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Silvestris E, Minoia C, De Palma G, Popescu O, Altavilla A, Guarini A, Pavone F, Loizzi V, Cormio G, Depalo R. Optimizing the Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation in the 'Oncofertility' Institutional Program at an Italian National Cancer Institute. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2727. [PMID: 37893801 PMCID: PMC10606252 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of female cancer patients undergoing anticancer treatments are at risk of experiencing 'cancer treatment-related infertility', which can result in permanent damage to their reproductive prospects. Among the fertility preservation methods, ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) has emerged as an alternative for these patients. The Cancer Institute of Bari initiated a research program to assess the feasibility of OTC. This study compares the viability of ovarian cortical fragments cryopreserved using slow freezing (SF) and ultra-rapid freezing (URF) methods. METHODS Ovarian cortex biopsies were obtained from 11 fertile women enrolled in our oncofertility service between June 2022 and January 2023. After tissue collection, a histological assessment was performed before cryopreservation. OTC was carried out using both SF and URF methods. Six months later, thawed samples were evaluated for follicle counts and histological integrity. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was observed in the proportion of intact follicles (means of 31.5% and 73.0% in the SF and URF groups, respectively; p = 0.064). However, there was a significant difference in the number of follicles between the SF group (n = 149) and the URF group (n = 37) (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS We assessed the viability of ovarian cortex after freezing and thawing, focusing on the structural integrity of follicles. Our findings suggest that there are no significant differences between the SF and URF methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silvestris
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (V.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Carla Minoia
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Giuseppe De Palma
- Institutional BioBank, Experimental Oncology and Biobank Management Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Ondina Popescu
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (O.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Anna Altavilla
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (O.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Attilio Guarini
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Fabio Pavone
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Vera Loizzi
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (V.L.); (G.C.)
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (V.L.); (G.C.)
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaella Depalo
- Institutional BioBank, Experimental Oncology and Biobank Management Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
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Arapaki A, Christopoulos P, Kalampokas E, Triantafyllidou O, Matsas A, Vlahos NF. Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation in Children and Adolescents. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1256. [PMID: 36010146 PMCID: PMC9406615 DOI: 10.3390/children9081256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer during childhood and adolescence remains a major public health issue, affecting a significant portion of this age group. Although newer anti-cancer treatments have improved survival rates, this comes at a cost in terms of gonadotoxic effects. As a result, the preservation of fertility is important. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation, one of the newest methods, has some advantages, especially for prepubertal patients: no need for ovarian stimulation, thus, no further risk for estrogen-sensitive cancer types, and preservation of more and better-quality primordial follicles of the ovarian cortex. The most frequent indications include treatment with alkylating agents, ovarian-focused radiotherapy, leukemias, lymphomas, brain and neurological tumors, as well as Turner syndrome and benign hemoglobinopathies. An expected survival exceeding 5 years, the absence of systematic disease and an overall risk of premature ovarian insufficiency over 50% are among the criteria that need to be fulfilled in order for a patient to undertake this method. Orthotopic transplantation is more frequently used, since it can allow both live birth and the recovery of endocrine function. Reimplantation of malignant cells is always a major risk and should always be taken into consideration. Histological analysis, as well as immunohistochemical and molecular methods, are needed in order to improve the search for malignant cells before transplantation. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation appears to be a method with specific benefits, indications and risks which can be an important tool in terms of preserving fertility in younger women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Panagiotis Christopoulos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Aretaieion” Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Nikolaos F. Vlahos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Aretaieion” Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
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3
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Di Tucci C, Galati G, Mattei G, Chinè A, Fracassi A, Muzii L. Fertility after Cancer: Risks and Successes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2500. [PMID: 35626104 PMCID: PMC9139810 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cancer in reproductive-aged women is 7%, but, despite the increased number of cancer cases, advances in early diagnosis and treatment have raised the survival rate. Furthermore, in the last four decades, there has been a rising trend of delaying childbearing. There has been an increasing number of couples referred to Reproductive Medicine Centers for infertility problems after one partner has been treated for cancer. In these cases, the main cause of reduced fertility derives from treatments. In this review, we describe the effects and the risks of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery in women with cancer, and we will focus on available fertility preservation techniques and their efficacy in terms of success in pregnancy and live birth rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Di Tucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (L.M.)
