1
|
Eden CO, Haslam A, Prasad V. Cancer Therapy, Gonadal Function, and Fertility Preservation: Narrative Review. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300468. [PMID: 38954787 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Fertility preservation was designed to help young patients overcome complications of cancer treatments, but its effectiveness is unknown. We sought to investigate how often patients with cancer are offered fertility preservation and if patients offered fertility preservation are more likely to have offspring. METHODS We searched Embase (through 2022) and PubMed (through 2022). Our broad computerized search strategy was built upon using the keywords "chemotherapy," "radiation," and "fertility." The search took place on December 1, 2022. We included randomized and observational studies and excluded reviews and case reports/series. RESULTS Eighty-five articles that answered at least one of the research questions were included. Studies assessing fertoprotective therapies often rely on surrogate markers for fertility. Multiple factors affect these markers of fertility. The median premature ovarian failure rate among the intervention group was 18% (IQR, 12%-20%), and among the control group, it was 25% (IQR, 19%-33%). Five of 11 studies reported a significant benefit from fertoprotective therapy. Pregnancies occurred in a median of 21% (IQR, 6%-52%) of patients in the intervention group and 11% (IQR, 7-44) of patients in the control group, with three of seven studies reporting a higher percentage of pregnancies among the intervention group. CONCLUSION We reviewed the literature on several questions surrounding fertility preservation and found that there is limited and low-quality research on these therapies in cancer. Hence, there is a strong need for studies, especially randomized studies, that follow patients with cancer who undergo fertility preservation and assess outcomes in which patients are most interested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher O Eden
- Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Alyson Haslam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Vinay Prasad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Markowska A, Antoszczak M, Markowska J, Huczyński A. Gynotoxic Effects of Chemotherapy and Potential Protective Mechanisms. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2288. [PMID: 38927992 PMCID: PMC11202309 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the leading cancer treatments. Unfortunately, its use can contribute to several side effects, including gynotoxic effects in women. Ovarian reserve suppression and estrogen deficiency result in reduced quality of life for cancer patients and are frequently the cause of infertility and early menopause. Classic alkylating cytostatics are among the most toxic chemotherapeutics in this regard. They cause DNA damage in ovarian follicles and the cells they contain, and they can also induce oxidative stress or affect numerous signaling pathways. In vitro tests, animal models, and a few studies among women have investigated the effects of various agents on the protection of the ovarian reserve during classic chemotherapy. In this review article, we focused on the possible beneficial effects of selected hormones (anti-Müllerian hormone, ghrelin, luteinizing hormone, melatonin), agents affecting the activity of apoptotic pathways and modulating gene expression (C1P, S1P, microRNA), and several natural (quercetin, rapamycin, resveratrol) and synthetic compounds (bortezomib, dexrazoxane, goserelin, gonadoliberin analogs, imatinib, metformin, tamoxifen) in preventing gynotoxic effects induced by commonly used cytostatics. The presented line of research appears to provide a promising strategy for protecting and/or improving the ovarian reserve in the studied group of cancer patients. However, well-designed clinical trials are needed to unequivocally assess the effects of these agents on improving hormonal function and fertility in women treated with ovotoxic anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Markowska
- Department of Perinatology and Women’s Health, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznań, Poland
| | - Michał Antoszczak
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Janina Markowska
- Gynecological Oncology Center, Poznańska 58A, 60-850 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Adam Huczyński
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rönkkö R, Hirvonen E, Malila N, Kilpivaara O, Wartiovaara-Kautto U, Pitkäniemi J. Familial aggregation of early-onset haematological malignancies. Br J Haematol 2021; 193:1134-1141. [PMID: 34002362 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Population-based studies on familial aggregation of haematological malignancies (HM) have rarely focused specifically on early-onset HMs. We estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and cumulative risks of relatives with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma (ALL/LBL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) when index persons and relatives were diagnosed with early-onset HM. A total of 8791 patients aged ≤40 years and diagnosed with primary HM in Finland from 1970 to 2012 were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry and their 75 774 family members were retrieved from the population registry. SIRs for concordant HMs were elevated among first-degree relatives in all of the most common HMs of children and adolescents and young adults (AYA). The risk was highest among siblings with HL (SIR 9·09, 95% confidence interval 5·55-14·04) and AML (8·29, 1·00-29·96). HL also had the highest cumulative risk for siblings at ≤40 years of age (0·92% vs. 0·11% in the population). In conclusion, significantly elevated SIRs indicate a role of shared aetiological factors in some families, which should be noted in the clinical setting when caring for patients with early-onset HMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Rönkkö
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Internal Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elli Hirvonen
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nea Malila
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Outi Kilpivaara
- Applied Tumor Genomics, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,HUSLAB Laboratory of Genetics, HUS Diagnostic Center (Helsinki University Hospital), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulla Wartiovaara-Kautto
