Clinical dilemmas in ovarian tissue cryopreservation
Cheryl E Dunlop1, Richard A Anderson2
1Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Fertility and Sterility
|June 2, 2024
Summary
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) offers fertility preservation for girls and women, with increasing live births. However, challenges remain regarding its use in specific patient groups and ethical considerations.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology and infertility
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is a growing fertility preservation method for women and girls.
- Successful live births have been reported following reimplantation of cryopreserved ovarian cortex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical dilemmas and ethical considerations of ovarian tissue cryopreservation.
- To discuss challenges in patient selection, prognosis, malignant cell contamination, and intrinsic ovarian disorders.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing literature and clinical experience.
- Discussion of practical and ethical challenges in ovarian tissue cryopreservation.
Main Results:
- Limited evidence exists for efficacy in prepubertal tissue or conditions like Turner syndrome.
- Reimplantation of cryopreserved ovarian cortex is leading to increasing live births.
Conclusions:
- Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is an evolving practice with significant potential.
- Further research and ethical guidelines are needed to address remaining clinical dilemmas for optimal patient care.
