[Gonadal dysfunction in males following treatment of childhood malignancy. Current concepts]

Cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy have improved the survival rates in many malignant conditions, particularly in paediatric patients with haematologic malignancies. Treatment is associated with significant morbidity in many patients, and alterations in gonadal function are among the most common long-term side effects of therapy. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may damage germ-cell spermatogonia, resulting in impaired spermatogenesis or sterility in the male. This review describes gonadal dysfunction in males at risk of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and the type of malignancy in childhood induced infertility. The detection and diagnostic methods of gonadal damage in males after treatment for a childhood malignancy are also described and therapeutic strategies for preventing these problems are outlined.