- Department of Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Applied Tumor Genomics, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Hematology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janne Pitkäniemi
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Helsinki, Finland.,Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Public Health, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Roshandel R, van Dijk M, Overbeek A, Kaspers G, Lambalk C, Beerendonk C, Bresters D, van der Heiden-van der Loo M, van den Heuvel-Eibrink M, Kremer L, Loonen J, van der Pal H, Ronckers C, Tissing W, Versluys B, van Leeuwen F, van den Berg M, van Dulmen-den Broeder E. Female reproductive function after treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28894. [PMID: 33459500 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to evaluate self-reported reproductive characteristics and markers of ovarian function in a nationwide cohort of female survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), because prior investigations have produced conflicting data. PROCEDURE Self-reported reproductive characteristics were assessed by questionnaire among 357 adult 5-year survivors, treated between 1964 and 2002, and 836 controls. Ovarian function was assessed by serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B and by antral follicle count (AFC). Differences between controls and (subgroups of) survivors (total group, chemotherapy [CT]-only group, CT and radiotherapy [RT] group) were analyzed. RESULTS Survivors treated with CT only do not differ from controls regarding timing of menarche, virginity status, desire for children, or pregnancy rates. Compared to controls, the CT+RT group was at significantly increased risk of a younger age at menarche (P < .01), virginity, an absent desire for children, and lower pregnancy rates (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 0.3 [CI 0.1-0.6], 0.5 [0.3-0.9], and 0.4 [0.2-0.9], respectively). Survivors in the CT-only group were significantly younger at the birth of their first child. Pregnancy outcomes were not significantly different between any (sub)groups. Survivors treated with total body irradiation (TBI) or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at increased risk of abnormal markers of ovarian function. CONCLUSION Reproductive function of ALL survivors treated with CT only does not differ from controls. However, survivors additionally treated with RT seem to be at an increased risk of certain adverse reproductive outcomes. Providing personalized counseling about (future) reproductive health risks in this group is imperative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Roshandel
- Paediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes van Dijk
- Paediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Overbeek
- Paediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan Kaspers
- Paediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Lambalk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina Beerendonk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorine Bresters
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital/Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Leontien Kremer
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Loonen
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cecile Ronckers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Tissing
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitta Versluys
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Paediatric Oncology and Heamatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Flora van Leeuwen
- Department of Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen van den Berg
- Paediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline van Dulmen-den Broeder
- Paediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shai D, Aviel-Ronen S, Spector I, Raanani H, Shapira M, Gat I, Roness H, Meirow D. Ovaries of patients recently treated with alkylating agent chemotherapy indicate the presence of acute follicle activation, elucidating its role among other proposed mechanisms of follicle loss. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:1239-1249. [PMID: 33485607 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate mechanisms of primordial follicle (PMF) loss in vivo in human ovaries shortly after alkylating agent (AA) chemotherapy. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Tertiary university medical center. PATIENT(S) Ninety-six women aged 15-39 years who underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation. INTERVENTION(S) Fresh ovarian tissue samples were harvested from women treated with AA (n = 24) or non-AA (n = 24) chemotherapy <6 months after treatment and age-matched untreated women (n = 48). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Differential follicle counts, time from chemotherapy exposure, immunostaining for apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3) and FOXO3A on tissue harvested within ultrashort time intervals (4-12 days), collagen (Sirius red) and neovascularization (CD34). RESULT(S) AA-treated ovaries had significant loss of PMFs, and significant increase in absolute numbers of growing follicles compared with untreated control ovaries. The number of growing follicles was inversely correlated with time from chemotherapy. Representative staining for FOXO3A observed decreased nuclear localization in PMF oocytes in AA-treated ovaries removed within the ultrashort time interval compared with untreated ovaries. Neither significant loss of PMFs, increase in growing follicles, nor decrease in nuclear FOXO3A were observed in non-AA-treated ovaries. No increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 was seen in PMFs within the ultrashort time interval after AA or non-AA chemotherapy. Significant stromal fibrosis and neovascularization were observed in AA-treated ovaries only after follicle loss had already occurred (4-6 months). CONCLUSION(S) Follicle activation occurs in vivo in ovaries of patients treated with AA, indicating a pathologic mechanism which may contribute to chemotherapy-induced follicle loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Shai
- Morris Kahn Fertility Preservation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer
| | - Sarit Aviel-Ronen
- Department of Pathology and Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer; Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Itai Spector
