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Review
. 2011 Apr;95(5):1535-43.
doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.01.003. Epub 2011 Jan 26.

Breast cancer and fertility preservation

S Samuel Kim  1 , Jennifer Klemp, Carol Fabian
Affiliations
Review

Breast cancer and fertility preservation

S Samuel Kim et al. Fertil Steril. 2011 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: To review the benefits of adjuvant systemic therapy given to women with breast cancer of reproductive age, its effects on fertility, and options for fertility preservation.

Design: Publications relevant to fertility preservation and breast cancer were identified through a PubMed database search.

Conclusion(s): Most women who develop invasive breast cancer under age 40 will be advised to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy with or without extended antihormonal therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence and death from breast cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy particularly with alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide is gonadotoxic and markedly accelerates the rate of age-related ovarian follicle loss. Although loss of fertility is an important issue for young cancer survivors, there is often little discussion about fertility preservation before initiation of adjuvant therapy. Greater familiarity with prognosis and effects of different types of adjuvant therapy on the part of infertility specialists and fertility preservation options such cryopreservation of embryos, oocytes, and ovarian tissue on the part of oncologists would facilitate these discussions. Establishment of rapid fertility consultation links within cancer survivorship programs can help ensure that every young woman who is likely to undergo gonadotoxic cancer treatment is counseled about the effects of therapy and options available to her to increase the likelihood of childbearing after cancer treatment.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Fertility preservation options for breast cancer patients. Thorough consultation is imperative for every woman with cancer before she makes a decision for fertility preservation.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Protocol for COS for embryo/oocyte cryopreservation in breast cancer patients (d: cycle day; SER: ultrasound-guided egg retrieval).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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