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Ghaemi M, Rokhzadi I, Dashtkoohi M, Doosti M, Rezaeinejad M, Shariat M, Hantoushzadeh S, Keikha F, Eshraghi N, Fakehi M. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare providers among women oncofertility in Iran: a cross-sectional study. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:1044. [PMID: 39182018 PMCID: PMC11344341 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12821-6] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, Iran has witnessed a remarkable increase in the incidence of cancer. This has led to an emerging challenge in the field of oncofertility, which seeks to address the impact of cancer treatments on fertility and endeavors to preserve reproduction. The study assessed healthcare providers' awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding fertility preservation (FP) in Iran. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oncofertility. An online self-made oncofertility survey of twenty-four items was administered to randomly selected participants from a list of healthcare providers registered with the Medical Council. The data were collected anonymously via Google Forms. Descriptive statistics, including number (n), prevalence (%), mean, and standard deviation, were calculated using SPSS 26.0. Additionally, chi-square tests were used to examine associations between categorical variables. Participants were categorized into oncology, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), and other specialties. RESULTS A total of 423 responses were received and analyzed. Approximately 60% of the participants were obstetrics and gynecology subspecialists, while the remaining participants represented various disciplines such as surgery (9.7%), radiotherapy (6.4%), nuclear medicine (5.2%), and pediatrics (1.4%). More than 30% of the participants had not received any specific education about oncofertility, and more than 20% stated that FP strategies are not part of their routine treatment plan for young cancer patients. Oncologists had more education than those in the Obstetrics & Gynecology group. Half the participants were unaware of insurance coverage, and FP options were infrequently recommended. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the urgent need to enhance healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes toward FP in Iran and enable them to provide comprehensive support and guidance to cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Ghaemi
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ideh Rokhzadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Akbar Abadi Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohadese Dashtkoohi
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Doosti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Akbar Abadi Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahroo Rezaeinejad
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mamak Shariat
- Fetal & Neonatal Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Maternal, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Hantoushzadeh
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Keikha
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Eshraghi
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Fakehi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Akbar Abadi Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Kayiira A, McLaughlin S, John JN, Zaake D, Xiong S, Balagadde JK, Gomez-Lobo V, Wabinga H, Ghebre R. Future Fertility Among Pediatric Cancer Patients: Experiences and Perspectives of Health Workers in a Low-Resource Setting. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:637-645. [PMID: 38613474 PMCID: PMC11322621 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2024.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose:Although fertility preservation for patients with childhood and adolescent cancer is considered standard of care in the high-resource settings, it is rarely offered in low-resource settings. This study explores the experiences and perspectives of oncology health care professionals in Uganda to identify contextual barriers and facilitators to addressing oncofertility in low-resource settings. Methods: Using ground theory, we conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews of health care professionals managing pediatric patients at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Using a systematic, semi-structured interview guide, participants were asked open-ended questions about their understanding of fertility preservation and their perspectives on implementing this care at their institution. Although all the eligible health care providers were interviewed, interview transcripts were uploaded into NVivo version 12 and openly coded as per theoretical requirements. Codes were refined into categories and later into structured themes. Results: Twelve health care professionals were interviewed. Most participants identified as female (n = 9). Their role in the medical team varied from nurses (n = 6), medical officers (n = 3), pediatric oncologists (n = 2), and pediatric oncology fellow (n = 1). Six themes were noted as follows: (1) importance of information, (2) importance of future fertility, (3) inadequate consideration to future fertility, (4) communication barriers, (5) inadequate knowledge, and (6) resource barriers. Conclusion: Although health care providers at the UCI face contextual barriers to addressing future fertility among patients with pediatric cancer, they value preserving fertility in this population. Future initiatives that aim to introduce oncofertility care in low-resource settings should prioritize educating providers and building capacity to meet the oncofertility needs in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Kayiira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Uganda Martyrs University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mulago Specialized Women’s and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah McLaughlin
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Daniel Zaake
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Uganda Martyrs University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Serena Xiong
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Veronica Gomez-Lobo
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health, and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Kampala Cancer Registry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rahel Ghebre
