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Diaz AA, Kubo H, Handa N, Hanna M, Laronda MM. A Systematic Review of Ovarian Tissue Transplantation Outcomes by Ovarian Tissue Processing Size for Cryopreservation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:918899. [PMID: 35774145 PMCID: PMC9239173 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.918899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is the only pre-treatment option currently available to preserve fertility for prepubescent girls and patients who cannot undergo ovarian stimulation. Currently, there is no standardized method of processing ovarian tissue for cryopreservation, despite evidence that fragmentation of ovaries may trigger primordial follicle activation. Because fragmentation may influence ovarian transplant function, the purpose of this systematic review was (1) to identify the processing sizes and dimensions of ovarian tissue within sites around the world, and (2) to examine the reported outcomes of ovarian tissue transplantation including, reported duration of hormone restoration, pregnancy, and live birth. A total of 2,252 abstracts were screened against the inclusion criteria. In this systematic review, 103 studies were included for analysis of tissue processing size and 21 studies were included for analysis of ovarian transplantation outcomes. Only studies where ovarian tissue was cryopreserved (via slow freezing or vitrification) and transplanted orthotopically were included in the review. The size of cryopreserved ovarian tissue was categorized based on dimensions into strips, squares, and fragments. Of the 103 studies, 58 fertility preservation sites were identified that processed ovarian tissue into strips (62%), squares (25.8%), or fragments (31%). Ovarian tissue transplantation was performed in 92 participants that had ovarian tissue cryopreserved into strips (n = 51), squares (n = 37), and fragments (n = 4). All participants had ovarian tissue cryopreserved by slow freezing. The pregnancy rate was 81.3%, 45.5%, 66.7% in the strips, squares, fragment groups, respectively. The live birth rate was 56.3%, 18.2%, 66.7% in the strips, squares, fragment groups, respectively. The mean time from ovarian tissue transplantation to ovarian hormone restoration was 3.88 months, 3.56 months, and 3 months in the strips, squares, and fragments groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the time of ovarian function' restoration and the size of ovarian tissue. Transplantation of ovarian tissue, regardless of its processing dimensions, restores ovarian hormone activity in the participants that were reported in the literature. More detailed information about the tissue processing size and outcomes post-transplant are required to identify a preferred or more successful processing method. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk], identifier [CRD42020189120].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A. Diaz
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hana Kubo
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nicole Handa
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maria Hanna
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Monica M. Laronda
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Monica M. Laronda,
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2
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Chen J, Han Y, Shi W, Yan X, Shi Y, Yang Y, Gao H, Li Y. Ovarian tissue bank for fertility preservation and anti-menopause hormone replacement. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:950297. [PMID: 36157465 PMCID: PMC9506376 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.950297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional fertility preservation methods such as embryo or oocyte cryopreservation cannot meet the needs of a cancer patient or for personal reasons. The cryopreservation of ovarian tissue can be an alternative and has become a hot spot to preserve fertility or hormone replacement. The freezing of ovarian tissue can be carried out at any time without ovarian hyperstimulation to retrieve follicles. It is an ideal strategy to preserve reproductive function in children, adolescent cancer patients, and patients who are in urgent need of cancer treatment. With the increasing demands of women with premature ovarian failure or in menopause, ovarian tissue transplantation is also an alternative for hormone replacement that can provide physiological doses of hormone levels, which can avoid a series of risks such as thrombosis, breast cancer, or other hormone-dependent tumors, caused by oral hormone replacement. Hence, ovarian tissue banking can be regarded as a mainstream strategy for fertility preservation and anti-menopause hormone replacement in further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yan Han
- The Assisted Reproduction Department, Yichun Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Yichun, China
| | - Wenjie Shi
- University Hospital for Gynecology, Pius-Hospital, University Medicine Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Xiaohong Yan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yingying Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Women and Children’s Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ye Yang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hong Gao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Gao, ; Youzhu Li,
| | - Youzhu Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Gao, ; Youzhu Li,
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Dolmans MM, Hossay C, Nguyen TYT, Poirot C. Fertility Preservation: How to Preserve Ovarian Function in Children, Adolescents and Adults. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10225247. [PMID: 34830528 PMCID: PMC8621487 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy, pelvic radiotherapy and ovarian surgery have known gonadotoxic effects that can lead to endocrine dysfunction, cessation of ovarian endocrine activity and early depletion of the ovarian reserve, causing a risk for future fertility problems, even in children. Important determinants of this risk are the patient’s age and ovarian reserve, type of treatment and dose. When the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency is high, fertility preservation strategies must be offered to the patient. Furthermore, fertility preservation may sometimes be needed in conditions other than cancer, such as in non-malignant diseases or in patients seeking fertility preservation for personal reasons. Oocyte and/or embryo vitrification and ovarian tissue cryopreservation are the two methods currently endorsed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, yielding encouraging results in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates. The choice of one technique above the other depends mostly on the age and pubertal status of the patient, and personal and medical circumstances. This review focuses on the available fertility preservation techniques, their appropriateness according to patient age and their efficacy in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Gynecology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Av. Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (C.H.); (T.Y.T.N.)
