Purpose: Fertility preservation is an important issue for young cancer patients. Random-start controlled ovarian stimulation and double ovarian stimulation have been proposed for efficient oocyte retrieval within the limited time before cancer therapy. We aimed to clarify the efficacy of these new protocols within the Japanese population.
Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study at a multicenter from February 2012 to August 2017. The study entailed 50 cycles with 34 patients who underwent fertility preservation due to breast cancer. Follicular phase or luteal phase ovarian stimulation with aromatase inhibitor was performed. A second ovarian stimulation was started with or without waiting until the next menstruation. We measured the number of retrieved oocytes and cryopreserved oocytes/embryos, the ratio of mature oocytes, and the fertilization rate.
Results: The numbers of retrieved oocytes and frozen oocytes/embryos were not significantly different between follicular phase and luteal phase ovarian stimulation. The number of retrieved oocytes was not reduced at the second ovum pick up compared to the first ovum pick up in the double ovarian stimulation.
Conclusions: Random-start controlled ovarian stimulation and double ovarian stimulation with aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer patients were effective protocols for retrieving a greater number of oocytes within the limited time.
Keywords: aromatase inhibitor; breast cancer; double ovarian stimulation; fertility preservation; random-start.