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Oncofertility: Gonadal Function Preservation in Cancer Patients

Fertility preservation strategies for adolescents and young adults facing gonadotoxic therapy

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Oncofertility: Gonadal Function Preservation in Cancer Patients?

Cancer treatments including alkylating chemotherapy, pelvic radiation and surgical procedures cause gonadotoxicity affecting future fertility.

Risk varies by cancer type, treatment regimen, dose, age and pre-existing reproductive function.

Established options include sperm cryopreservation for males and embryo or oocyte cryopreservation for females after ovarian stimulation.

Emerging techniques include ovarian tissue cryopreservation with subsequent reimplantation enabling fertility preservation in prepubertal patients and rapid treatment scenarios.

GnRH agonist co-administration during chemotherapy may provide some ovarian protection though efficacy debated.

Symptoms

Pre-treatment fertility assessment identifies baseline reproductive function and risk stratification.
Many patients underestimate gonadotoxic risk of their planned cancer treatment.
Time pressure between cancer diagnosis and treatment initiation challenges fertility preservation logistics.
Cost considerations and insurance coverage variability create access disparities for fertility preservation.
Psychosocial impact of fertility threat compounds cancer diagnosis emotional burden.

Risk Factors

High-risk gonadotoxic regimens including alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide), platinum, total body irradiation produce significant infertility risk.
Higher doses of pelvic radiation cause ovarian failure with thresholds varying by age.
Younger age at treatment provides more ovarian reserve protection but children have unique preservation considerations.
Surgical procedures including bilateral oophorectomy or hysterectomy produce immediate sterility.
Pre-existing fertility impairment affects baseline preservation success rates and counseling.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • All cancer patients of reproductive age warrant fertility preservation discussion before initiating treatment.
  • Time-sensitive referral to reproductive medicine specialist enables ovarian stimulation before chemotherapy when feasible.
  • Pediatric and adolescent patients require specialized counseling and emerging preservation options.
  • Post-treatment fertility assessment with hormone testing and reproductive consultation guides family planning.
  • Survivors planning conception benefit from preconception counseling addressing recurrence risk and treatment-related complications.

Treatment Methods

01
Sperm cryopreservation as first-line option for males with proven efficacy and minimal logistics requirements.
02
Controlled ovarian stimulation followed by oocyte or embryo cryopreservation for women with 2-week timeline before chemotherapy.
03
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation enables emergency preservation and prepubertal applications with subsequent autotransplantation.
04
Ovarian transposition with surgical relocation outside pelvic radiation field for patients receiving pelvic irradiation.
05
Comprehensive survivorship care including hormone replacement therapy when indicated, assisted reproductive technologies for conception including in vitro fertilization with cryopreserved gametes, embryos or transplanted ovarian tissue and ongoing reproductive surveillance optimizes family-building outcomes for cancer survivors.

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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