- Department of Gynecology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Av. Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | - Camille Hossay
- Gynecology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Av. Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (C.H.); (T.Y.T.N.)
| | - Thu Yen Thi Nguyen
- Gynecology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Av. Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (C.H.); (T.Y.T.N.)
| | - Catherine Poirot
- Department of Hematology, AYA Unit, Saint Louis Hospital AP-HP, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France;
- Médecine Sorbonne Université, Site Pitié Salpêtrière, 91 Bd de l’Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP, 123 Bd de Port Royal, 75014 Paris, France
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Rozen G, Avagliano S, Agresta F, Gook D, Polyakov A, Stern C. Ovarian tissue grafting: Lessons learnt from our experience with 55 grafts. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 20:277-288. [PMID: 34262395 PMCID: PMC8254169 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Uncertainties remain regarding the clinical efficacy of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and grafting. We report a retrospective analysis of reproductive outcomes and lessons learnt following 55 ovarian tissue transplant procedures at our center from 2006 to 2019. Methods We analyzed variables related to graft success such as tissue volume, follicular density, total follicular volume, and age on the duration of graft function. Results Follicular density and total follicular volume correlate positively with duration of graft function. All clinical pregnancies in our cohort occurred in women who were aged 35 or less at the time of ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Conclusion Graft success, as determined by eventual pregnancy and the longevity of graft function, may be impacted by factors including age at cryopreservation, follicular density, and total follicular volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genia Rozen
- Reproductive Services Unit Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Stephanie Avagliano
- Reproductive Services Unit Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Franca Agresta
- Reproductive Services Unit Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Debra Gook
- Reproductive Services Unit Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Alex Polyakov
- Reproductive Services Unit Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Catharyn Stern
- Reproductive Services Unit Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, Melbourne Vic. Australia
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Comparison of ovarian striation and ovarian fragmentation in a rat model of ovarian insufficiency. JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.898447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Human Ovarian Cortex biobanking: A Fascinating Resource for Fertility Preservation in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093245. [PMID: 32375324 PMCID: PMC7246700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel anti-cancer treatments have improved the survival rates of female young patients, reopening pregnancy issues for female cancer survivors affected by the tumor treatment-related infertility. This condition occurs in approximately one third of women of fertile age and is mainly dependent on gonadotoxic protocols, including radiation treatments. Besides routine procedures such as the hormonal induction of follicular growth and subsequent cryopreservation of oocytes or embryos, the ovarian protection by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists during chemotherapy as well as even gonadal shielding during radiotherapy, other innovative techniques are available today and need to be optimized to support their introduction into the clinical practice. These novel methods are hormone stimulation-free and include the ovarian cortex cryopreservation before anti-cancer treatments and its subsequent autologous reimplantation and a regenerative medicine approach using oocytes derived in vitro from ovarian stem cells (OSCs). For both procedures, the major benefit is related to the prompt recruitment and processing of the ovarian cortex fragments before gonadotoxic treatments. However, while the functional competence of oocytes within the cryopreserved cortex is not assessable, the in vitro maturation of OSCs to oocytes, allows to select the most competent eggs to be cryopreserved for fertility restoration.
