations, and the chance of a successful pregnancy is currently around one in three for those with a pregnancy-wish. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is now gaining ground as a valid method for fertility preservation. More than 36 children worldwide have now been born following this procedure. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a retrospective cohort study of 41 women who had thawed ovarian tissue transplanted 53 times over a period of 10 years, including 1 patient who was lost to follow-up. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The 41 Danish women, who had in total 53 transplantations, were followed for ovarian function and fertility outcome. Safety was assessed by monitoring relapse in cancer survivors. MAIN RESULTS, AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Among 32 women with a pregnancy-wish, 10 (31%) had a child/children (14 children in total); this included 1 woman with a third trimester on-going pregnancy. In addition, two legal abortions and one second trimester miscarriage occurred. A total of 24 clinical pregnancies were established in the 32 women with a pregnancy-wish. The tissue remained functional for close to 10 years in some cases and lasted only a short period in others. Three relapses occurred but were unlikely to be due to the transplanted tissue. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Self-report through questionnaires with only in-one hospital formalised follow-up of transplanted patients could result in unreported miscarriages. The longevity of the tissue may vary by few months compared with those reported because some patients simply could not remember the date when the tissue became non-functional. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is likely to become integrated into the treatment of young women, with cancer, who run a risk of losing their fertility. The full functional lifespan of grafts is still being evaluated, because many of the transplanted women have continued to maintain ovarian activity. Some of our first cases have had tissue functioning for ∼ 10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Jensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S G Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K T Macklon
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J V Jeppesen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Fedder
- The Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - E Ernst
- The Fertility Clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - C Y Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Picton HM, Wyns C, Anderson RA, Goossens E, Jahnukainen K, Kliesch S, Mitchell RT, Pennings G, Rives N, Tournaye H, van Pelt AMM, Eichenlaub-Ritter U, Schlatt S. A European perspective on testicular tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation in prepubertal and adolescent boys. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2463-75. [PMID: 26358785 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What clinical practices, patient management strategies and experimental methods are currently being used to preserve and restore the fertility of prepubertal boys and adolescent males? SUMMARY ANSWER Based on a review of the clinical literature and research evidence for sperm freezing and testicular tissue cryopreservation, and after consideration of the relevant ethical and legal challenges, an algorithm for the cryopreservation of sperm and testicular tissue is proposed for prepubertal boys and adolescent males at high risk of fertility loss. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A known late effect of the chemotherapy agents and radiation exposure regimes used to treat childhood cancers and other non-malignant conditions in males is the damage and/or loss of the proliferating spermatogonial stem cells in the testis. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is the first line treatment for fertility preservation in adolescent males. Where sperm retrieval is impossible, such as in prepubertal boys, or it is unfeasible in adolescents prior to the onset of ablative therapies, alternative experimental treatments such as testicular tissue cryopreservation and the harvesting and banking of isolated spermatogonial stem cells can now be proposed as viable means of preserving fertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Advances in clinical treatments, patient management strategies and the research methods used to preserve sperm and testicular tissue for prepubertal boys and adolescents were reviewed. A snapshot of the up-take of testis cryopreservation as a means to preserve the fertility of young males prior to December 2012 was provided using a questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted. In addition, survey results of testis freezing practices in young patients were collated from 24 European centres and Israeli University Hospitals. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There is increasing evidence of the use of testicular tissue cryopreservation as a means to preserve the fertility of pre- and peri-pubertal boys of up to 16 year-old. The survey results indicate that of the 14 respondents, half of the centres were actively offering testis tissue cryobanking as a means of safeguarding the future fertility of boys and adolescents as more than 260 young patients (age range less than 1 year old to 16 years of age), had already undergone testicular tissue retrieval and storage for fertility preservation. The remaining centres were considering the implementation of a tissue-based fertility preservation programme for boys undergoing oncological treatments. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The data collected were limited by the scope of the questionnaire, the geographical range of the survey area, and the small number of respondents. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The clinical and research questions identified and the ethical and legal issues raised are highly relevant to the multi-disciplinary teams developing treatment strategies to preserve the fertility of prepubertal and adolescent boys who have a high risk of fertility loss due to ablative interventions, trauma or genetic pre-disposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Picton
- Division of Reproduction and Early Development, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Christine Wyns
- Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), 1200 Brussels, Belgium Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Research Group Biology of the Testis (BITE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kirsi Jahnukainen
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - G Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Faculty of Philosophy and Moral Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Natalie Rives
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Research Team EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and gamete quality', IRIB, Rouen University Hospital, University of Rouen, 76031 Rouen Cedex, France
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of the Brussels Free University, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ursula Eichenlaub-Ritter
- Faculty of Biology, Gene Technology/Microbiology, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld 33501, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
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