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Kayiira A, Neda John J, Zaake D, Xiong S, Kambugu Balagadde J, Gomez-Lobo V, Wabinga H, Ghebre R. Understanding Fertility Attitudes and Outcomes Among Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers in a Low-Resource Setting: A Registry-Based Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview Survey. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:520-528. [PMID: 36579945 PMCID: PMC10457622 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To establish the extent of self-reported reproductive failure associated with cancer treatment, and attitudes toward fertility among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors in Uganda. Methods: A registry-based computer-assisted telephone interview survey was conducted in Uganda. The survey population were survivors of childhood, adolescent and early adulthood cancers diagnosed between 2007 and 2018. The survey explored fertility outcomes, experiences of oncofertility and fertility attitudes of AYA cancer survivors. Results: Thirty-four (female = 14 and male = 20) interviews were completed. Survivors were 18-35 years of age. The median age at cancer diagnosis was 23.5 for females and 17.5 for males. Kaposi's sarcoma contributed to 44% of primary cancer diagnoses. All the survivors had received chemotherapy alone or in combination with other modalities and 79% of survivors had not received satisfactory information about future fertility before cancer treatment. Twenty one percent of males and 46% females met the criteria for infertility and 60% of these had met this criterion after their cancer diagnosis. Eighty two percent wanted to raise a biologically related child. Forty seven percent would be dissatisfied with their lives if they were unable to have a child or additional children. Conclusion: AYA cancer survivors in this low-resource setting reported reproductive failure, despite a strong fertility desire. Information and counseling provided on therapy-related problems before cancer treatment was insufficient and reinforces the need to build capacity for oncofertility resources within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Kayiira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uganda Martyrs University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mulago Specialized Women's and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Daniel Zaake
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uganda Martyrs University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Serena Xiong
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Veronica Gomez-Lobo
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Kampala Cancer Registry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rahel Ghebre
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Abusanad A, Mokhtar AMA, Aljehani SAA, Aljuhani KFA, Saleh KAA, Alsubhi BH, Hamdi RM, Alzoriri AD. Oncofertility care and influencing factors among cancer patients of reproductive age from Saudi Arabia. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:1014868. [PMID: 36466012 PMCID: PMC9714457 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.1014868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background More cancer survivors and a greater burden of long-term side effects have resulted from rising cancer incidence, improved treatment modalities, and younger age at cancer diagnosis. Treatment- related Infertility (TRI) is a well-known sequelae. This study looked at current oncofertility support and fertility preservation (FP) in men and women of reproductive age with cancer in Saudi Arabia, where there is little knowledge on the subject. Methods A cross-sectional study included oncology patients of reproductive age from an academic hospital was conducted. Patients' characteristics, cancer type, treatment modalities and assessment of oncofertility support data were collected and examined to assess oncofertility support and potentially influencing factors. Results Our study included 135 patients (39.3% males and 60.7% females). Although 66.7% believed they were fertile at the time of diagnosis, and more than half planned to have children in the future, Unfortunately, only 37.8% have received fertility counseling, and only 17% have seen a fertility specialist. In male patients, the most common FP method was sperm cryopreservation (6.7%), while the majority of both genders (87.4%) did not use any FP method. Two-thirds of the patients are knowledgeable about TRI and FP methods. About half of the female patients (57.3%) were advised about the possibility of post-treatment amenorrhea while only 8.1% of the whole cohort received psychological support. Conclusions Despite patients' satisfactory knowledge of TRI and FP, oncologists infrequently referred their patients to a specialized fertility service. More than half of our patients expressed a desire to have children in the future, but this desire was impeded by limited oncofertility care and FP procedures. Several factors influenced the knowledge of TRI, fertility counseling and FP. It is critical to incorporate oncofertility into management planning as it has a significant impact on patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atlal Abusanad
- Medical Oncology, King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Raad Mohammed Hamdi
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Salama M, Lambertini M, Christianson MS, Jayasinghe Y, Anazodo A, De Vos M, Amant F, Stern C, Appiah L, Woodard TL, Anderson RA, Westphal LM, Leach RE, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Patrizio P, Woodruff TK. Installing oncofertility programs for breast cancer in limited versus optimum resource settings: Empirical data from 39 surveyed centers in Repro-Can-OPEN Study Part I & II. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:505-516. [PMID: 35032286 PMCID: PMC8760079 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02394-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE As a further step to elucidate the actual diverse spectrum of oncofertility practices for breast cancer around the globe, we present and discuss the comparisons of oncofertility practices for breast cancer in limited versus optimum resource settings based on data collected in the Repro-Can-OPEN Study Part I & II. METHODS We surveyed 39 oncofertility centers including 14 in limited resource settings from Africa, Asia & Latin America (Repro-Can-OPEN Study Part I), and 25 in optimum resource settings from the United States, Europe, Australia and Japan (Repro-Can-OPEN Study Part II). Survey questions covered the availability of fertility preservation and restoration options offered to young female patients with breast cancer as well as the degree of utilization. RESULTS In the Repro-Can-OPEN Study Part I & II, responses for breast cancer and calculated oncofertility scores showed the following characteristics: (1) higher oncofertility scores in optimum resource settings than in limited resource settings especially for established options, (2) frequent utilization of egg freezing, embryo freezing, ovarian tissue freezing, GnRH analogs, and fractionation of chemo- and radiotherapy, (3) promising utilization of oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM), (4) rare utilization of neoadjuvant cytoprotective pharmacotherapy, artificial ovary, and stem cells reproductive technology as they are still in preclinical or early clinical research settings, (5) recognition that technical and ethical concerns should be considered when offering advanced and innovative oncofertility options. CONCLUSIONS We presented a plausible oncofertility best practice model to guide oncofertility teams in optimizing care for breast cancer patients in various resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Salama