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Bystrova O, Lapina E, Kalugina A, Lisyanskaya A, Tapilskaya N, Manikhas G. Heterotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in cancer patients: a case series. Gynecol Endocrinol 2019; 35:1043-1049. [PMID: 31373236 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1648413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue offers patients a chance to preserve fertility during cancer treatment. In this study of ten young women with gynecological cancer, heterotopic sites were tested for serum hormones and follicle growth to estimate transplant longevity and prospects for assisted conception. Frozen-thawed grafts were implanted subcutaneously in the forearm (FA) (2 cases), the abdominal wall (AW) (11 cases), and the peritoneal lining (P) (3 cases) . In the follow-up of 36 months, a total of 80 ovarian cycles in different heterotopic sites were analyzed. FA and AW grafts had wildly fluctuating FSH, while estradiol (E2) reached preovulatory levels only in AW and P grafts. Follicular growth was active in P sites (1.2 ± 0.1 mm/d) and sluggish in FA and AW sites (0.4 ± 0.1 mm/d). A mature oocyte was only retrieved from the AW, while seven other aspirations were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, a patient delivered twice after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma when orthotopic transplantation was performed, first from an IVF cycle and subsequently from a natural cycle. In conclusion, these findings offer no strong encouragement for fertility preservation by transplanting cryopreserved ovarian tissue to subcutaneous sites, and although the peritoneal site gave better results, graft longevity averaged the same at around 3 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Bystrova
- "AVA-PETER" Fertility Clinic, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elena Lapina
- "AVA-PETER" Fertility Clinic, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alla Kalugina
- "AVA-PETER" Fertility Clinic, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alla Lisyanskaya
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Saint-Petersburg City Oncology Clinic, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalya Tapilskaya
- Oncology Unit, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Georgy Manikhas
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Saint-Petersburg City Oncology Clinic, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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Rivas Leonel EC, Lucci CM, Amorim CA. Cryopreservation of Human Ovarian Tissue: A Review. Transfus Med Hemother 2019; 46:173-181. [PMID: 31244585 PMCID: PMC6558345 DOI: 10.1159/000499054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue has been increasingly applied worldwide to safeguard fertility in cancer patients, notably in young girls and women who cannot delay the onset of their treatment. Moreover, it has been proposed to patients with benign pathologies with a risk of premature ovarian insufficiency. So far, more than 130 live births have been reported after transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue, and almost all patients recovered their ovarian function after tissue reimplantation. SUMMARY This review aims to summarize the recent results described in the literature regarding human ovarian tissue cryopreservation in terms of methods and main results obtained so far. To cryopreserve human ovarian tissue, most studies describe a slow freezing/rapid thawing protocol, which is usually an adaptation of a protocol developed for sheep ovarian tissue. Since freezing has been shown to have a deleterious effect on ovarian stroma and granulosa cells, various research groups have been vitrifying ovarian tissue. Despite promising results, only 2 babies have been born after transplantation of vitrified/warmed ovarian tissue. Optimization of both cryopreservation strategies as well as thawing/warming protocols is therefore necessary to improve the survival of follicles in cryopreserved ovarian tissue. KEY MESSAGES Human ovarian tissue cryopreservation has been successfully applied worldwide to preserve fertility in patients with malignant or nonmalignant pathologies that have a detrimental effect on fertility. Human ovarian tissue cryopreservation could also be applied as an alternative to postpone pregnancy or menopause in healthy women. Slow freezing and vitrification procedures have been applied to cryopreserve human ovarian tissue, but both alternatives require optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Cristina Rivas Leonel
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Biology, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Carolina M. Lucci
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Christiani A. Amorim
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Tammiste T, Kask K, Padrik P, Idla K, Rosenstein K, Jatsenko T, Veerus P, Salumets A. A case report and follow-up of the first live birth after heterotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in Eastern Europe. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2019; 19:65. [PMID: 31088441 PMCID: PMC6518657 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-019-0764-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Ovarian insufficiency is a major concern for long-term cancer survivors. Although semen freezing is well established to preserve male fertility, the possibilities to secure post-cancer female fertility are mostly limited to oocyte or embryo freezing. These methods require time-consuming ovarian stimulation with or without in vitro fertilization (IVF) that evidently delays cancer therapy. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and subsequent thawed tissue autotransplantation are considered the most promising alternative strategy for restoring the fertility of oncology patients, which has not yet received the full clinical acceptance. Therefore, all successful cases are needed to prove its reliability and safety. Case presentation Here we report a single case in Estonia, where a 28-year-old woman with malignant breast neoplasm had ovarian cortex cryopreserved before commencing gonadotoxic chemo- and radiotherapy. Two years after cancer therapy, the patient underwent heterotopic ovarian tissue transplantation into the lateral pelvic wall. The folliculogenesis was stimulated in the transplanted tissue by exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone and oocytes were collected under ultrasound guidance for IVF and embryo transfer. The healthy boy was born after full-term gestation in 2014, first in Eastern Europe. Conclusion Despite many countries have reported the first implementation of the ovarian tissue freezing and transplantation protocols, the data is still limited on the effectiveness of heterotopic ovarian transplant techniques. Thus, all case reports of heterotopic ovarian tissue transplantation and long-term follow-ups to describe the children’s health are valuable source of clinical experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triin Tammiste
- West Tallinn Central Hospital Women's Clinic, Tallinn, Estonia.,Internal Medicine Clinic, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Keiu Kask
- Women's Clinic, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Peeter Padrik
- Cancer Centre of Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Külli Idla
- West Tallinn Central Hospital Women's Clinic, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | | | - Piret Veerus
- West Tallinn Central Hospital Women's Clinic, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Women's Clinic, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia. .,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia. .,Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
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10
