[Impact of radiotherapy on fertility in female patients]

Bull Cancer. 2009 Oct;96(10):1005-11. doi: 10.1684/bdc.2009.0949.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Although insufficiently documented, the impact of radiation therapy on fertility should not be neglected in female patients. Toxicity on reproductive function is dual and is characterized by both mechanistic deleterious effects on the genital tract and partial or complete loss of ovarian function. Moreover, gonadic toxicity may be increased by the concurrent use of chemotherapy or surgical procedure. In some circumstances, ovarian transposition may be justified for young patients. But no compromise may be accepted in terms of carcinologic results. At least, the effect of low-doses of irradiation has not been demonstrated for extra-pelvic radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Female
  • Fertility / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / prevention & control*
  • Japan
  • Ovary / radiation effects*
  • Radiation Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Radioactive Fallout / adverse effects
  • Radiotherapy Dosage

Substances

  • Radioactive Fallout