Fertility, ovarian reserve and cancer. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balachandren, Neerujah; Davies, Melanie
• Is Part Of: Maturitas. Volume 105(2017)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: FEC 5 Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide -- TAC Doxetaxel, Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide -- BEACOPP Bleomycin, Etoposide, Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Procarbazine, Prednisolone -- ABVD Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, Dacarbazine -- CHOP Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisolone; Cancer -- Fertility -- Premature ovarian insufficiency -- Fertility preservation -- Pregnancy -- Late effects of therapy; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Middle Aged -- Periodicals; Climatère -- Périodiques; Ménopause -- Périodiques; Climacterium; Climacteric; Menopause; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 612.66
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.07.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-5122

Abstract

Highlights: Reproductive potential is reduced following cancer treatment. Spontaneous pregnancies can occur even after 'highly' gonadotoxic treatment. Low ovarian reserve does not equate to infertility; regular menses does not equate to fertility. Cancer survivors are likely to have a shortened time to complete their family. Ovarian reserve assessments and semen analysis should be performed early in those who want to start a family. Abstract: Improvements in survival rates and the rise in the incidence of cancer, particularly in young people, has shifted the focus of treatment towards less gonadotoxic therapies, such that a larger number of survivors will remain fertile after treatment. Unfortunately, for the vast majority of cancer therapies, there is incomplete data on the extent of injury to the reproductive organs. This review uses case series and cohort studies on conception rates and menstrual cyclicity after gonadotoxic cancer therapies, and relevant studies on ovarian reserve assessment. It will aid clinicians wishing to provide evidence-based counselling on patients' reproductive potential after cancer treatment.