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Transplantation of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue: an update on worldwide activity published in peer-reviewed papers and on the Danish cohort. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:561-570. [PMID: 29497953 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study is to review all peer-reviewed published reports of women receiving ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) with frozen/thawed tissue (OTC) with respect to age, diagnosis, transplantation site, fertility outcome, and potential side effects, including data from all women in the Danish program. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed in PubMed combined with results from all patients who had received OTT in Denmark up to December 2017. RESULTS OTT has been reported from 21 different countries comprising a total of 360 OTT procedures in 318 women. In nine women, malignancy was diagnosed after OTT; none were considered to be directly caused by the OTT. Despite a potential under reporting of cancer recurrence, there is currently no evidence to suggest that OTT causes reseeding of the original cancer. Renewed ovarian endocrine function was reported in 95% of the women. Half of all children born following OTT resulted from natural conception, and newborns were reported to be healthy except for one neonate with a chromosome anomaly with a family disposition. Women who conceived after OTT were significantly younger than those who failed. CONCLUSION This study found no indications of sufficient numbers of malignant cells present in the ovarian tissue to cause recurrence of cancer after OTT. Further, it is unlikely that OTC affects the well-being of children born. OTC is now an established method of fertility preservation in Denmark with public reimbursement. The current data encourage that women who require gonadotoxic treatment should be offered an individual evaluation considering fertility preservation.
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Abstract
Constant progress in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer disease has increased the number and prognosis of cancer survivors. However, the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on ovarian function have resulted in premature ovarian failure. Patients are, therefore, still expecting methods to be developed to preserve their fertility successfully. Several potential options are available to preserve fertility in patients who face premature ovarian failure, including immature or mature oocyte and embryo cryopreservation. However, for children or prepubertal women needing immediate chemotherapy, cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is the only alternative. The ultimate aim of this strategy is to implant ovarian tissue into the pelvic cavity (orthotopic site) or in a heterotopic site once oncological treatment is completed and the patient is disease free. Transplantation of ovarian tissue with sufficiently large numbers of follicles could potentially restore endocrine function and allow multiple cycles for conception. However, the success of ovarian tissue transplantation still has multiple challenges, such as the low number of follicles in the graft that may affect their longevity as well as the survival of the tissue during ex vivo processing and subsequent transplantation. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the achievements of ovary grafting and the potential techniques that have been developed to improve ovarian graft survival.
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12
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Kristensen SG, Giorgione V, Humaidan P, Alsbjerg B, Bjørn AMB, Ernst E, Andersen CY. Fertility preservation and refreezing of transplanted ovarian tissue—a potential new way of managing patients with low risk of malignant cell recurrence. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:1206-1213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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13
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Abstract
Cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue is now being accepted as a mainstream ART laboratory procedure. The procedure described has been validated for use at the histological and functional level, and, recently, unequivocal evidence of preservation of primordial follicles has been demonstrated following twin births from cryopreserved ovarian tissue grafted at a heterotopic site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra A Gook
- Reproductive Services/Melbourne IVF and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Cnr Gratten Street and Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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Bastings L, Westphal JR, Beerendonk CCM, Bekkers RLM, Zusterzeel PLM, Hendriks JCM, Braat DDM, Peek R. Clinically applied procedures for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation result in different levels of efficacy and efficiency. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1605-1614. [PMID: 27714478 PMCID: PMC5171896 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0816-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Different protocols are being used worldwide for the cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue for fertility preservation purposes. The efficiency and efficacy of the majority of these protocols has not been extensively evaluated, possibly resulting in sub-optimally cryopreserved ovarian tissue. To address the impact of this issue, we assessed the effects of two clinically successful human ovarian tissue slow-freezing cryopreservation procedures on the quality of the cryopreserved tissue. METHODS To differentiate between cryopreservation (C) versus thawing (T) related effects, four combinations of these two (A and B) very different cryopreservation/thawing protocols (ACAT, ACBT, BCAT, BCBT) were studied. Before and after cryopreservation and thawing, the percentage of living and morphologically normal follicles, as well as the overall tissue viability, was assessed. RESULTS Our experiments revealed that the choice of the cryopreservation protocol noticeably affected the overall tissue viability and percentage of living follicles, with a higher viability after protocol BC when compared to AC. No statistically significant differences in tissue viability were observed between the two thawing protocols, but thawing protocol BT required considerably more human effort and materials than thawing protocol AT. Tissue morphology was best retained using the BCAT combination. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that extensive and systematical evaluation of clinically used protocols is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lobke Bastings
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johan R Westphal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina C M Beerendonk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud L M Bekkers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Petra L M Zusterzeel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C M Hendriks
- Department for Health Evidence, Section Biostatistics, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Didi D M Braat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Peek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Fertility preservation is the process by which either oocytes (eggs) or sperm undergo an intervention to preserve their use for future attempts at conception. Consideration of fertility preservation in the pediatric and adolescent population is important, as future childbearing is usually a central life goal. For postpubertal girls, both oocyte and embryo cryopreservation are standard of care and for postpubertal boys, sperm cryopreservation continues to be recommended. Although all the risks are unknown, it appears that fertility preservation in most cases does not worsen prognosis, allows for the birth of healthy children, and does not increase the chance of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Estes
- Donor Oocyte Program, Robotic Surgical Services, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey Medical Center, Mail Code H103, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA.
