Fertility preservation in female patients

Hum Reprod Update. 2004 May-Jun;10(3):251-66. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmh021.

Abstract

In the USA alone, >650 000 women will be afflicted by cancer in 2003, and 8% of these cases will be aged <40 years. Due to improvements in cancer therapy, cure rates of both adult and childhood cancers increased significantly over the past three decades. However, long-term consequences of cancer therapy and impact on quality of life are now being recognized. One of the major sequelae of cytotoxic chemotherapy is gonadal failure. Cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are not only used to treat malignant diseases, but also non-malignant systemic conditions. Upon reviewing the extent and mechanism of gonadal damage due to chemo-/radiotherapy, this article discusses indications and the wide range of methods of fertility preservation in a comprehensive manner. All current, emerging, experimental as well as controversial approaches are reviewed. A comprehensive algorithm to manage fertility preservation through an individualized approach is presented.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / etiology*
  • Infertility, Female / therapy*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Reproduction*
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents