Treatment outcomes and quality-of-life assessment in a university-based fertility preservation program: results of a registry of female cancer patients at 2 years

Abstract

Purpose: To explore patient goals and quality of life (QOL) via a prospective registry and compare fertility preservation (FP) outcomes before, during, and after cancer therapy.

Methods: Of 35 patients entering the registry from 3/2008 to 3/2010, 29/35 completed the study survey and agreed to follow-up, and 31/35 completed treatment. Survey results and FP outcomes were analyzed.

Results: Most patients rated the impact of cancer treatment on fertility of highest importance at baseline and 1-year follow-up. QOL scores were overall positive at both intervals. Patients naïve to any cancer treatment (n = 12) had more gametes frozen than patients with prior cancer treatment (n = 19) with no difference in age or gonadotropin dosage. For patients awaiting cancer treatment, the median time from consultation to oocyte retrieval was 25 days. Cancer treatment sequalae posed challenges to optimal FP outcomes.

Conclusions: Fertility preservation remains a significant issue for cancer patients. With early reproductive endocrinologist referral, cancer treatment delay is minimized and FP outcomes are optimized.