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Ovarian tissue cryopreservation in girls undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplant: experience of a single centre. Bone Marrow Transplant 2015; 50:1206-11. [PMID: 25961773 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2015.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fertility after childhood haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is a major concern. Conditioning regimens before HSCT present a high risk (>80%) of ovarian failure. Since 2000, we have proposed cryopreservation of ovarian tissue to female patients undergoing HSCT at our centre, to preserve future fertility. After clinical and haematological evaluation, the patients underwent ovarian tissue collection by laparoscopy. The tissue was analysed by histologic examination to detect any tumour contamination and then frozen following the slow freezing procedure and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. From August 2000 to September 2013, 47 patients planned to receive HSCT, underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The median age at diagnosis was 11.1 years and at the time of procedure it was 13 years, respectively. Twenty-four patients were not pubertal at the time of storage, whereas 23 patients had already experienced menarche. The median time between laparoscopy and HSCT was 25 days. Twenty-six out of 28 evaluable patients (93%) developed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism at a median time of 23.3 months after HSCT. One patient required autologous orthotopic transplantation that resulted in one live birth. Results show a very high rate of iatrogenic hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, highlighting the need for fertility preservation in these patients.
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Abstract
Enhanced long-term survival rates of young women with cancer and advances in reproductive medicine and cryobiology have culminated in an increased interest in fertility preservation methods in girls and young women with cancer. Present data suggest that young patients with cancer should be referred for fertility preservation counselling quickly to help with their coping process. Although the clinical application of novel developments, including oocyte vitrification and oocyte maturation in vitro, has resulted in reasonable success rates in assisted reproduction programmes, experience with these techniques in the setting of fertility preservation is in its infancy. It is hoped that these and other approaches, some of which are still regarded as experimental (eg, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, pharmacological protection against gonadotoxic agents, in-vitro follicle growth, and follicle transplantation) will be optimised and become established within the next decade. Unravelling the complex mechanisms of activation and suppression of follicle growth will not only expand the care of thousands of women diagnosed with cancer, but also inform the care of millions of women confronted with reduced reproductive fitness because of ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Johan Smitz
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Radioimmunology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Gamzatova Z, Komlichenko E, Kostareva A, Galagudza M, Ulrikh E, Zubareva T, Sheveleva T, Nezhentseva E, Kalinina E. Autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue--effective method of fertility preservation in cancer patients. Gynecol Endocrinol 2014; 30 Suppl 1:43-7. [PMID: 25200829 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2014.945789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the literature and to present the latest advances in the autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature review was conducted for all relevant articles assessing the fertility preservation, ovarian tissue transplantation, standard freezing and vitrification of ovarian tissue. RESULTS One of the promising and effective methods for fertility preservation may be the autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. At present, 30 babies have been born after orthotopic autotransplantation of frozen-thawed human ovarian tissue. Restoration of ovarian activity occurs between 3.5 months and 6.5 months. The longevity of autotransplanted ovarian tissue is about 5-7 years. The follicles are similarly preserved after all freezing methods; however, the ovarian stroma is significantly better preserved after vitrification than after slow freezing. An important topic for further research is preparation of the "vascular bed", optimization of vitrification technique and the development of alternative procedures to avoid the transmission of cancer cells via ovarian tissue autotransplantation - "artificial ovary". CONCLUSIONS Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue has unique advantages over other strategies. This method: (1) does not delay cancer treatment; (2) is safer for hormone dependent malignancy; (3) can be done independent of menstrual cycles; (4) is the only option for prepubertal girls; (5) can restore not only fertility but endocrine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaynab Gamzatova
- Federal Almazov Medical Research Centre , Saint Petersburg , Russia
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19
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Fabbri R, Pasquinelli G, Magnani V, Macciocca M, Vicenti R, Parazza I, Paradisi R, Battaglia C, Rossi S, Venturoli S. Autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in oncological patients: recovery of ovarian function. Future Oncol 2014; 10:549-61. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.13.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Aim: To present preliminary results of autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue performed at Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy. Materials & methods: Orthotopic transplantation was performed in two women with colorectal and breast cancer, and heterotopic transplantation was performed in one Hodgkin’s lymphoma woman. The presence of micrometastasis in the ovarian tissue was checked, and morphological features of ovarian tissue were evaluated before transplantation. Ovarian function was monitored by hormonal and ultrasound-color Doppler examination after transplantation. Results: In all three women, no micrometastasis was found; light and transmission electron microscopy showed well-preserved thawed ovarian tissue. Ovarian function recovery was observed 2–4 months after transplantation. Spontaneous menstrual cycles occurred in two women with normal follicular densities. No periods occurred in the woman with low follicular density at the time of tissue collection. Conclusion: Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation is a promising approach for preserving ovarian function in women with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Fabbri
- Gynaecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianandrea Pasquinelli
- Clinical Pathology, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, DIMES, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Magnani
- Gynaecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Macciocca
- Gynaecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella Vicenti
- Gynaecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Isabella Parazza
- Gynaecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Paradisi
- Gynaecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Cesare Battaglia
- Gynaecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Rossi
- Gynaecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Venturoli
- Gynaecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy
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20
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Kim S. Revisiting the role of heterotopic ovarian transplantation: futility or fertility. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:141-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Hewitt JK, Jayasinghe Y, Amor DJ, Gillam LH, Warne GL, Grover S, Zacharin MR. Fertility in Turner syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2013; 79:606-14. [PMID: 23844676 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in fertility and use of assisted reproductive technologies for women with Turner syndrome (TS). Current parenting options include adoption, surrogacy, and spontaneous and assisted reproduction. For women with TS, specific risks of pregnancy include higher than usual rates of spontaneous abortion, foetal anomaly, maternal morbidity and mortality. Heterologous fertility assistance using oocytes from related or unrelated donors is an established technique for women with TS. Homologous fertility preservation includes cryopreservation of the patient's own gametes prior to the progressive ovarian atresia known to occur: preserving either mature oocytes or ovarian tissue containing primordial follicles. Mature oocyte cryopreservation requires ovarian stimulation and can be performed only in postpubertal individuals, when few women with TS have viable oocytes. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation, however, can be performed in younger girls prior to ovarian atresia - over 30 pregnancies have resulted using this technique, however, none in women with TS. We recommend consideration of homologous fertility preservation techniques in children only within specialized centres, with informed consent using protocols approved by a research or clinical ethics board. It is essential that further research is performed to improve maternal and foetal outcomes for women with TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline K Hewitt
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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22
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Bastings L, Beerendonk CCM, Westphal JR, Massuger LFAG, Kaal SEJ, van Leeuwen FE, Braat DDM, Peek R. Autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in cancer survivors and the risk of reintroducing malignancy: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19:483-506. [PMID: 23817363 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of recurrent oncological disease due to the reintroduction of cancer cells via autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue is unknown. METHODS A systematic review of literature derived from MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Studies on follow-up after autotransplantation; detection of cancer cells in ovarian tissue from oncological patients by histology, polymerase chain reaction or xenotransplantation; and epidemiological data on ovarian metastases were included. RESULTS A total of 289 studies were included. Metastases were repeatedly detected in ovarian tissue obtained for cryopreservation purposes from patients with leukaemia, as well as in one patient with Ewing sarcoma. No metastases were detected in ovarian tissue from lymphoma and breast cancer patients who had their ovarian tissue cryopreserved. Clinical studies indicated that one should be concerned about autotransplantation safety in patients with colorectal, gastric and endometrial cancer. For patients with low-stage cervical carcinoma, clinical data were relatively reassuring, but studies focused on the detection of metastases were scarce. Oncological recurrence has been described in one survivor of cervical cancer and one survivor of breast cancer who had their ovarian tissue autotransplanted, although these recurrences may not be related to the transplantation. CONCLUSIONS It is advisable to refrain from ovarian tissue autotransplantation in survivors of leukaemia. With survivors of all other malignancies, current knowledge regarding the safety of autotransplantation should be discussed. The most reassuring data regarding autotransplantation safety were found for lymphoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bastings
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (791), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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23
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Risk of transferring malignant cells with transplanted frozen-thawed ovarian tissue. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:1514-22. [PMID: 23541406 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation is a real option to preserve and restore fertility in young cancer patients. However, there is a concern regarding the possible presence of malignant cells in the ovarian tissue, which could lead to recurrence of the primary disease after reimplantation. A review of the existing literature was done to evaluate the risk of transplanting malignant cells in case of the main malignant indications for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. For ovarian tissue from patients with hematologic malignancies, it is of paramount importance to identify minimal residual disease before ovarian tissue transplantation. Indeed, these pathologies, reviewed here in detail, are considered to be most at risk of ovarian metastasis.
