Combination of fertility preservation strategies in young women with recently diagnosed cancer

Background/Aims: The study describes clinical management and outcomes of currently available fertility preservation techniques in a set of 154 young female cancer patients. Methods: Patients in reproductive age with newly diagnosed cancer were offered embryo or oocyte cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and the administration of GnRH analogues during chemotherapy. Particular attention was given to the technical aspects and clinical application of these fertility preservation techniques. Results: During the study period (2004-2009), 154 young female cancer patients were offered fertility preservation counseling. Patient's average age was 29.4 years and average parity was 0.7 children. Administration of GnRH analogues (n = 123, 79.9%) and ovarian tissue cryopreservation (n = 15, 9.7%) were the most commonly used fertility preservation strategies. In 20 cases (16.1%), the combination of several fertility preservation techniques was offered to individually selected patients. Conclusions: Combination of fertility preservation techniques gives young cancer patients the best chance for future fertility and should be concentrated in specialized centers.

Cancer; infertility; Fertility preservation; Oocyte cryopreservation; Ovarian tissue cryopreservation

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