Cancer and fecundity issues mandate a multidisciplinary approach

Objective

To review the existing options for preserving fecundity in young cancer patients, outlining the differences that exist in each individual cancer situation and how these affect our choice of fecundity-preserving measures.

Design

Review the pathophysiology data on ovarian function that serve for outlining the advantages and/or drawbacks of certain fecundity-preserving measures such as ovarian freezing and emergency IVF. Provide support arguments for outlining the need for setting locally rooted cancer and fecundity task forces that throw the bases for a multidisciplinary approach in this field.

Setting

Review of literature data.

Patient(s)

Women of reproductive age affected with different types of cancer.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Outcome of selected emergency fertility preserving measures such as ovarian tissue freezing followed by grafting or emergency IVF.

Result(s)

When performed in the 30s—the typical age for breast cancer, the most frequently encountered cancer in women of reproductive age, ovarian freezing hampers ovarian recovery and the chances for spontaneous pregnancy.

Conclusion(s)

Based on a review of the different situations encountered, we recommend that fecundity-preserving measures offered to young cancer patients, including ovarian freezing and emergency IVF, emanate from multidisciplinary approaches.

Key Words: Cancer, fecundity, oncofertility, ovarian freezing, emergency IVF