Effects of Chemotherapy on Fertility and Fertility Preservation Strategies for the Women of Childbearing Potential Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Cancer incidence among women of childbearing potential (WCBP) underscores the need for effective fertility preservation strategies. Advances in cancer treatment have significantly improved survival rates, highlighting survivorship issues, particularly fertility concerns in younger patients. Chemotherapy, while a crucial treatment for cancer, often brings with it unintended consequences, particularly regarding fertility. Chemotherapy induces gonadotoxicity through mechanisms such as DNA damage, follicular apoptosis, and hormonal disruption, compromising ovarian function and fertility. The risk of infertility may be low, intermediate, or high depending upon the drug used, the dose, and the duration of use. Quantifying chemotherapy's impact is challenging due to diverse agents and variable effects. Guidelines recommend discussing fertility preservation options with WCBP before treatment, using biomarkers like anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) to assess ovarian reserve. Strategies include cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, embryos, and oocytes, each with distinct advantages and considerations. Pharmacological interventions like GnRH agonists aim to mitigate gonadotoxic effects, although their efficacy is debated. Surgical approaches like oophoropexy protect ovaries during pelvic radiation but pose logistical challenges. Fertility preservation involves ethical and psychosocial dimensions, including informed consent, financial considerations, and ethical dilemmas, necessitating comprehensive patient counselling. Future research focuses on enhancing techniques such as in vitro maturation, developing artificial ovaries, and refining cryopreservation methods to optimize outcomes.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Fertility preservation; Women of childbearing potential.