- Oncofertility Consortium, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, Room A626B, East Lansing, MI 48824-1316 USA
| | - M. Lambertini
- Department of Medical Oncology, UOC Clinica Di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - MS Christianson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Johns Hopkins Fertility Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 10751 Falls Road, Suite 280, Lutherville, MD 21093 USA
| | - Y. Jayasinghe
- Royal Children’s Hospital, Flemington Rd, Parkville, Melbourne, Vic 3054 Australia
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Royal Womens Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - A. Anazodo
- Fertility Research Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, Barker Street, Sydney, Australia
| | - M. De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine of UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - F. Amant
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C. Stern
- Fertility Preservation Service, Reproductive Services Unit, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, 3051 Australia
- Fertility Preservation Service, Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, 3002 Australia
| | - L. Appiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO USA
| | - T. L. Woodard
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Oncofertility Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - R. A. Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - L. M. Westphal
- Stanford University Hospital, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA USA
| | - R. E. Leach
- Oncofertility Consortium, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, Room A626B, East Lansing, MI 48824-1316 USA
| | - K. A. Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P. Patrizio
- Yale Fertility Center and Yale Fertility Preservation Program, 200 West Campus Dr, Orange, CT 06477 USA
| | - Teresa K. Woodruff
- Oncofertility Consortium, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, Room A626B, East Lansing, MI 48824-1316 USA
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Verduzco-Aguirre HC, Gulias-Herrero A, Bourlon MT. Oncofertility Knowledge Among Internal Medicine Residents in an Academic Center in Mexico. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:10-15. [PMID: 32462498 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01771-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Guidelines recommend discussing fertility preservation with patients with cancer. In Mexico, internists frequently are the primary care provider (PCP) for adults in reproductive age. The knowledge of oncofertility among PCPs in low and middle income countries is poorly known. Internal medicine residents in a tertiary care hospital in Mexico City participated in a survey regarding fertility concepts in cancer patients. Sixty-three residents participated; their median age was 27. Thirty percent reported 0% self-perceived confidence for providing counseling about fertility issues, and 26% reported more than 50% self-perceived confidence. Twenty-eight percent reported not asking patients in reproductive age about satisfied parity/paternity. Eighty-one percent correctly identified patients that should receive fertility counseling, and 68% identified alkylating chemotherapy as having the highest risk of infertility. Fifty-four percent were able to name at least one fertility preservation (FP) strategy for males, whereas 49% were able to name at least one strategy in females. Residents who reported at least 50% self-perceived confidence for providing fertility counseling were more likely to name at least one FP strategy for men (64.7%) versus those who reported less than 50% self-perceived confidence (52.1%), but this result was not statistically significant (p = 0.378). This was similar for FP strategies in women, with 64.7% of more confident residents naming at least one, compared with 43.4% of less confident residents (p = 0.134). Knowledge of FP in patients with cancer is insufficient among internal medicine residents in our institution. Inclusion of oncofertility concepts in the internal medicine program is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydeé C Verduzco-Aguirre
- Hemato-Oncology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Gulias-Herrero
- Department of Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria T Bourlon
- Hemato-Oncology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Khan SZ, Arecco L, Villarreal-Garza C, Sirohi B, Ponde NF, Habeeb B, Brandão M, Azim HA, Chowdhury AR, Bozovic-Spasojevic I, Kovalenko I, Odhiambo A, Seid FU, Mutombo AB, Petracci F, Vidra R, Altuna SC, Petrova M, Kourie HR, Ozturk MA, Razeti MG, Lengyel CG, Talibova N, Mariamidze E, Sacardo KP, Duma N, Gyawali B, Trapani D, Tagliamento M, Lambertini M. Knowledge, Practice, and Attitudes of Physicians in Low- and Middle-Income Countries on Fertility and Pregnancy-Related Issues in Young Women With Breast Cancer. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100153. [PMID: 35025688 PMCID: PMC8769103 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility and pregnancy-related issues are highly relevant for young (≤ 40 years) patients with breast cancer. Limited evidence exists on knowledge, practice, and attitudes of physicians from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) regarding these issues. Online in @ASCO_pubs #JCOGlobOncol large survey by @matteolambe et al. showing suboptimal practice and attitudes of physicians in #LMICs on #fertility and #pregnancy issues in young #BreastCancer patients: increased awareness and education in #oncofertility are needed@OncoAlert![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Zeb Khan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, BINOR, Bannu, Pakistan
| | - Luca Arecco
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Bhawna Sirohi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, India
| | | | - Baker Habeeb
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shaqlawa Teaching Hospital, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mariana Brandão
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hatem A Azim
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Arman Reza Chowdhury
- Department of Oncology, Evercare Cancer Centre, Evercare Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Andrew Odhiambo
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fahmi Usman Seid
- Department of Oncology, Hawassa University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia.,Department of Oncology, Tikur Anbessa Hospital College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Radu Vidra
