Current and Future Perspectives for Improving Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation and Transplantation Outcomes for Cancer Patients

Reprod Sci. 2021 Jun;28(6):1746-1758. doi: 10.1007/s43032-021-00517-2. Epub 2021 Mar 31.

Abstract

Although advances in cancer treatment and early diagnosis have significantly improved cancer survival rates, cancer therapies can cause serious side effects, including ovarian failure and infertility, in women of reproductive age. Infertility following cancer treatment can have significant adverse effects on the quality of life. However, established methods for fertility preservation, including embryo or oocyte cryopreservation, are not always suitable for female cancer patients because of complicated individual conditions and treatment methods. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation is a promising option for fertility preservation in pre-pubertal girls and adult patients with cancer who require immediate treatment, or who are not eligible to undergo ovarian stimulation. This review introduces various methods and strategies to improve ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation outcomes, to help patients and clinicians choose the best option when considering the potential complexity of a patient's situation. Effective multidisciplinary oncofertility strategies, involving the inclusion of a highly skilled and experienced oncofertility team that considers cryopreservation methods, thawing processes and devices, surgical procedures for transplantation, and advances in technologies, are necessary to provide high-quality care to a cancer patient.

Keywords: Autologous transplantation; Cancer treatment; Fertility preservation; Oncofertility; Ovarian freezing; Primary ovarian insufficiency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Cryopreservation / methods*
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation / methods*
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Infertility, Female / therapy
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Ovary / physiology*
  • Ovary / transplantation*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Stem Cells
  • Transplantation, Autologous / methods
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents