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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

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Published on: January 10, 2025

Male gonadal toxicity.

Marvin L Meistrich¹

¹Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030-4009, USA. meistrich@mdanderson.org

Pediatric Blood & Cancer

|March 28, 2009

Summary

Cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause male infertility, leading to prolonged azoospermia. Certain agents and radiation doses pose a higher risk of permanent damage, impacting future reproductive options.

Area of Science:

Oncology
Reproductive Medicine
Toxicology

Background:

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can lead to significant gonadal toxicity in male patients.
A primary concern is the induction of prolonged azoospermia, a condition affecting sperm production and potentially future fertility.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize the impact of cancer treatments on male gonadal function.
To highlight the risk of azoospermia and its reversibility in relation to specific cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on chemotherapy and radiotherapy effects on male reproductive health.
Analysis of factors influencing azoospermia, including specific drug agents and radiation doses.

Main Results:

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Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are associated with gonadal toxicity and azoospermia in males.
The risk of permanent azoospermia is linked to specific agents (alkylating agents, cisplatin) and radiation exposure to the testes.
Both post-pubertal and prepubertal males are susceptible, with prepubertal males potentially facing permanent azoospermia.

Conclusions:

Male cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy face risks to their reproductive health, primarily azoospermia.
Understanding the specific agents and doses is crucial for assessing the probability of permanent infertility.
Preventive strategies and fertility preservation options should be considered for male cancer patients.