- Oncology Department, The Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology "Prof Dr Octavian Fodor," Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Oncology Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Mila Petrova
- MHAT Nadezhda Department of Medical Oncology, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Mehmet Akif Ozturk
- Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Maria Grazia Razeti
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Narmin Talibova
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Oncology Center, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Elene Mariamidze
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Todua Clinic, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Narjust Duma
- The Cancer Care Equity Program, Lowe Center For Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Marco Tagliamento
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
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8
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Martinez-Ibarra NA, Remolina-Bonilla YA, Buerba-Vieregge HH, Barragan-Carrillo R, Castro-Alonso FJ, Mateos-Corella S, Bourlon MT. Oncofertility and Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients Across the Twitterverse. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:926668. [PMID: 35846298 PMCID: PMC9278620 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.926668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Infertility is a major problem affecting children, adolescents, and young adults (AYAs) with cancer, either due to the disease itself or because of oncologic treatment. Oncofertility (OF) focuses on counseling cancer patients about fertility risks and preservation options. However, OF and fertility preservation (FP) conversations on Twitter and their impact are unknown. We aim to characterize the users and type of content of these conversations. MATERIALS AND METHODS This observational study analyzed tweets with the hashtags "#Oncofertility" and "#FertilityPreservation" over eight months. We classified Twitter accounts by user type and country. Tweets were categorized by content type, and retweets and likes were quantified. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS A total of 399 tweets from 223 different accounts were evaluated. Twitter accounts comprised 22 countries and stemmed from high, upper-middle, and lower-middle-income countries in 86.5%, 5.4%, and 6.3%, respectively; no accounts from low-income countries were found. Accounts were mostly from physicians (37%) and healthcare centers (20%); we did not find any patient accounts. The most common content category was informative tweets directed to patients (30.8%), followed by discussion/sharing of medical papers (25.6%). Only 14.5% of tweets contained information about children and adolescents. Still, only 4.5% were aimed at children. Retweets were absent in 16.5% of the tweets, and 80.7% did not have comments. CONCLUSION OF and FP discussions on Twitter were limited to interactions among medical professionals. Also, advocacy groups showed limited activity on social media. Even though a significant proportion of tweets directed to patients were found, no active involvement of patients was observed. Finally, limited number of tweets (4.5%) were directed to children and adolescents. There is a need to raise awareness about the effects of cancer on fertility in this group. Currently, Twitter is not a resource of information for children and AYAs with cancer who need OF counseling and fertility preservation. Our results open a debate on how to promote the use of social media in the future to improve the quality of OF information available, awareness, and care since there is an unmet need for fertility preservation access in young cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayeli A. Martinez-Ibarra
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yuly A. Remolina-Bonilla
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Hector H. Buerba-Vieregge
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Regina Barragan-Carrillo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco J. Castro-Alonso
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Oaxaca, San Bartolo Coyotepec, Mexico
| | - Samantha Mateos-Corella
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria T. Bourlon
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Maria T. Bourlon,
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Vanderpuye V, Dadzie MA, Huo D, Olopade OI. Assessment of Breast Cancer Management in Sub-Saharan Africa. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1593-1601. [PMID: 34843373 PMCID: PMC8624034 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To document progress and bottlenecks in breast cancer management in sub-Saharan Africa, subsequent to a 2013 pilot survey conducted through the African Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer (AORTIC) network. METHODS An anonymous survey of breast cancer management was conducted in 2018 among AORTIC members. Results concerning respondent specialty, access to tumor boards, treatment accessibility, diagnostic services, and factors influencing treatment outcomes were compared with the 2013 findings. RESULTS Thirty-seven respondents from 30 facilities in 21 sub-Saharan Africa countries responded. The majority (92%) were clinical oncologists. Radiotherapy facilities were available in 70% of facilities. Seventy-eight percent of these had linear accelerators, and 42% had cobalt60 machines. Eighty percent of facilities had multidisciplinary tumor boards. Immunohistochemistry was routinely performed in 74% of facilities, computed tomography scan in 90%, bone scan in 16%, and positron emission tomography scans in 5%. Anthracyclines, taxanes, tamoxifen, letrozole, anastrozole, and zoledronic acid were available in the majority; trastuzumab, fertility, and genetic counseling were available in 66%, 58%, and 16%, respectively. There were a 50% increase in oncologist respondents over 2013 and a > 50% increase in radiotherapy facilities, particularly linear accelerators. Availability of trastuzumab, aromatase inhibitors, and taxanes increased. Immunohistochemistry capacity remained the same, whereas facilities harvesting at least 10 axillary lymph nodes increased. Bone scan facilities decreased. Responses suggested improved diagnostic services, systemic therapies, and radiotherapy. Sociocultural and economic barriers, system delays, and advanced stage at presentation remain. CONCLUSION Clinicians in sub-Saharan Africa have basic tools to improve breast cancer outcomes, recording positive strides in domains such as radiotherapy and systemic therapy. Socioeconomic and cultural barriers and system delays persist. Workforce expansion must be prioritized to improve quality of care to improve outcomes. This study highlights the current state of breast cancer management in Sub Saharan Africa, documenting key advancements , challenges and bottlenecks encountered in the sub region. Aside the major aspects of management, pertinent areas such as multidisciplinary tumour board engagements, fertility , genetic counselling and factors affecting outcome were explored. Majority of institutions manage breast cancer patients within a multidisciplinary setting using standard treatment guidelines. The high out of pocket cost of cancer treatment and advanced stage at presentation transcends in many sub Saharan countries negatively impacting outcomes. These results should serve as a benchmark to stakeholders , to guide urgent interventions required to further improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verna Vanderpuye
- National Centre for Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mary-Ann Dadzie
- National Centre for Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dezheng Huo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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10
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Woodruff TK, Ataman-Millhouse L, Acharya KS, Almeida-Santos T, Anazodo A, Anderson RA, Appiah L, Bader J, Becktell K, Brannigan RE, Breech L, Bourlon MT, Bumbuliene Ž, Burns K, Campo-Engelstein L, Campos JR, Centola GM, Chehin MB, Chen D, De Vos M, Duncan FE, El-Damen A, Fair D, Famuyiwa Y, Fechner PY, Fontoura P, Frias O, Gerkowicz SA, Ginsberg J, Gracia CR, Goldman K, Gomez-Lobo V, Hazelrigg B, Hsieh MH, Hoyos LR, Hoyos-Martinez A, Jach R, Jassem J, Javed M, Jayasinghe Y, Jeelani R, Jeruss JS, Kaul-Mahajan N, Keim-Malpass J, Ketterl TG, Khrouf M, Kimelman D, Kusuhara A, Kutteh WH, Laronda MM, Lee JR, Lehmann V, Letourneau JM, McGinnis LK, McMahon E, Meacham LR, Mijangos MFV, Moravek M, Nahata L, Ogweno GM, Orwig KE, Pavone ME, Peccatori FA, Pesce RI, Pulaski H, Quinn G, Quintana R, Quintana T, de Carvalho BR, Ramsey-Goldman R, Reinecke J, Reis FM, Rios J, Rhoton-Vlasak AS, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Roeca C, Rotz SJ, Rowell E, Salama M, Saraf AJ, Scarella A, Schafer-Kalkhoff T, Schmidt D, Senapati S, Shah D, Shikanov A, Shnorhavorian M, Skiles JL, Smith JF, Smith K, Sobral F, Stimpert K, Su HI, Sugimoto K, Suzuki N, Thakur M, Victorson D, Viale L, Vitek W, Wallace WH, Wartella EA, Westphal LM, Whiteside S, Wilcox LH, Wyns C, Xiao S, Xu J, Zelinski M. A View from the past into our collective future: the oncofertility consortium vision statement. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:3-15. [PMID: 33405006 PMCID: PMC7786868 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01983-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Today, male and female adult and pediatric cancer patients, individuals transitioning between gender identities, and other individuals facing health extending but fertility limiting treatments can look forward to a fertile future. This is, in part, due to the work of members associated with the Oncofertility Consortium. Methods The Oncofertility Consortium is an international, interdisciplinary initiative originally designed to explore the urgent unmet need associated with the reproductive future of cancer survivors. As the strategies for fertility management were invented, developed or applied, the individuals for who the program offered hope, similarly expanded. As a community of practice, Consortium participants share information in an open and rapid manner to addresses the complex health care and quality-of-life issues of cancer, transgender and other patients. To ensure that the organization remains contemporary to the needs of the community, the field designed a fully inclusive mechanism for strategic planning and here present the findings of this process. Results This interprofessional network of medical specialists, scientists, and scholars in the law, medical ethics, religious studies and other disciplines associated with human interventions, explore the relationships between health, disease, survivorship, treatment, gender and reproductive longevity. Conclusion The goals are to continually integrate the best science in the service of the needs of patients and build a community of care that is ready for the challenges of the field in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Lauren Ataman-Millhouse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kelly S Acharya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Duke Fertility Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Teresa Almeida-Santos
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antoinette Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Sydney, Australia.,Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard A Anderson
- Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Leslie Appiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joy Bader
- ReproTech, Ltd., Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Robert E Brannigan
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lesley Breech
- Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Maria T Bourlon
- Hemato-Oncology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Žana Bumbuliene
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Karen Burns
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Oncology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lisa Campo-Engelstein
- Institute for the Medical Humanities, Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Grace M Centola
- Dadi, Inc., Brooklyn, NY, USA.,Phoenix Sperm Bank of Seattle Sperm Bank, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,New England Cryogenic Center/New England Cord Blood Bank, Marlborough, MA, USA
| | | | - Diane Chen
- Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine and Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ahmed El-Damen
- IVIRMA Middle East Fertility Clinic, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Division of Embryology and Comparative Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Douglas Fair
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Utah, Primary Children's Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Yemi Famuyiwa
- Montgomery Fertility Center, Rockville, MD, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patricia Y Fechner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Olivia Frias
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Jill Ginsberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Clarisa R Gracia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kara Goldman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Veronica Gomez-Lobo
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Michael H Hsieh
- Department of Urology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Luis R Hoyos
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alfonso Hoyos-Martinez
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert Jach
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jacek Jassem
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Murid Javed
- OriginElle Fertility Clinic and Women's Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yasmin Jayasinghe
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Roohi Jeelani
- Vios Fertility Institute, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jacqueline S Jeruss
- Departments of Surgery, Pathology, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nalini Kaul-Mahajan
- Mother & Child Hospital, New Delhi, India.,Ferticity Fertility Clinics, New Delhi, India
| | - Jessica Keim-Malpass
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Tyler G Ketterl
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Dana Kimelman
- Centro de Esterilidad Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Atsuko Kusuhara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - William H Kutteh
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Monica M Laronda
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jung Ryeol Lee
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Fertility Preservation and Enhancement Research Laboratory, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Vicky Lehmann
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joseph M Letourneau
- University of Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lynda K McGinnis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eileen McMahon
- Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai Fertility, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lillian R Meacham
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monserrat Fabiola Velez Mijangos
- Biology of Human Reproduction Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Molly Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Leena Nahata
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - George Moses Ogweno
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Nairobi Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.,Esis Health Services (EHS), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fedro Alessandro Peccatori
- Fertility & Procreation Unit, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Romina Ileana Pesce
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hanna Pulaski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Quinn
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Medical Ethics, Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman
- Department of Medicine/Division of Rheumatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Fernando M Reis
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Julie Rios
- Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alice S Rhoton-Vlasak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kenny A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cassandra Roeca
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Seth J Rotz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erin Rowell
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mahmoud Salama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amanda J Saraf
- Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Anibal Scarella
- Centro de Reproducción Humana, Facultad Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | | | - Deb Schmidt
- Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Suneeta Senapati
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Divya Shah
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Margarett Shnorhavorian
- Department of Urology, Division of Pediatric Urology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jodi L Skiles
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - James F Smith
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kristin Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fabio Sobral
- Pregna Medicina Reproductiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kyle Stimpert
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - H Irene Su
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kouhei Sugimoto
- International Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Nao Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Mili Thakur
- Reproductive Genomics Program, The Fertility Center, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - David Victorson
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Wendy Vitek
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - W Hamish Wallace
- Paediatric Oncology, University of Edinburgh & Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Ellen A Wartella
- Center on Media and Human Development, School of Communication, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Lynn M Westphal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Stacy Whiteside
- Fertility & Reproductive Health Program, Department of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Christine Wyns
- Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jing Xu
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mary Zelinski
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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11
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Adiga SK, Tholeti P, Uppangala S, Kalthur G, Gualtieri R, Talevi R. Fertility preservation during the COVID-19 pandemic: mitigating the viral contamination risk to reproductive cells in cryostorage. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:991-997. [PMID: 33032909 PMCID: PMC7490241 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reopening fertility care services across the world in the midst of a pandemic brings with it numerous concerns that need immediate addressing, such as the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on the male and female reproductive cells and the plausible risk of cross-contamination and transmission. Due to the novelty of the disease the literature contains few reports confirming an association of SARS-CoV-2 with reproductive tissues, gametes and embryos. Cryobanking, an essential service in fertility preservation, carries the risk of cross-contamination through cryogenic medium and thus calls for risk-mitigation strategies. This review aims to address the available literature on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on tissues, gametes and embryos, with special reference to the possible sources of cross-contamination through liquid nitrogen. Strategies for risk mitigation have been extrapolated from reports dealing with other viruses to the current global crisis, for safety in fertility treatment services in general, and specifically for oncofertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish K Adiga
- Centre for Fertility Preservation, Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
| | - Prathima Tholeti
- Centre for Fertility Preservation, Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Centre for Fertility Preservation, Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Centre for Fertility Preservation, Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy.
