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Radiations and female fertility
Roberto Marci1,2,3, Maddalena Mallozzi4, Luisa Di Benedetto4
1Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, via L. Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy. roberto.marci@unife.it.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E
|December 17, 2018
Summary
Radiation therapy for cancer can harm female reproductive organs, potentially causing infertility. Fertility preservation options are crucial for young women undergoing cancer treatment to protect their future reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Cancer survival rates have improved, increasing the number of young women treated with radiation therapy.
- Ionizing radiation poses significant risks to female reproductive function, including ovarian damage and infertility.
- Radiotherapy can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and directly damage the uterus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of radiotherapy's adverse effects on female reproductive function.
- To describe current fertility preservation strategies available for cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on radiotherapy effects on female reproductive health.
- Analysis of current fertility preservation techniques in reproductive biology.
Main Results:
- Radiation therapy can cause ovarian insufficiency, pubertal arrest, and infertility.
- Cranial irradiation disrupts hormonal regulation, while uterine damage includes altered vascularization and fibrosis.
- Fertility preservation procedures are recommended before and during cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy significantly impacts female reproductive potential.
- Advances in reproductive biology have expanded fertility preservation options.
- Proactive fertility preservation is essential for young women undergoing cancer treatment.
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