Fertility

For patients of reproductive age, it is important that they discuss fertility issues with their oncologist.  It is possible that the side effects of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation may leave a patient infertile. Patients should talk with their doctors to identify options they may take before treatment to preserve their chances of having a child.^(1)(2)(3)(4)

Sexually mature males can make deposits in a sperm bank, and prepubescent boys can have testicular tissue frozen to preserve sperm.  Fertility issues are more complex for females but it is possible to extract and freeze eggs and embryos. ⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾

For women, procedures must be specifically tailored to the patient and her needs.  It is important for all female patients with the potential and desire to bear children see a reproductive specialist before treatment begins.^(1)(2)(4)(5)

1. Dittrich R, Maltaris T, Hoffmann I, Oppelt PG, Beckmann MW, Mueller A. Fertility preservation in cancer patients. Minerva Ginecol. 2010 Feb;62(1):63-80. [PUBMED]
2. Schmidt KT, Larsen EC, Andersen CY, Andersen AN. Risk of ovarian failure and fertility preserving methods in girls and adolescents with a malignant disease. BJOG. 2010 Jan;117(2):163-74. [PUBMED]
3. Mitchell RT, Saunders PT, Sharpe RM, Kelnar CJ, Wallace WH. Male fertility and strategies for fertility preservation following childhood cancer treatment. Endocr Dev. 2009;15:101-34. Epub 2009 Mar 3. [PUBMED]
4. Meirow D, Nugent D. The effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on female reproduction. Hum Reprod Update. 2001 Nov-Dec;7(6):535-43. [PUBMED]
5. Georgescu ES, Goldberg JM, du Plessis SS, Agarwal A. Present and future fertility preservation strategies for female cancer patients. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2008 Nov;63(11):725-32. [PUBMED]