Long-term ovarian reserve and fertility outcomes in female survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Leuk Lymphoma. 2021 Sep;62(9):2211-2218. doi: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1901093. Epub 2021 Mar 22.

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy, yet data regarding long-term ovarian reserve of female survivors are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a differential pattern of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in female childhood ALL survivors compared with the normal age-matched population. In a cohort of 56 female childhood ALL survivors (median age 29 years; median follow-up 20.6 years), a negative correlation was found between age at leukemia diagnosis and age-adjusted anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels (r = -0.334, p = .031). Despite alkylating agent therapy, AMH levels did not differ significantly from age-related nomograms (age < 30, p = .17; age ≥ 30, p = .94). The mean number of children per fertile woman adjusted for maternal age was similar to the national average (2.76 versus 3.11, p = .19). Our results imply that reproductive outcomes are not significantly hampered in female pediatric ALL survivors. Long-term surveillance of ovarian reserve may enable personalized survivorship counseling.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH); children; fertility; ovarian reserve.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone
  • Child
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Reserve*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / epidemiology
  • Survivors

Substances

  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone