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Fertility preservation in the male with cancer

Daniel H Williams1

  • 1Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705-2281, USA. williams@urology.wisc.edu

Current Urology Reports
|July 2, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Sperm cryopreservation before cancer treatment offers men the best chance for biological fatherhood. Improved education and coordinated strategies are vital for prioritizing fertility preservation in male cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Men's Health

Background:

  • Cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation can severely impair male reproductive potential.
  • Malignancy itself can negatively impact sperm production (spermatogenesis).
  • Fertility preservation is crucial for male cancer patients desiring biological children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current concepts, recommendations, and principles of fertility preservation in men with cancer.
  • To address obstacles and future directions for sperm banking and fertility-preserving technologies.
  • To emphasize the importance of offering sperm cryopreservation before cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current concepts and recommendations.
  • Discussion of obstacles to sperm banking.
  • Exploration of future fertility-preserving technologies.

Main Results:

  • Sperm cryopreservation prior to cancer treatment is the most effective option for maintaining reproductive potential.
  • All cancer treatments pose risks to male fertility.
  • Cancer diagnosis can also directly affect sperm production.

Conclusions:

  • Sperm cryopreservation should be offered to all men with cancer before treatment initiation.
  • Enhanced patient and provider education is necessary.
  • Coordinated strategies within cancer care centers are essential to prioritize fertility preservation.

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