Reproductive outcomes of 105 malignant ovarian germ cell tumor survivors: a multicenter study

Abstract

Background: Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors usually occur in young women. Until the 1970s, before establishment of systemic chemotherapy, malignant ovarian germ cell tumors had a very poor prognosis. Recently, prognosis has improved, and fertility-sparing treatment is being adopted in patients who desire to become pregnant. However, the number of malignant ovarian germ cell tumor survivors who actually became pregnant remains unknown.

Objective: The present study aimed to clarify the reproductive outcomes in malignant ovarian germ cell tumor survivors by using data from a multicenter database and an additional survey on reproductive outcomes.

Study design: The study used the Tokai Ovarian Tumor Study Group database on ovarian cancer patients. We assessed the database from 1986 through 2016 and selected malignant ovarian germ cell tumor patients <40 years of age who received fertility-sparing treatment. Questionnaires on reproductive outcomes were sent to the registered facilities. The following data were collected and used in this study: age, date of onset, surgical procedure, chemotherapy regimen, tumor type, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, survival outcome and period, number of pregnancies and childbirths, marital status, childbearing desire, method of pregnancy, gestational weeks at delivery, birthweight of the baby, obstetric complications, and menstrual status after fertility-sparing treatment.

Results: A total of 110 malignant ovarian germ cell tumor patients who received fertility-sparing treatment were identified. The median follow-up period was 10.4 years. Five patients were excluded because of death or loss of fertility after treatment for recurrence. Thus, 105 patients were finally included. The additional survey revealed that 42 of 45 patients who desired childbirth became pregnant. The total number of pregnancies was 65, and 56 babies were born to 40 malignant ovarian germ cell tumor survivors.

Conclusion: The reproductive outcomes of malignant ovarian germ cell tumor survivor are promising with fertility-sparing treatment. Malignant ovarian germ cell tumor survivors can become pregnant and give birth if they desire.

Keywords: bleomycin/etoposide/cisplatin therapy; cancer survivor; fertility-sparing treatment; malignant ovarian germ cell tumor; reproductive outcome.