Ovarian tissue cryopreservation: benefits and risks

An increasing number of women have been subjected to cytotoxic chemoradiotherapy for various malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Women who face the possibility of premature or imminent ovarian failure caused by cytotoxic therapy may retain their fertility potential with ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Until recently, this technique could only be performed in a few highly specialized institutions. However, with the latest advances in cryobiology, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is rapidly becoming a more widely offered technique by many medical centers around the world. The indications now extend beyond cancer. Even though the risk of re-implanting pre-existing cancer cells is minimal or non-existent for most types of cancer, this risk needs to be ascertained according to the cancer type and disease stage. The objective of this manuscript is to review the indications, risks and benefits of ovarian tissue cryopreservation.