Oncofertility: Treatment options from bench to bedside

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Cancer survival rates have improved due to advancements in diagnosis and treatment.
• Cancer therapies (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery) can cause infertility in both males and females.
• Fertility preservation is crucial for cancer patients to maintain reproductive capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the background, methods, and options for fertility preservation in cancer patients.
• To inform oncologists, surgeons, pediatricians, and hematologists about fertility preservation strategies.
• To highlight the importance of "fertility guards" and advance personalized preservation methods.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current fertility preservation techniques.
• Discussion of established and emerging methods for oocyte, embryo, ovarian tissue, and sperm cryopreservation.
• Analysis of the role of multidisciplinary teams in fertility preservation counseling.

Main Results:

• Various fertility preservation options exist, including sperm banking, oocyte cryopreservation, embryo cryopreservation, and ovarian tissue transplantation.
• Early consultation and proactive planning significantly increase the likelihood of successful fertility preservation.
• New strategies are emerging to personalize fertility preservation based on individual patient conditions and cancer type.

Conclusions:

• Fertility preservation is an integral part of cancer care, enabling patients to retain reproductive options post-treatment.
• Enhanced awareness and integration of fertility preservation strategies among healthcare professionals are essential.
• Further research into personalized and novel fertility preservation methods is warranted to improve outcomes for cancer survivors.