Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue for fertility preservation in young female oncological patients

Future Oncol. 2012 May;8(5):595-608. doi: 10.2217/fon.12.47.

Abstract

Girls and women suffering from a cancer that requires treatment with gonadotoxic drugs may experience cessation of reproductive function as a side effect due to obliteration of the ovarian pool of follicles. Techniques are now available for fertility preservation, such as cryopreservation of mature oocytes, embryos or ovarian cortical tissue. Whereas collection of mature oocytes and embryos requires at least a 2-week period, ovarian tissue may on short notice be frozen prior to treatment and can be transplanted back into women with ovarian failure. Transplanted frozen/thawed tissue supports survival and growth of follicles, giving rise to menstrual cycles and hormone production for several years. Worldwide, the procedure has resulted in the birth of 15 healthy children. Many cancer patients including girls and young women want fertility preservation, and the techniques are now being further developed and implemented in several centers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cryopreservation / methods*
  • Female
  • Fertility / drug effects
  • Fertility / radiation effects
  • Fertility Preservation / methods*
  • Fertility Preservation / psychology
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / pharmacology
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Oocytes
  • Organ Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Ovary* / drug effects
  • Ovary* / radiation effects
  • Ovary* / transplantation
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Risk Assessment
  • Specimen Handling
  • Tissue Preservation / methods*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone