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Published on: January 19, 2024
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Semen quality in acute leukemia patients: a retrospective study
Alessandra Buonacquisto1,2, Maria Ilaria Del Principe3,4,5, Francesco Pallotti2
1Laboratory of Seminology "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
Annals of Hematology
|July 24, 2025
Summary
Acute leukemia can impact male fertility, with semen quality often declining after chemotherapy. Preserving fertility through semen cryopreservation before treatment is crucial for patients desiring fatherhood.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive medicine
- Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Leukemias are common cancers in men of reproductive age.
- Limited data exists on the correlation between acute leukemia and semen quality.
- Cancer treatments significantly impact fertility, necessitating fertility preservation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess semen quality in acute leukemia patients before chemotherapy.
- To evaluate post-therapy semen parameters and fertility outcomes.
- To analyze the feasibility and trends in semen cryopreservation for these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design.
- Collection of semen analysis data.
- Gathering information on paternity desire, childbearing, and cryopreservation history.
Main Results:
- Pre-treatment semen characteristics were generally above the 25th percentile.
- A significant increase in azoospermia was observed one year post-therapy.
- Four patients achieved fatherhood via assisted reproductive technology.
Conclusions:
- Acute leukemia and its treatments can affect male reproductive health.
- Semen cryopreservation is a vital option for fertility preservation in these patients.
- Onco-hematologists should prioritize discussing and facilitating semen cryopreservation for acute leukemia patients.
