An Update on In Vitro Folliculogenesis: A New Technique for Post-Cancer Fertility

Obtaining in vitro mature oocytes from ovarian tissue to preserve women's fertility is still a challenge. At present, there is a therapeutic deadlock for girls and women who need emergency fertility preservation in case of a high risk of ovary invasion by malignant cells. In such a case, ovarian tissue cannot be engrafted; an alternative could be in vitro folliculogenesis.

This review focuses on the progress of in vitro folliculogenesis in humans. PubMed and Embase databases were used to search for original English-language articles.

The first phase of in vitro folliculogenesis is carried out in the original ovarian tissue. The addition of one (or more) initiation activator(s) is not essential but allows better yields and the use of a 3D culture system at this stage provides no added value. The second stage requires a mechanical and/or enzymatic isolation of the secondary follicles. The use of an activator and/or a 3D culture system is then necessary.

The current results are promising but there is still a long way to go. Obtaining live births in large animals is an essential step in validating this in vitro folliculogenesis technique.