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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
[Gonadal function after cancer treatment in adult men]
Cecilie E Kiserud1, Henriette Magelssen, Peter Fedorcsak
1Nasjonalt kompetansesenter for langtidsstudier, etter kreft, Radiumhospitalet Rikshospitalet, 0027 Oslo. cecilie.essholt.kiserud@radiumhospitalet.no
Background:
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, but also long-term hormonal treatment may cause reduced gonadal function in male cancer patients. The germinal epithelium is more vulnerable to cytotoxic damage than the Leydig cells, which implies that subfertility/infertility is a more frequent side effect of cancer treatment than endocrine hypogonadism.
Material And Methods:
This review article is based on clinical experience and literature retrieved from PubMed.
Results And Interpretation:
The degree of gonadal damage depends on the type of chemotherapy and the cumulative dose; with alkylating substances and procarbazine being the most gonadotoxic agents. The testicle is one of the most radiosensitive organs, and the damage depends on the radiation dose. Testicle damage may be caused by direct radiation of the testicles or scattered radiation from radiated adjacent tissue. Freezing of semen should be discussed with and offered to all men below 55 years that are about to undergo cancer treatment that may cause reduced fertility. Men surviving cancer who experience unwanted childlessness should be offered examination, advice and possibly assisted fertilization as part of the rehabilitation. Especially after intensive chemotherapy and high dose cranial radiation therapy the patient should be examined regularly throughout life with respect to premature endocrine hypogonadism.
Insights
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can impair male fertility. Discussing fertility preservation options, such as semen freezing, is crucial for male cancer patients before treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal treatments, can significantly impact male gonadal function.
- The germinal epithelium is particularly susceptible to cytotoxic damage, leading to subfertility or infertility more commonly than endocrine hypogonadism.
Purpose:
- To review the impact of cancer treatments on male gonadal function.
- To provide guidance on fertility preservation and management for male cancer patients.
Summary:
- Gonadal damage severity correlates with chemotherapy type/dose (alkylating agents and procarbazine are highly gonadotoxic) and radiation dose.
- Testicular damage can result from direct or scattered radiation.
- Semen cryopreservation should be offered to men under 55 facing fertility-compromising cancer treatments.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of fertility preservation discussions for male cancer patients.
- Emphasizes the need for long-term endocrine monitoring, especially after intensive treatments.
- Informs clinical practice regarding fertility management and rehabilitation for cancer survivors.
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