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Review
. 2021 Jan 8;13(2):202.
doi: 10.3390/cancers13020202.

Fertility Preservation and Long-Term Monitoring of Gonadotoxicity in Girls, Adolescents and Young Adults Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Kaja Michalczyk  1 , Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska  1
Affiliations
Review

Fertility Preservation and Long-Term Monitoring of Gonadotoxicity in Girls, Adolescents and Young Adults Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Kaja Michalczyk et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

Chemo- and radio-therapy can often affect reproductive organs impairing hormonal regulation, fertility, and sexual function. As cancer treatments become more effective and many patients have long term survival, concerns related to patient's quality of life and reproductive health become relevant. It is especially important for girls and young females facing cancer therapy who have not yet started family planning. Chemotherapy protocols using alkylating agents and abdominal radiotherapy, which are frequently used in the treatment of childhood and adolescent cancer, can cause gonadal injury. The most common clinical manifests are ovarian hormone insufficiency, premature ovarian insufficiency, early menopause and infertility. In this review we assess current literature and summarize current recommendations on the reproductive function of girls and young females undergoing cancer treatment and their follow-up. Fertility preservation methods are discussed, including psychological and ethical considerations and barriers. Improvement of reproductive health and quality of life of adolescents and young adults (AYA) undergoing cancer treatment is an important issue. Further research should be continued to develop efficient and accessible methods for fertility preservation in young patients. An expert panel including oncologists, radiation oncologists, endocrinologists and gynecologists should always consider fertility preservation in pediatric, adolescent and AYA cancer patients, minding patients' medical condition, cancer staging and potential risk of treatment-related gonadotoxicity.

Keywords: AYA; chemotherapy; cryopreservation; fertility; gynecology; oncology; radiotherapy; survivorship.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Oncofertility management of females diagnosed with cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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