- Morris Kahn Fertility Preservation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer
| | - Hila Raanani
- Morris Kahn Fertility Preservation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer
| | - Moran Shapira
- Morris Kahn Fertility Preservation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer
| | - Itai Gat
- Morris Kahn Fertility Preservation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer
| | - Hadassa Roness
- Morris Kahn Fertility Preservation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer
| | - Dror Meirow
- Morris Kahn Fertility Preservation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Freycon F, Casagranda L, Trombert-Paviot B. The impact of severe late-effects after 12 Gy fractionated total body irradiation and allogeneic stem cell transplantation for childhood leukemia (1988-2010). Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2019; 36:86-102. [PMID: 30978121 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2019.1591549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study consists of a retrospective study including 71 childhood leukemia survivors (36 females) treated with allo-HSCT 12 Gy fractionated total body irradiation (fTBI) conditioning, with a median age of 25.0 y at time of follow-up and a median delay of 14.8 y since the graft. The recovery ratio was 90%. The number of severe late-effects was specified for each patient: 21 with growth deficiency (final height <162.5 cm for 12/35 men and <152.0 cm for 9/36 women - Growth deficiency was correlated to young age at the time of the allograft); 5 with sclerodermic chronic graft vs. host disease; 9 with osteonecrosis; risk of impaired fertility for 25 women and 28 men (only 2 women had a child); 8 with diabetes; 5 with pulmonary late-effects including 1 death; 5 with chronic renal insufficiency including 1 death; 2 with cardiac late-effects; 2 with arterial high blood pressure; 11 (8 women) declared 14 subsequent cancers (7 with thyroid carcinomas, 3 with multiple squamous cell carcinomas, 2 with epidermoïdis carcinomas of the tongue or the lip, 1 with bone sarcoma, and 1 with carcinoma of the breast); 6 with chelating treatments of hemochromatosis; 14 with important educational underachievement; 11 with depression at adult age; 1 with hepatitis B virus infection; 4 with other severe late-effects, including 2 with blindness. The average number of severe late-effects was 2.3 with a positive correlation according to delay from fTBI (p < 0.0002). Two-thirds had at least 2 late-effects. These results emphasize the urgent abandonment of conditioning by TBI in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernand Freycon
- a Childhood Cancer Registry of the Rhône-Alpes Region, University of Saint-Etienne , Saint-Etienne , France
| | - Léonie Casagranda
- a Childhood Cancer Registry of the Rhône-Alpes Region, University of Saint-Etienne , Saint-Etienne , France.,b Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit , University Hospital of Saint-Etienne , Saint-Etienne , France.,c Host Research Team EA4607 SNA-EPIS, PRES Lyon, Jean Monnet University, University Hospital , Saint-Etienne , France
| | - Béatrice Trombert-Paviot
- c Host Research Team EA4607 SNA-EPIS, PRES Lyon, Jean Monnet University, University Hospital , Saint-Etienne , France.,d Department of Public Health and Medical Informatics , University of Saint-Etienne , Saint-Etienne , France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Over the last 50 years, the survival rates in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have increased remarkably. The optimal use of antileukemic agents in cooperative group protocols, central nervous system-directed treatment, improvements in supportive care, and recognition of biological, clinical, and treatment response characteristics that predict patients with a higher or a lower risk of treatment failure have improved 5-year event-free survival rates, reaching more than 85%, and 5-year overall survival rates, reaching more than 90%. Consequently, it has become increasingly important to characterize the occurrence of long-term late effects. ALL treatments have been associated with increased risks for adverse outcomes such as late mortality, secondary malignancies, and neurological, cardiac, endocrine, and social/psychological disorders. In recent decades, cooperative groups in Europe and in the United States have provided essential information about the long-term effects of ALL therapy, giving recommendations for screening as well as facilitating new approaches for reducing late-term morbidity and mortality. Current frontline protocols continue to examine ways to lower the intensity and amount of therapy to reduce late effects, whereas survivorship studies attempt to predict such adverse effects precisely and develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hande Kızılocak
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Okcu
- Texas Children’s Hematology and Oncology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chemaitilly W, Cohen LE. DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Endocrine late-effects of childhood cancer and its treatments. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 176:R183-R203. [PMID: 28153840 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine complications are frequently observed in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). One of two CCS will experience at least one endocrine complication during the course of his/her lifespan, most commonly as a late-effect of cancer treatments, especially radiotherapy and alkylating agent chemotherapy. Endocrine late-effects include impairments of the hypothalamus/pituitary, thyroid and gonads, as well as decreased bone mineral density and metabolic derangements leading to obesity and/or diabetes mellitus. A systematic approach where CCS are screened for endocrine late-effects based on their cancer history and treatment exposures may improve health outcomes by allowing the early diagnosis and treatment of these complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wassim Chemaitilly
- Departments of Pediatric Medicine-Division of Endocrinology
- Departments of Epidemiology and Cancer ControlSt Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Laurie E Cohen
- Departments of Epidemiology and Cancer ControlSt Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Division of EndocrinologyBoston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|