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Zaninović L, Bašković M, Ježek D, Habek D, Pogorelić Z, Katušić Bojanac A, Elveđi Gašparović V, Škrgatić L. Enhancement of Vascularization and Ovarian Follicle Survival Using Stem Cells in Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue Transplantation-A Systematic Review. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:342. [PMID: 38785824 PMCID: PMC11117700 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The increase in cancer survival rates has put a focus on ensuring fertility preservation procedures for cancer patients. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation presents the only option for prepubertal girls and patients who require immediate start of treatment and, therefore, cannot undergo controlled ovarian stimulation. We aimed to provide an assessment of stem cells' impact on cryopreserved ovarian tissue grafts in regard to the expression of growth factors, angiogenesis promotion, tissue oxygenation, ovarian follicle survival and restoration of endocrine function. For this systematic review, we searched the Scopus and PubMed databases and included reports of trials using murine and/or human cryopreserved ovarian tissue for transplantation or in vitro culture in combination with mesenchymal stem cell administration to the grafting site. Of the 1201 articles identified, 10 met the criteria. The application of stem cells to the grafting site has been proven to support vascular promotion and thereby shorten the period of tissue hypoxia, which is reflected in the increased number of remaining viable follicles and faster recovery of ovarian endocrine function. Further research is needed before implementing the use of stem cells in OT cryopreservation and transplantation procedures in clinical practice. Complex ethical dilemmas make this process more difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Zaninović
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Petrova ulica 13, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Bašković
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Zagreb, Ulica Vjekoslava Klaića 16, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Croatian Academy of Medical Sciences, Kaptol 15, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Ježek
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Kišpatićeva ulica 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dubravko Habek
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Croatian Academy of Medical Sciences, Kaptol 15, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital Merkur, Zajčeva ulica 19, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zenon Pogorelić
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva ulica 1, 21 000 Split, Croatia;
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska ulica 2a, 21 000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Katušić Bojanac
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vesna Elveđi Gašparović
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Petrova ulica 13, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lana Škrgatić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Petrova ulica 13, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Affdal AO, Salama M, Ravitsky V. Ethical, legal, social, and policy issues of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in prepubertal girls: a critical interpretive review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:999-1026. [PMID: 38430324 PMCID: PMC11052756 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the increasing number of childhood cancer survivors, significant advances in ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) technique and medical societies' recommendations, fertility preservation (FP) and FP discussions are not always offered as a standard of care in the pediatric context. The aim of this literature review is to understand what ethical, legal, social, and policy issues may influence the provision of FP by OTC in prepubertal girls with cancer. METHODS A critical interpretive review of peer-reviewed papers published between 2000 and January 2023 was conducted, guided by the McDougall's version of the critical interpretive synthesis (Dixon-Woods), to capture recurring concepts, principles, and arguments regarding FP by OTC for prepubertal girls. RESULTS Of 931 potentially relevant papers, 162 were included in our analysis. Data were grouped into seven thematic categories: (1) risks of the procedure, (2) unique decision-making issues in pediatric oncofertility, (3) counseling, (4) cultural and cost issues, and (5) disposition of cryopreserved reproductive tissue. CONCLUSION This first literature review focusing on ethical, legal, social, and policy issues surrounding OTC in prepubertal girls highlights concerns in the oncofertility debate. Although OTC is no longer experimental as of December 2019, these issues could limit its availability and the child's future reproductive autonomy. This review concludes that specific actions must be provided to enable the offer of FP, such as supporting families' decision-making in this unique and complex context, and providing pediatric patients universal and full access to free or highly subsidized OTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vardit Ravitsky
