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Radiation effects on male fertility
F De Felice1, C Marchetti2, F Marampon3
1Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Andrology
|November 10, 2018
Summary
Radiotherapy can harm male fertility by impairing spermatogenesis. Fertility preservation is crucial for cancer survivors, highlighting the need for oncologic awareness of male reproductive health risks.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Spermatogenesis, the process of sperm development, is sensitive to ionizing radiation.
- Spermatogonia are particularly vulnerable to radiation damage compared to later germ cell stages.
- Improved cancer survival rates underscore the growing importance of fertility preservation for male patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risks of radiotherapy to male fertility.
- To enhance oncologic awareness regarding male fertility preservation in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov databases.
- Focus on English-language publications.
Main Results:
- Overview of the clinical landscape concerning radiotherapy and male fertility.
- Discussion of radiobiological concepts of spermatogenesis.
- Analysis of radiation-induced impairment of spermatogenesis and Leydig cells.
- Review of clinical evidence of radiotherapy effects in oncology.
Conclusions:
- This review provides valuable insights for clinical practice.
- Identifies potential avenues for future research in male fertility preservation and radiotherapy.
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