Ovarian function preservation in the cancer patient

Objective: To review the clinical modalities that are available to women receiving potentially sterilizing cancer therapy. Design: The MEDLINE database was reviewed for all publications on medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology that could potentially preserve fertility in women who are receiving cancer therapy. Conclusion(s): There are many options available to a patient undergoing a treatment that will negatively impact her fertility. Many procedures and medical interventions have been proven successful both in terms of ovarian function and pregnancy rates. Other techniques have great potential but do not have long-term clinical data. It is important that the patient’s primary care physician understand the methods available to preserve fertility in cancer patients and communicate this information to the patient. (Fertil Steril 2004;81:243–57. © 2004 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) Key Words: Ovarian transposition, ovarian function protection, ovarian transplantation Survival rates for cancers that occur in women of reproductive age have improved dra-matically. Preservation of fertility in these women has become a more relevant issue. Many treatments that are administered for childhood and adolescent cancers carry a sub-stantial risk for future infertility. This risk var-ies according to the presenting pathology and requires preventive treatment. It was estimated that in 2000, one in 1,000 adults was a survivor of childhood cancer (1). This review will focus on the clinical modalities that are available to women receiving potentially sterilizing cancer therapy. The potential role of new techniques will also be assessed