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24
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Rosendahl M, Greve T, Andersen CY. The safety of transplanting cryopreserved ovarian tissue in cancer patients: a review of the literature. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 30:11-24. [PMID: 23263841 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9912-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplantation of frozen/thawed ovarian tissue from patients with a malignant condition is associated with a risk of re-introduction of the disease as the tissue usually is removed before anti-cancer therapy and may thus contain malignant cells. We review studies investigating the presence of malignant cells in cryopreserved ovarian tissue from patients with malignant disease and based on the strength of the evidence, recommendations for transplantations are proposed. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of the literature. All peer reviewed studies evaluating the presence of malignant cells in cryopreserved human ovarian tissue were included. Data were searched in Pubmed and Embase with no language restrictions. RESULTS The majority of the reviewed papers were casuistic reports and few of the included papers were specifically designed to search for malignant cells. Ovarian tissue from 422 patients has been subject to testing for malignant cells by imaging, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, animal- or clinical transplantation. In 31 (7 %) of the cases the applied test raised suspicion of malignant cell infiltration. No transplantation-related relapse of cancer has been reported after 33 transplantations of frozen/thawed ovarian cortex. CONCLUSION The quality and strength of the evidence is generally low and prospective studies are needed. The risk of re-introducing a malignant condition when transplanting ovarian tissue depends on the particular disease. Based on the available data, the risk was estimated: Leukaemia: HIGH. Gastrointestinal cancers: MODERATE. Breast cancer, sarcomas of the bone and connective tissue, gynaecological cancers, Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: LOW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Rosendahl
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9., 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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25
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Fabbri R, Vicenti R, Magnani V, Pasquinelli G, Macciocca M, Parazza I, Paradisi R, Battaglia C, Venturoli S. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in breast cancer patients: 10 years of experience. Future Oncol 2012; 8:1613-9. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.12.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To present a decade of experience with ovarian tissue cryopreservation in breast cancer patients. Materials & methods: The safety of the procedure was histologically evaluated before and after freezing in 94 patients. Out of 94 patients, 48 prechemotherapy patients were randomly selected to determine stroma and follicle preservation and follicular density. Results: The ovarian tissue from 94 patients did not identify any micrometastases. After cryopreservation, morphology of the ovarian tissue and density of healthy follicles were similar in fresh and frozen tissue. Follicular density decreased with the increasing age of patients in both fresh and frozen tissue (p < 0.0001). A variation in follicular density was observed between fresh and frozen tissue (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that ovarian tissue cryopreservation is highly feasible for preserving the fertility of young breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Fabbri
- Gynecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella Vicenti
- Gynecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Magnani
- Gynecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianandrea Pasquinelli
- Surgical Pathology, Department of Haematology, Oncology & Clinical Pathology, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Macciocca
- Gynecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Isabella Parazza
- Gynecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Paradisi
- Gynecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cesare Battaglia
- Gynecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Venturoli
- Gynecology & Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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Andersen CY, Kristensen SG, Greve T, Schmidt KT. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue for fertility preservation in young female oncological patients. Future Oncol 2012; 8:595-608. [PMID: 22646773 DOI: 10.2217/fon.12.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Girls and women suffering from a cancer that requires treatment with gonadotoxic drugs may experience cessation of reproductive function as a side effect due to obliteration of the ovarian pool of follicles. Techniques are now available for fertility preservation, such as cryopreservation of mature oocytes, embryos or ovarian cortical tissue. Whereas collection of mature oocytes and embryos requires at least a 2-week period, ovarian tissue may on short notice be frozen prior to treatment and can be transplanted back into women with ovarian failure. Transplanted frozen/thawed tissue supports survival and growth of follicles, giving rise to menstrual cycles and hormone production for several years. Worldwide, the procedure has resulted in the birth of 15 healthy children. Many cancer patients including girls and young women want fertility preservation, and the techniques are now being further developed and implemented in several centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Center for Women, Children & Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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27
