J Gynecol Oncol.  2008 Jun;19(2):99-107. 10.3802/jgo.2008.19.2.99.

Fertility preservation for women with malignancies: current developments of cryopreservation

• Chang HJ
• Suh CS

• KMID: 2129908
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2008.19.2.99

Abstract

The preservation of fertility in female cancer survivors has become an important health issue. The different cryopreservation options available for fertility preservation are embryo, oocyte, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Oocyte cryopreservation is available for women without partners, but there is a limited experience with this technique and the pregnancy rate is still low. In spite of recent reports of successful birth after autotransplantation of cryopreserved-thawed human ovarian cortical tissues, clinical experience is also limited and this technique remains still experimental. Whole ovary cryopreservation itself poses several challenges. Further researches for establishing optimal cryopreservation and thawing protocols and increasing post-thawing survival, pregnancy, and delivery rates are necessary. In this article, the strategies for fertility preservation in cancer survivors are discussed. The different options and their results are discussed, as well as their indications, efficacy and ethical issues.

Keyword

Fertility preservation; Embryo cryopreservation; Oocyte cryopreservation; Ovarian tissue cryopreservation; Ovarian transplantation

MeSH Terms

Cryopreservation
Embryonic Structures
Female
Fertility
Fertility Preservation
Humans
Oocytes
Ovary
Parturition
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Rate
Survivors

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Algorithm summarizing strategies for the preservation of fertility in female cancer patient.

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