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- The Hastings Center, Garrison, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Kahveci B, Önen S, Akal F, Korkusuz P. Detection of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells in prepubertal mouse testis with deep learning. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1187-1195. [PMID: 36995558 PMCID: PMC10239423 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02784-1] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Rapid and easy detection of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells (SSPCs) is crucial for clinicians dealing with male infertility caused by prepubertal testicular damage. Deep learning (DL) methods may offer visual tools for tracking SSPCs on testicular strips of prepubertal animal models. The purpose of this study is to detect and count the seminiferous tubules and SSPCs in newborn mouse testis sections using a DL method. METHODS Testicular sections of the C57BL/6-type newborn mice were obtained and enumerated. Odd-numbered sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and even-numbered sections were immune labeled (IL) with SSPC specific marker, SALL4. Seminiferous tubule and SSPC datasets were created using odd-numbered sections. SALL4-labeled sections were used as positive control. The YOLO object detection model based on DL was used to detect seminiferous tubules and stem cells. RESULTS Test scores of the DL model in seminiferous tubules were obtained as 0.98 mAP, 0.93 precision, 0.96 recall, and 0.94 f1-score. The SSPC test scores were obtained as 0.88 mAP, 0.80 precision, 0.93 recall, and 0.82 f1-score. CONCLUSION Seminiferous tubules and SSPCs on prepubertal testicles were detected with a high sensitivity by preventing human-induced errors. Thus, the first step was taken for a system that automates the detection and counting process of these cells in the infertility clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Kahveci
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selin Önen
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Atilim University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fuat Akal
- Computer Engineering Department, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petek Korkusuz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
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Arapaki A, Christopoulos P, Kalampokas E, Triantafyllidou O, Matsas A, Vlahos NF. Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation in Children and Adolescents. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081256. [PMID: 36010146 PMCID: PMC9406615 DOI: 10.3390/children9081256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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Diao L, Turek PJ, John CM, Fang F, Reijo Pera RA. Roles of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Spermatogenesis and Fertility Restoration. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:895528. [PMID: 35634498 PMCID: PMC9135128 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.895528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are a group of adult stem cells in the testis that serve as the foundation of continuous spermatogenesis and male fertility. SSCs are capable of self-renewal to maintain the stability of the stem cell pool and differentiation to produce mature spermatozoa. Dysfunction of SSCs leads to male infertility. Therefore, dissection of the regulatory network of SSCs is of great significance in understanding the fundamental molecular mechanisms of spermatogonial stem cell function in spermatogenesis and the pathogenesis of male infertility. Furthermore, a better understanding of SSC biology will allow us to culture and differentiate SSCs in vitro, which may provide novel stem cell-based therapy for assisted reproduction. This review summarizes the latest research progress on the regulation of SSCs, and the potential application of SSCs for fertility restoration through in vivo and in vitro spermatogenesis. We anticipate that the knowledge gained will advance the application of SSCs to improve male fertility. Furthermore, in vitro spermatogenesis from SSCs sets the stage for the production of SSCs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and subsequent spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Diao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | | | | | - Fang Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Fang, ; Renee A. Reijo Pera,
| | - Renee A. Reijo Pera
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Montana (TouroCOM-MT), Great Falls, MT, United States
- Research Division, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Montana (TouroCOM-MT), Great Falls, MT, United States
- *Correspondence: Fang Fang, ; Renee A. Reijo Pera,
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6
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Eshghifar N, Dehghan BK, Do AA, Koukhaloo SZ, Habibi M, Pouresmaeili F. Infertility cell therapy and epigenetic insights. Hum Antibodies 2021; 29:17-26. [PMID: 33554898 DOI: 10.3233/hab-200438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART) have allowed couples with severe infertility to conceive, but the methods are not effective for all cases. Stem cells as undifferentiated cells which are found in different stages of embryonic, fetal and adult life are known to be capable of forming different cell types, tissues, and organs. Due to their unlimited resources and the incredible power of differentiation are considered as potential new therapeutic biological tools for treatment of infertility. For reproductive medicine, stem cells are stimulated in vitro to develop various specialized functional cells including male and female gametes. The epigenetic patterns can be modified in the genome under certain drugs exposure or lifestyle alterations. Therefore, epigenetics-related disorders may be treated if the nature of the modifications is completely admissible. It is proved that our understanding of epigenetic processes and its association with infertility would help us not only to understand the etiological factors but also to treat some type of male infertilities. Exploration of both genetic and epigenetic variations in the disease development could help in the identification of the interaction patterns between these two phenomena and possible improvement of therapeutic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahal Eshghifar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnam Kamali Dehghan
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute of Medical Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.,Medical Genetics, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Jiroft, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Abedin Do
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Mohsen Habibi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Pouresmaeili
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Gałczyński K, Olcha P, Romanek-Piva K, Jóźwik M, Semczuk A. Fertility-Sparing Methods in Adolescents Affected by Endometrial Cancer: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10051020. [PMID: 33801452 PMCID: PMC7958602 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10051020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although in developed countries endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy, its occurrence in adolescents is exceedingly rare. The increasing rate of obesity in children and adolescents is held responsible for the increasing prevalence of EC in younger cohorts of patients. The diagnosis of this malignancy can have devastating consequences for future fertility because standard treatment protocols for EC include hysterectomy. Here, we present the first detailed review of the world literature on EC in subjects aged 21 years or younger (n = 19). The mean age at diagnosis was 16.7 ± 0.6 years. One patient (5.3%) had a Type II (high-risk) disease. No communication retrieved from the search reported on patient death; however, two (10.5%) patients were lost to follow-up. There was also a high proportion (five subjects, or 26.3%) of cases with genetic background (Cowden syndrome and Turner syndrome), therefore genetic screening or a direct genetic study should be considered in very young patients with EC. The current fertility-sparing options, limited to Type I (low-risk) disease, are presented and discussed. Such information, obtained from studies on older women, translates well to adolescent girls and very young women. Careful anatomopathological monitoring at follow-up is essential for the safety of a conservative approach. Improved survival in very young EC patients makes the preservation of fertility a central survivorship issue, therefore both patients and caregivers should undergo counseling regarding available options. Moreover, our study suggests that genetic syndromes other than Lynch syndrome may be associated with EC more frequently than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Gałczyński
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Konarskiego Str. 2, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Piotr Olcha
- Department of Gynecology, 1st Clinical Military Hospital in Lublin, Aleje Racławickie 23, 20-049 Lublin, Poland; (P.O.); (K.R.-P.)
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lublin, Aleje Racławickie 23, 20-049 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Romanek-Piva
- Department of Gynecology, 1st Clinical Military Hospital in Lublin, Aleje Racławickie 23, 20-049 Lublin, Poland; (P.O.); (K.R.-P.)
- 2nd Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Maciej Jóźwik
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Białystok, Skłodowskiej Str. 24A, 15-276 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Semczuk
- 2nd Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
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Alexandri C, Daniel A, Bruylants G, Demeestere I. The role of microRNAs in ovarian function and the transition toward novel therapeutic strategies in fertility preservation: from bench to future clinical application. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:174-196. [PMID: 32074269 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz039] [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] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New therapeutic approaches in oncology have converted cancer from a certain death sentence to a chronic disease. However, there are still challenges to be overcome regarding the off-target toxicity of many of these treatments. Oncological therapies can lead to future infertility in women. Given this negative impact on long-term quality of life, fertility preservation is highly recommended. While gamete and ovarian tissue cryopreservation are the usual methods offered, new pharmacological-based options aiming to reduce ovarian damage during oncological treatment are very attractive. In this vein, advances in the field of transcriptomics and epigenomics have brought small noncoding RNAs, called microRNAs (miRNAs), into the spotlight in oncology. MicroRNAs also play a key role in follicle development as regulators of follicular growth, atresia and steroidogenesis. They are also involved in DNA damage repair responses and they can themselves be modulated during chemotherapy. For these reasons, miRNAs may be an interesting target to develop new protective therapies during oncological treatment. This review summarizes the physiological role of miRNAs in reproduction. Considering recently developed strategies based on miRNA therapy in oncology, we highlight their potential interest as a target in fertility preservation and propose future strategies to make the transition from bench to clinic. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE How can miRNA therapeutic approaches be used to develop new adjuvant protective therapies to reduce the ovarian damage caused by cytotoxic oncological treatments? SEARCH METHODS A systematic search of English language literature using PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed through to 2019 describing the role of miRNAs in the ovary and their use for diagnosis and targeted therapy in oncology. Personal data illustrate miRNA therapeutic strategies to target the gonads and reduce chemotherapy-induced follicular damage. OUTCOMES This review outlines the importance of miRNAs as gene regulators and emphasizes the fact that insights in oncology can inspire new adjuvant strategies in the field of onco-fertility. Recent improvements in nanotechnology offer the opportunity for drug development using next-generation miRNA-nanocarriers. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Although there are still some barriers regarding the immunogenicity and toxicity of these treatments and there is still room for improvement concerning the specific delivery of miRNAs into the ovaries, we believe that, in the future, miRNAs can be developed as powerful and non-invasive tools for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Alexandri
