Cancer and fecundity issues mandate a multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

Objective: To review the existing options for preserving fecundity in young cancer patients, outlining the differences that exist in each individual cancer situation and how these affect our choice of fecundity-preserving measures.

Design: Review the pathophysiology data on ovarian function that serve for outlining the advantages and/or drawbacks of certain fecundity-preserving measures such as ovarian freezing and emergency IVF. Provide support arguments for outlining the need for setting locally rooted cancer and fecundity task forces that throw the bases for a multidisciplinary approach in this field.

Setting: Review of literature data.

Patient(s): Women of reproductive age affected with different types of cancer.

Main outcome measure(s): Outcome of selected emergency fertility preserving measures such as ovarian tissue freezing followed by grafting or emergency IVF.

Result(s): When performed in the 30s-the typical age for breast cancer, the most frequently encountered cancer in women of reproductive age, ovarian freezing hampers ovarian recovery and the chances for spontaneous pregnancy.

Conclusion(s): Based on a review of the different situations encountered, we recommend that fecundity-preserving measures offered to young cancer patients, including ovarian freezing and emergency IVF, emanate from multidisciplinary approaches.