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4
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Abstract
Ovarian cancer is more frequent in post-menopausal women, however it can also occur in young premenopausal women. After diagnosis and cancer staging, health care providers should address the possibility of infertility and might offer fertility preservation options. Chemotherapy, frequently used when treating ovarian cancer, has proven to cause extensive ovarian damage. Standard surgery may be aggressive and the recurrence risk may not be relevant enough to opt for these approaches. Fertility sparing surgery has been progressively accepted and many alternative surgical approaches have proven to be successful in both cancer treatment, fertility preservation and low recurrence rates. Though there are several techniques available for fertility preservation in cancer patients, when dealing with ovarian cancer patients, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation are the only suitable. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has been largely studied, but no data on ovarian cancer patients exist, due to the risk of reimplanting cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Sofia Pais
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida Santos
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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5
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Kehoe S, Jewgenow K, Johnston PR, Mbedi S, Braun BC. Signalling pathways and mechanistic cues highlighted by transcriptomic analysis of primordial, primary, and secondary ovarian follicles in domestic cat. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2683. [PMID: 33514822 PMCID: PMC7846758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82051-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro growth (IVG) of dormant primordial ovarian follicles aims to produce mature competent oocytes for assisted reproduction. Success is dependent on optimal in vitro conditions complemented with an understanding of oocyte and ovarian follicle development in vivo. Complete IVG has not been achieved in any other mammalian species besides mice. Furthermore, ovarian folliculogenesis remains sparsely understood overall. Here, gene expression patterns were characterised by RNA-sequencing in primordial (PrF), primary (PF), and secondary (SF) ovarian follicles from Felis catus (domestic cat) ovaries. Two major transitions were investigated: PrF-PF and PF-SF. Transcriptional analysis revealed a higher proportion in gene expression changes during the PrF-PF transition. Key influencing factors during this transition included the interaction between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) along with nuclear components such as, histone HIST1H1T (H1.6). Conserved signalling factors and expression patterns previously described during mammalian ovarian folliculogenesis were observed. Species-specific features during domestic cat ovarian folliculogenesis were also found. The signalling pathway terms "PI3K-Akt", "transforming growth factor-β receptor", "ErbB", and "HIF-1" from the functional annotation analysis were studied. Some results highlighted mechanistic cues potentially involved in PrF development in the domestic cat. Overall, this study provides an insight into regulatory factors and pathways during preantral ovarian folliculogenesis in domestic cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna Kehoe
- Reproduction Biology Department, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Katarina Jewgenow
- Reproduction Biology Department, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul R Johnston
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research BeGenDiv, Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, D-14195, Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587, Berlin, Germany
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Biologie, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susan Mbedi
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research BeGenDiv, Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, D-14195, Berlin, Germany
- Museum für Naturkunde, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate C Braun
- Reproduction Biology Department, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
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6
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Salama M, Anazodo A, Woodruff TK. Preserving fertility in female patients with hematological malignancies: a multidisciplinary oncofertility approach. Ann Oncol 2019; 30:1760-1775. [PMID: 31418765 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncofertility is a new interdisciplinary field at the intersection of oncology and reproductive medicine that expands fertility options for young cancer patients. The most common forms of hematological malignancies that occur in girls and young women and therefore necessitate oncofertility care are acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Aggressive gonadotoxic anticancer regimens including alkylating chemotherapy and total body irradiation are used often in treating girls and young women with hematological malignancies. The risks of gonadotoxicity and subsequent iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency and fertility loss depend mainly on the type and stage of the disease, dose of anticancer therapy as well as the age of the patient at the beginning of treatment. To avoid or at least mitigate the devastating complications of anticancer therapy-induced gonadotoxicity, effective and comprehensive strategies that integrate different options for preserving and restoring fertility ranging from established to experimental strategies should be offered before, during, and after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A multidisciplinary approach that involves strong coordination and collaboration between hemato-oncologists, gynecologists, reproductive biologists, research scientists, and patient navigators is essential to guarantee high standard of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Salama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine-Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - A Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Nelune Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - T K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine-Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
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Blumenfeld Z. Fertility Preservation in Women With Malignancy: Future Endeavors. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2019; 13:1179558119872490. [PMID: 31548799 PMCID: PMC6743198 DOI: 10.1177/1179558119872490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The area of fertility preservation is constantly developing. To date, the only
noninvestigational and unequivocally accepted methods for fertility preservation
are cryopreservation of embryos and unfertilized oocytes. This article is one of
several in a monogram on fertility preservation. The debate, pros and cons, and
equivocal data on the use of GnRH analogues for fertility preservation are
elaborated by 3 other manuscripts, in this monogram. A repeat of the arguments,
pros and cons of this debatable issue, would be a repetition and redundancy of
what is already included in this monogram. The subject of ovarian
cryopreservation for fertility preservation is also elaborated by several other
authors in this monogram. It is possible that, in the not too far future, the
technologies of in vitro maturation of primordial follicles to metaphase 2
oocytes, and the “artificial ovary,” will turn clinically available. These
technologies may bypass the risk of resuming malignancy by autotransplantation
of cryopreserved-thawed ovarian tissue in leukemia and diseases where malignant
cells may persist in the cryopreserved ovarian tissue. We summarize here the
suggested options for future endeavors in fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeev Blumenfeld
- Reproductive Endocrinology, Ob/Gyn, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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8
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EUropean REcommendations for female FERtility preservation (EU-REFER): A joint collaboration between oncologists and fertility specialists. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 138:233-240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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9
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Fertility preservation for female cancer patients. Int J Clin Oncol 2018; 24:28-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s10147-018-1252-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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10
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Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is recognized as the central regulator of the functions of the pituitary-gonadal axis. The increasing knowledge on the mechanisms controlling the development and the function of GnRH-producing neurons is leading to a better diagnostic and therapeutic approach for hypogonadotropic hypogonadisms and for alterations of the puberty onset. During female life span, the function of the GnRH pulse generator may be affected by a number of inputs from other neuronal systems, offering alternative strategies for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the identification of a GnRH/GnRH receptor system in both human ovary and endometrium has widened the spectrum of action of the peptide outside its hypothalamic functions. The pharmacological use of GnRH itself or its synthetic analogs (agonists and antagonists) provides a valid tool to either stimulate or block gonadotropin secretion and to modulate the female fertility in several reproductive disorders and in assisted reproduction technology. The use of GnRH agonists in young female patients undergoing chemotherapy is also considered a promising therapeutic approach to counteract iatrogenic ovarian failure.
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11
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Kim J, Kim SK, Hwang KJ, Kim SH. Fertility preservation during cancer treatment: The Korean Society for Fertility Preservation clinical guidelines. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2017; 44:171-174. [PMID: 29376012 PMCID: PMC5783912 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2017.44.4.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
While many fertility preservation (FP) options now exist for reproductive-aged cancer patients, access to these services continues to be limited. A comprehensive FP program should be organized to serve oncofertility patients effectively. Also, much effort is needed from various individuals—patients, specialists from various fields, and consultants—to facilitate FP in a timely manner. Various challenges still exist in improving access to FP programs. To improve access to FP treatment, it is important to educate oncologists and patients via electronic tools and to actively navigate patients through the system. Reproductive endocrinology practices that receive oncofertility referrals must be equipped to provide a full range of options on short notice. A multidisciplinary team approach is required, involving physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, office staff, and laboratory personnel. The bottom line of FP patient care is to understand the true nature of each patient's specific situation and to develop a patient flow system that will help build a successful FP program. Expanding the patient flow system to all comprehensive cancer centers will ensure that all patients are provided with adequate information regarding their fertility, regardless of geography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayeon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cha Fertility Center at Seoul Station, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seul Ki Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kyung Joo Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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12
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Grynberg M, Parker J, Dennis-Beron S. The challenge of fertility preservation in cancer patients II: a themed issue of Future Oncology. Future Oncol 2017; 12:2291-2. [PMID: 27666537 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2016-0387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Grynberg
- Service de Médecine de la Reproduction et Préservation de la Fertilité, Hôpital Jean-Verdier, Avenue du 14 Juillet, 93140 Bondy, France.,Université Paris XIII, 93000 Bobigny, France.,Unité Inserm U1133, Université Paris-Diderot, 75013 Paris, France.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Avenue du 14 Juillet, 93140 Bondy, France
| | - Jade Parker
- Future Science Group, Unitec House, 2 Albert Place, London, N3 1QB, UK
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