Progress and prospects for fertility preservation in prepubertal boys with cancer

Abstract

Purpose of review: In the past few years, options for fertility preservation in prepubescent boys have enlarged tremendously.

Recent findings: After a long period of studies on spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation in mice, recently successful use of rhesus monkey SSCs for autologous and allogeneic transplantation was demonstrated. Furthermore, newer protocols on transplantation of SSCs back into the testes and on how to mimic the niche environment have been described. Very importantly, a new multiparametric sorting strategy to eliminate cancer contamination from human testis cell suspension has been clarified.

Summary: While awaiting for more data on safety issues, retrieval and cryopreservation of testicular tissue prior to cancer therapy should be offered, within an experimental context, to prepubertal boys with cancer who are at high risk of fertility loss.