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Daniel
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium.,Université de Tours, Faculty of Science and Technology, 37200 Tours, France
| | - G Bruylants
- Engineering of Molecular NanoSystems, Ecole Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - I Demeestere
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium.,Fertility Clinic, CUB-Erasme, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
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Gul M, Hildorf S, Dong L, Thorup J, Hoffmann ER, Jensen CFS, Sønksen J, Cortes D, Fedder J, Andersen CY, Goossens E. Review of injection techniques for spermatogonial stem cell transplantation. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:368-391. [PMID: 32163572 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the prognosis of childhood cancer survivors has increased dramatically during recent years, chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer and other conditions may lead to permanent infertility in prepubertal boys. Recent developments have shown that spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation may be a hope for restoring fertility in adult survivors of childhood cancers. For this reason, several centres around the world are collecting and cryopreserving testicular tissue or cells anticipating that, in the near future, some patients will return for SSC transplantation. This review summarizes the current knowledge and utility of SSC transplantation techniques. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the currently used experimental injection techniques for SSC transplantation in animal and human testes. This is crucial in understanding and determining the role of the different techniques necessary for successful transplantation. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed publications on this topic was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The search was limited to English language work and studies between 1994 (from the first study on SSC transplantation) and April 2019. Key search terms included mouse, rat, boar, ram, dog, sheep, goat, cattle, monkey, human, cadaver, testes, SSC transplantation, injection and technique. OUTCOMES This review provides an extensive clinical overview of the current research in the field of human SSC transplantation. Rete testis injection with ultrasonography guidance currently seems the most promising injection technique thus far; however, the ability to draw clear conclusions is limited due to long ischemia time of cadaver testis, the relatively decreased volume of the testis, the diminishing size of seminiferous tubules, a lack of intratesticular pressure and leakage into the interstitium during the injection on human cadaver testis. Current evidence does not support improved outcomes from multiple infusions through the rete testes. Overall, further optimization is required to increase the efficiency and safety of the infusion method. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Identifying a favourable injection method for SSC transplantation will provide insight into the mechanisms of successful assisted human reproduction. Future research could focus on reducing leakage and establishing the optimal infusion cell concentrations and pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Gul
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, 42250 Konya, Turkey
| | - Simone Hildorf
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lihua Dong
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Sønksen
- Department of Urology, Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, 2930 Herlev, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dina Cortes
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology & Fertility Clinic, Department D, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Human Reproduction, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Reproductive outcomes following a stem cell transplant for a haematological malignancy in female cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer 2019; 27:4451-4460. [PMID: 31541306 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05020-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The use of high-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy combined with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may negatively affect a woman's reproductive potential. Reproductive outcomes such as infertility are a major concern for women who undergo treatment for a haematological cancer diagnosis. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis explores reproductive outcomes following a haematological cancer requiring HSCT. METHODS Electronic databases were searched to identify studies that reported on reproductive outcomes after treatment for a haematological cancer diagnosis. Studies were included that reported on pregnancy and reproductive outcomes following HSCT for a haematological malignancy. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 14 studies, collectively involving 744 female patients. The subgroup analysis showed an overall pooled estimated pregnancy rate, for autologous or allogeneic HSCT recipients, of 22.7% (n = 438). There were 25% (n = 240) of women who became pregnant after autologous HSCT compared with 22% (n = 198) who subsequently became pregnant following allogeneic HSCT. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis reflects low pregnancy rates for cancer survivors desiring a family. However, live births are improving over time with new technology and novel therapies. Hence, female cancer patients should be offered timely discussions, counselling and education around fertility preservation options prior to starting treatment with gonadotoxic therapy.
