Fertility Preservation before Therapy for Cancer New Perspectives

As the number of young and adult nulliparous cancer survivors is constantly increasing due to progress in the field of oncology, the adverse effect of the life saving cancer therapy on reproductive function is assuming greater importance. Appropriate strategies to spare fertility in all young cancer patients must be considered. Recent advances in assisted reproduction technology such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and cryopreservation have revolutionized the options available to these patients for their fertility preservation. While sperm and embryo cryopreservation are now established procedures, oocyte (mature or immature) cryopreservation has limited application till date. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation although at present an experimental technique, is fast emerging out as the most promising future option for fertility preservation. There is need for the professionals dealing with young cancer patients to familiarize themselves with these developments and with the importance of describing and providing access to these options. All possible fertility preservation options should be offered and discussed before starting the therapy for cancer. A multidisciplinary approach involving a close liaison between oncology and assisted conception units is crucial for providing the proper guidance and support to the young vulnerable patients diagnosed with cancer and their families in deciding what is likely to be the most appropriate course of action for them.