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Detti L, Martin DC, Williams LJ. Applicability of adult techniques for ovarian preservation to childhood cancer patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:985-95. [PMID: 22821588 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To appraise the feasibility of current adult medical and surgical techniques for ovarian preservation in pre-pubertal and adolescent girls with cancer. METHODS Literature search using PubMed and SCOPUS up to February 2012. In addition, the reference lists of selected studies and all identified systematic and narrative reviews were scanned for relevant references. Inclusion criteria were ovarian preservation and cancer. Exclusion criteria were non-English publications, letters, personal communications, and ovarian preservation for conditions other than cancer. RESULTS Data from the selected publications was interpreted and discussed in the relevant sections. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue followed by autologous transplant represents the only surgical option available for pre-pubertal girls and adolescents who cannot delay the start of chemotherapy. Few studies report on pre-pubertal and adolescent girls undergoing ovarian preservation surgeries with good harvesting, and no follow-up has been conveyed, to date. Outcomes of ovarian function after ovarian suppression with GnRH-analogs in adults have been controversial and no reports are available for pre-pubertal girls. CONCLUSIONS Autologous transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian cortex probably represents the best option for preservation of fertility and hormonal function in childhood cancer females; however, future research needs to address the safety of this technique, especially in patients with blood-borne cancers. Ovarian suppression with GnRH-analogs at the time of chemotherapy treatment has not proven to be superior to non-suppression for fertility preservation purposes in adults. Not enough evidence is presently available in childhood cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Detti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Rout Center, 853 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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28
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Kim SS. Assessment of long term endocrine function after transplantation of frozen-thawed human ovarian tissue to the heterotopic site: 10 year longitudinal follow-up study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:489-93. [PMID: 22492223 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9757-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the longevity of ovarian grafts in five cancer patients who underwent heterotopic autotransplantation of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue. METHOD(S) Five cancer survivors underwent heterotopic ovarian transplantation between 2001 and 2011. Stored ovarian tissue (for 1-10 years) was rapidly thawed and transplanted into the space between the rectus sheath and the rectus muscle (8-20 cortical sections per patient). Endocrine function was assessed by monthly blood tests (FSH, LH, E2, progesterone and testosterone) and ultrasound after transplantation. The monitoring was continued until the cessation of endocrine function by consecutive blood tests (E2 < 20 pg/ml; FSH ≥ 35 IU/L). RESULT(S) Endocrine function was restored in all patients between 12-20 weeks after transplantation. Four patients required the second transplantation one to two years after the first transplantation. The duration of endocrine function after the second transplantation was much longer (9 months-84 months). The longest duration of endocrine function was seen in a woman who underwent ovarian transplantation in 2003 and 2004 after radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Even more than seven years after transplantation, endocrine function has not ceased (FSH 9.5, E2 108, on July 1, 2011). Of note, this patient underwent three IVF cycles in 2004 which resulted in four embryos. CONCLUSION(S) Long-term endocrine function lasting for seven years can be established with heterotopic transplantation of cryobanked human ovarian tissue. Re-establishment of long-term endocrine function after ovarian transplantation will benefit young cancer survivors with premature ovarian failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Samuel Kim
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of OB/GYN, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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29
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Greve T, Schmidt KT, Kristensen SG, Ernst E, Andersen CY. Evaluation of the ovarian reserve in women transplanted with frozen and thawed ovarian cortical tissue. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:1394-8.e1. [PMID: 22425199 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Revised: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate ovarian reserve and ovarian function in women transplanted with frozen/thawed ovarian tissue. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) 18 women transplanted with their own frozen/thawed ovarian tissue. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), duration of function of the transplanted ovarian tissue, outcome of assisted reproduction. RESULT(S) Of the 18 women who received transplanted ovarian tissue, levels of AMH were measured in 12 women; AMH never exceed a concentration of 1 ng/mL, and in several cases they were below the detection limit of the assay in combination with regular menstrual cycles. Two women with AMH below the detection limit conceived spontaneously. The duration of function of the transplants was between 9 months and 7 years and still functioning. Twelve women received assisted reproduction therapy; in 72 cycles, 65 oocytes were retrieved. The pregnancy rate and live-birth rate per cycle were 6.9% (5 of 72) and 2.8% (2 of 72), respectively. CONCLUSION(S) The relatively poor outcome of assisted reproduction in women transplanted with frozen/thawed ovarian tissue may reflect reduced follicular selection rather than defective or aged oocytes. In normal women, reduced follicular selection with age may be part of explaining the decline in female fecundity with increasing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Greve
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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