Expectations and limitations of ovarian tissue transplantation

Abstract

Constant progress in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer disease has increased the number and prognosis of cancer survivors. However, the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on ovarian function have resulted in premature ovarian failure. Patients are, therefore, still expecting methods to be developed to preserve their fertility successfully. Several potential options are available to preserve fertility in patients who face premature ovarian failure, including immature or mature oocyte and embryo cryopreservation. However, for children or prepubertal women needing immediate chemotherapy, cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is the only alternative. The ultimate aim of this strategy is to implant ovarian tissue into the pelvic cavity (orthotopic site) or in a heterotopic site once oncological treatment is completed and the patient is disease free. Transplantation of ovarian tissue with sufficiently large numbers of follicles could potentially restore endocrine function and allow multiple cycles for conception. However, the success of ovarian tissue transplantation still has multiple challenges, such as the low number of follicles in the graft that may affect their longevity as well as the survival of the tissue during ex vivo processing and subsequent transplantation. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the achievements of ovary grafting and the potential techniques that have been developed to improve ovarian graft survival.

Keywords: Cryopreservation; Fertility preservation; Neovascularization; Oncofertility; Transplantation.