Oncofertility – a new trend in reproductive medicine

Česká verzia

Authors: M. Huser; I. Crha ; J. Žáková; P. Ventruba
Authors place of work: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika LF MU a FN Brno, přednosta prof. MUDr. P. Ventruba, DrSc.
Published in the journal: Ceska Gynekol 2011; 76(2): 91-99

Summary

Effective treatment of cancer often causes patients irreversible damage of reproductive abilities. New trend in reproductive medicine commonly described as oncofertility offers cancer patients not only infertility treatment, but also potent prevention of irreversible damage of reproductive organs and functions. Efficacious methods of women reproductive function damage prevention has been developed at Brno University Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology since year 2004. The paper describes current oncofertility techniques implemented to clinical practice – embryo and oocyte banking, ovarian tissue cryopreservation including further possibility of its orthotopic autotransplantation and administration of gonadoliberin analogues for ovarian protection. During past 6 years expert consultation before start of gonadotoxic treatment has been provided to 195 young women with newly diagnosed cancer or autoimmune disease. Attention is applied to pro and contras of previously described methods of ovarian protection in the discussion. Limitations regarding implementation of oncofertility techniques in practice are mentioned. Furthermore short recommendations regarding pre-treatment oncofertility consultation with patients are given.

Key words:
infertility, oncofertility, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, vitrification, oocyte cryopreservation.

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