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12
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Nahata L, Gomez-Lobo V, Meacham L, Appiah L, Childress K, Hoefgen H, Dwiggins M, Whiteside S, Bjornard K, Rios J, Anazodo A, Finlayson C, Frias O, Woodruff T, Moravek M. 2019 Pediatric Initiative Network: Progress, Proceedings, and Plans. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2020; 9:457-463. [PMID: 32460662 PMCID: PMC7415883 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairment of fertility and sexual/reproductive health are common after oncologic therapy, and are known to have negative impacts on romantic relationships and psychosocial well-being among childhood cancer survivors. The Pediatric Initiative Network (PIN) is an international, multidisciplinary group of providers within the Oncofertility Consortium dedicated to preserving and protecting the fertility of children and adolescents at risk for infertility due to medical conditions or treatments. The PIN and its Best Practices and Research committees meet virtually throughout the year, with one annual in-person meeting. The purpose of this "proceedings" is to highlight key discussion points from the annual PIN meeting which took place on November 11, 2019, to 1) provide a context for pediatric groups across the country on what oncofertility programs are currently doing and why, and 2) inform stakeholders of past, present and future initiatives that may be of value to them and the patient populations they serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Nahata
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Veronica Gomez-Lobo
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Leslie Appiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Krista Childress
- Division of Gynecologic Specialties, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Holly Hoefgen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Maggie Dwiggins
- Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Stacy Whiteside
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kari Bjornard
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Julie Rios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Comprehensive Fertility Care and Preservation Program, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Antoinette Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Courtney Finlayson
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Olivia Frias
- Comprehensive Fertility Care and Preservation Program, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Teresa Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Molly Moravek
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Salama M, Ataman-Millhouse L, Braham M, Berjeb K, Khrouf M, Rodrigues JK, Reis FM, Silva TC, Sánchez F, Romero S, Smitz J, Vásquez L, Vega M, Sobral F, Terrado G, Lombardi MG, Scarella A, Bourlon MT, Verduzco-Aguirre H, Sánchez AM, Adiga SK, Tholeti P, Udupa KS, Mahajan N, Patil M, Dalvi R, Venter C, Demetriou G, Geel J, Quintana R, Rodriguez G, Quintana T, Viale L, Fraguglia M, Coirini M, Remolina-Bonilla YA, Noguera JAR, Velásquez JC, Suarez A, Arango GD, Pineda JID, Aldecoa MDC, Javed M, Al Sufyan H, Daniels N, Oranye BC, Ogunmokun AA, Onwuzurigbo KI, Okereke CJ, Whesu TC, Woodruff TK. Installing oncofertility programs for common cancers in limited resource settings (Repro-Can-OPEN Study): An extrapolation during the global crisis of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1567-1577. [PMID: 32594284 PMCID: PMC7320246 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01821-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The state of limited resource settings that Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created globally should be taken seriously into account especially in healthcare sector. In oncofertility, patients should receive their fertility preservation treatments urgently even in limited resource settings before initiation of anticancer therapy. Therefore, it is very crucial to learn more about oncofertility practice in limited resource settings such as in developing countries that suffer often from shortage of healthcare services provided to young patients with cancer. METHODS As an extrapolation during the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic, we surveyed oncofertility centers from 14 developing countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Nigeria, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India). Survey questionnaire included questions on the availability and degree of utilization of fertility preservation options in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer. RESULTS All surveyed centers responded to all questions. Responses and their calculated oncofertility scores showed different domestic standards for oncofertility practice in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer in the developing countries under limited resource settings. CONCLUSIONS Medical practice in limited resource settings has become a critical topic especially after the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the resources necessary to provide oncofertility treatments is important until the current COVID-19 pandemic resolves. Lessons learned will be valuable to future potential worldwide disruptions due to infectious diseases or other global crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Salama
- Oncofertility Consortium, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois USA
| | - L. Ataman-Millhouse
- Oncofertility Consortium, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois USA
| | - M. Braham
- Aziza Othmana Hospital of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - K. Berjeb
- Aziza Othmana Hospital of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - M. Khrouf
- FERTILLA, Clinique la Rose, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - J. K. Rodrigues
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - F. M. Reis
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - T. Cury- Silva
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - F. Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Preservación de la Fertilidad, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - S. Romero
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Preservación de la Fertilidad, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - J. Smitz
- Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Preservación de la Fertilidad, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - L. Vásquez
- Unidad de Oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, Lima, Peru
| | - M. Vega
- Panama Fertility, Sistema Nacional de Investigadores, Panama City, Panama
| | - F. Sobral
- Pregna Medicina Reproductiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G. Terrado
- Pregna Medicina Reproductiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - A. Scarella
- Centro de Reproduccion Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - M. T. Bourlon
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - H. Verduzco-Aguirre
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A. M. Sánchez
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinoza de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - S. K. Adiga
- Fertility Preservation Centre, Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - P. Tholeti
- Fertility Preservation Centre, Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - K. S. Udupa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - N. Mahajan
- Mother and Child Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - M. Patil
- Dr. Patil’s Fertility and Endoscopy Clinic, Bangalore, India
| | - R. Dalvi
- Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences & SRCC children’s Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - C. Venter
- Vitalab Fertility Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - G. Demetriou
- Department Medical Oncology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - J. Geel
- Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - L. Viale
- Procrearte, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - M. Coirini
- Hospital de Niños Victor J. Vilela. Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - A. Suarez
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Bogota, Colombia
| | | | - J. I. D. Pineda
- Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social (IGSS), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - M. D. C. Aldecoa
- Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social (IGSS), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - M. Javed
- Thuriah Medical Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - H. Al Sufyan
- Thuriah Medical Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - N. Daniels
- The Oncology and Fertility Centres of Ekocorp Plc, Eko Hospitals, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - B. C. Oranye
- The Oncology and Fertility Centres of Ekocorp Plc, Eko Hospitals, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - A. A. Ogunmokun
- The Oncology and Fertility Centres of Ekocorp Plc, Eko Hospitals, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | | | - T. C. Whesu
- Kingswill Specialist Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - T. K. Woodruff
- Oncofertility Consortium, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois USA
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Tholeti P, Uppangala S, Bhat V, Udupa KS, Kumar V, Patted S, Natarajan P, Spears N, Kalthur G, Woodruff TK, Adiga SK. Oncofertility: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers Among Indian Oncologists and Gynecologists. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2020; 10:71-77. [PMID: 32456519 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Recommendations from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) emphasize the critical need to understand current trends in fertility preservation (FP) among the two sets of primary health care providers involved in oncofertility: the oncologists and the gynecologists. This study is aimed at understanding the health care providers' knowledge, attitudes, and barriers in oncofertility across India. Methods: An 18-item oncofertility survey was designed and directed to 77 oncologists and 214 gynecologists across India. The responses were analyzed by using descriptive statistical methods, and the oncofertility trends between the two groups were studied. Results: The total response rate was 34%, with 49 of 214 oncologists (23%) and 49 of 77 gynecologists (64%) participating in the survey. The awareness of ASCO FP guidelines among oncologists and gynecologists was 53% and 59.5%, respectively. About 48% of oncologists felt knowledgeable about sperm banking, whereas 52% knew about oocyte freezing but not about other options. On the other hand, among gynecologists, 38% reported inadequate knowledge of testicular or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. About 85% of oncologists reported routine referral of cancer diagnosed patients for FP, whereas 75% of gynecologists reported routine FP discussion with patients. Health care providers from both groups perceived the major barriers in oncofertility to be, "financial burden on the patient" (73%-86%) and, "lack of patient awareness" (71%-79.5%). Conclusion: Effective collaboration between oncologists and gynecologists is essential to establish a successful FP program. Economic burden on the patient and lack of patient and physician awareness are limiting factors that need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prathima Tholeti
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Centre for Fertility Preservation, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Centre for Fertility Preservation, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Vasudeva Bhat
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Karthik S Udupa
- Department of Medical Oncology and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Shobhana Patted
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, India
| | - Pandiyan Natarajan
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Chettinad Super Speciality Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Norah Spears
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Centre for Fertility Preservation, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Bourlon MT, Anazodo A, Woodruff TK, Segelov E. Oncofertility as a Universal Right and a Global Oncology Priority. JCO Glob Oncol 2020; 6:314-316. [PMID: 32119579 PMCID: PMC7113082 DOI: 10.1200/go.19.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria T. Bourlon
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Eva Segelov
- Monash Health and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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