[Andrology in oncological diseases]

Area of Science:

• Dermato-oncology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Dermato-oncological treatments frequently involve gonadotoxic interventions.
• Alkylating agents, hormonal therapies, and gonadal irradiation can limit male fertility.
• German guidelines mandate fertility preservation counseling in certified skin cancer centers since 2017.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the importance of discussing fertility preservation with male patients undergoing dermato-oncological treatment.
• To highlight available fertility protection options for men.
• To inform about new possibilities for cryopreservation in prepubertal males.

Main Methods:

• Review of current dermato-oncological guidelines and fertility preservation recommendations.
• Discussion of cryopreservation techniques for ejaculates and testicular tissue.
• Consideration of hormonal replacement therapy for hypogonadism.

Main Results:

• Fertility preservation through sperm or testicular tissue cryopreservation is a simple and safe option.
• The Androprotect project now enables testicular tissue cryopreservation for prepubertal males.
• Testosterone therapy for hypogonadism requires careful consideration of its anabolic and immunomodulating effects.

Conclusions:

• Proactive questioning about the desire for children is crucial at relevant stages of treatment.
• Cryopreservation offers a standardized and accessible method for male fertility protection.
• Management of treatment-induced hypogonadism necessitates a balanced approach to testosterone therapy.