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Implications of systemic malignancies on human fertility
1Center for Advanced Research in Human Reproduction, Infertility, and Sexual Function, Glickman Urological Institute and Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. agarwaa@ccf.org
Reproductive Biomedicine Online
|January 27, 2005
Summary
Improved cancer treatments increase survival, but can impair fertility. This review highlights fertility issues in systemic malignancies and discusses preservation methods like gamete cryopreservation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Cancer survival rates have increased due to advanced treatment modalities.
- Longer life expectancy in cancer survivors has brought fertility concerns to the forefront.
- Systemic malignancies and their cytotoxic treatments can directly and indirectly impair human fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fertility issues encountered by patients with systemic malignancies.
- To discuss the impact of cancer treatments on reproductive health.
- To explore fertility preservation options for cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on fertility preservation in oncology.
- Analysis of current and emerging fertility preservation techniques.
- Discussion of ethical considerations related to fertility options.
Main Results:
- Systemic cancers and their treatments significantly impact fertility.
- Gamete cryopreservation is an established fertility preservation method.
- Emerging techniques like germ cell transplantation and ovarian cryopreservation show promise.
Conclusions:
- Fertility preservation is a crucial aspect of survivorship care for cancer patients.
- A range of options exist, with gamete cryopreservation being widely accepted.
- Ongoing research and ethical discussions are vital for advancing fertility preservation in oncology.