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11
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Ovarian conservation in management of pediatric gynecology malignancies. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2018; 30:316-325. [DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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12
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Martinez F. Update on fertility preservation from the Barcelona International Society for Fertility Preservation-ESHRE-ASRM 2015 expert meeting: indications, results and future perspectives. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:1802-1811. [PMID: 29117320 PMCID: PMC5850800 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What progress has been made in fertility preservation (FP) over the last decade? SUMMARY ANSWER FP techniques have been widely adopted over the last decade and therefore the establishment of international registries on their short- and long-term outcomes is strongly recommended. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY FP is a fundamental issue for both males and females whose future fertility may be compromised. Reproductive capacity may be seriously affected by age, different medical conditions and also by treatments, especially those with gonadal toxicity. There is general consensus on the need to provide counselling about currently available FP options to all individuals wishing to preserve their fertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION An international meeting with representatives from expert scientific societies involved in FP was held in Barcelona, Spain, in June 2015. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Twenty international FP experts belonging to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, ESHRE and the International Society of Fertility Preservation reviewed the literature up to June 2015 to be discussed at the meeting, and approved the final manuscript. At the time this manuscript was being written, new evidence considered relevant for the debated topics was published, and was consequently included. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Several oncological and non-oncological diseases may affect current or future fertility, either caused by the disease itself or the gonadotoxic treatment, and need an adequate FP approach. Women wishing to postpone maternity and transgender individuals before starting hormone therapy or undergoing surgery to remove/alter their reproductive organs should also be counselled accordingly. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation are first-line FP methods in post-pubertal women. Metaphase II oocyte cryopreservation (vitrification) is the preferred option. Cumulative evidence of restoration of ovarian function and spontaneous pregnancies after ART following orthotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue supports its future consideration as an open clinical application. Semen cryopreservation is the only established method for FP in men. Testicular tissue cryopreservation should be recommended in pre-pubertal boys even though fertility restoration strategies by autotransplantation of cryopreserved testicular tissue have not yet been tested for safe clinical use in humans. The establishment of international registries on the short- and long-term outcomes of FP techniques is strongly recommended. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Given the lack of studies in large cohorts or with a randomized design, the level of evidence for most of the evidence reviewed was three or below. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Further high quality studies are needed to study the long-term outcomes of FP techniques. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Martinez
- Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Gran Via Carlos III, 71-75, 08208 Barcelona, Spain
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Anazodo AC, Stern CJ, McLachlan RI, Gerstl B, Agresta F, Cohn RJ, Jayasinghe Y, Wakefield CE, Daly G, Chan D, Gilbert L, Kemertzis M, Orme LM, Wand H, Viney R, Gillam L, Deans R, Jetti M, Wu J, Chapman M, Ledger W, Sullivan EA. A Study Protocol for the Australasian Oncofertility Registry: Monitoring Referral Patterns and the Uptake, Quality, and Complications of Fertility Preservation Strategies in Australia and New Zealand. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2016; 5:215-25. [DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2015.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette C. Anazodo
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catharyn J. Stern
- Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert I. McLachlan
- Monash IVF, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
- Andrology Australia, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brigitte Gerstl
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Richard J. Cohn
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yasmin Jayasinghe
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Genevieve Daly
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daisy Chan
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lorrae Gilbert
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Kemertzis
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa M. Orme
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Handan Wand
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rosalie Viney
- University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Deans
- The Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murali Jetti
- Salesforce Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Wu
- Salesforce Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Chapman
- The Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William Ledger
- The Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Font-Gonzalez A, Mulder RL, Loeffen EAH, Byrne J, van Dulmen-den Broeder E, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Hudson MM, Kenney LB, Levine JM, Tissing WJE, van de Wetering MD, Kremer LCM. Fertility preservation in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer: Quality of clinical practice guidelines and variations in recommendations. Cancer 2016; 122:2216-23. [PMID: 27175973 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility preservation care for children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYAs) with cancer is not uniform among practitioners. To ensure high-quality care, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are essential. The authors identified existing CPGs for fertility preservation in CAYAs with cancer, evaluated their quality, and explored differences in recommendations. METHODS A systematic search in PubMed (January 2000-October 2014); guideline databases; and Web sites of oncology, pediatric, and fertility organizations was performed. Two reviewers evaluated the quality of the identified CPGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II Instrument (AGREE II). From high-quality CPGs, the authors evaluated concordant and discordant areas among the recommendations. RESULTS A total of 25 CPGs regarding fertility preservation were identified. The average AGREE II domain scores (scale of 0%-100%) varied from 15% on applicability to 100% on clarity of presentation. The authors considered 8 CPGs (32%) to be of high quality, which was defined as scores ≥60% in any 4 domains. Large variations in the recommendations of the high-quality CPGs were observed, with 87.2% and 88.6%, respectively, of discordant guideline areas among the fertility preservation recommendations for female and male patients with cancer. CONCLUSIONS Only approximately one-third of the identified CPGs were found to be of sufficient quality. Of these CPGs, the fertility preservation recommendations varied substantially, which can be a reflection of inadequate evidence for specific recommendations, thereby hindering the ability of providers to deliver high-quality care. CPGs including a transparent decision process for fertility preservation can help health care providers to deliver optimal and uniform care, thus improving the quality of life of CAYAs with cancer and cancer survivors. Cancer 2016;122:2216-23. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Font-Gonzalez
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Renée L Mulder
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erik A H Loeffen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Melissa M Hudson
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Lisa B Kenney
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer M Levine
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Wim J E Tissing
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marianne D van de Wetering
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Leontien C M Kremer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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