Fertility preservation for young women with rectal cancer--a combined approach from one referral center

Fertility in young-onset colorectal patients with cancer: a review

Although the overall incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer have declined, diagnosed cases of young-onset colorectal cancer have increased significantly. Concerns about future fertility are second only to concerns about survival and may significantly affect the quality of life of young cancer survivors. Fertility preservation is an important issue in young-onset colorectal patients with cancer undergoing oncotherapy. Here, we discussed the effects of different treatments on fertility, common options for fertility preservation, factors affecting fertility preservation and improvement measures, and the relationship between fertility and pregnancy outcomes in young-onset colorectal patients with cancer.

A Systematic Review of Ovarian Tissue Transplantation Outcomes by Ovarian Tissue Processing Size for Cryopreservation

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is the only pre-treatment option currently available to preserve fertility for prepubescent girls and patients who cannot undergo ovarian stimulation. Currently, there is no standardized method of processing ovarian tissue for cryopreservation, despite evidence that fragmentation of ovaries may trigger primordial follicle activation. Because fragmentation may influence ovarian transplant function, the purpose of this systematic review was (1) to identify the processing sizes and dimensions of ovarian tissue within sites around the world, and (2) to examine the reported outcomes of ovarian tissue transplantation including, reported duration of hormone restoration, pregnancy, and live birth. A total of 2,252 abstracts were screened against the inclusion criteria. In this systematic review, 103 studies were included for analysis of tissue processing size and 21 studies were included for analysis of ovarian transplantation outcomes. Only studies where ovarian tissue was cryopreserved (via slow freezing or vitrification) and transplanted orthotopically were included in the review. The size of cryopreserved ovarian tissue was categorized based on dimensions into strips, squares, and fragments. Of the 103 studies, 58 fertility preservation sites were identified that processed ovarian tissue into strips (62%), squares (25.8%), or fragments (31%). Ovarian tissue transplantation was performed in 92 participants that had ovarian tissue cryopreserved into strips (n = 51), squares (n = 37), and fragments (n = 4). All participants had ovarian tissue cryopreserved by slow freezing. The pregnancy rate was 81.3%, 45.5%, 66.7% in the strips, squares, fragment groups, respectively. The live birth rate was 56.3%, 18.2%, 66.7% in the strips, squares, fragment groups, respectively. The mean time from ovarian tissue transplantation to ovarian hormone restoration was 3.88 months, 3.56 months, and 3 months in the strips, squares, and fragments groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the time of ovarian function' restoration and the size of ovarian tissue. Transplantation of ovarian tissue, regardless of its processing dimensions, restores ovarian hormone activity in the participants that were reported in the literature. More detailed information about the tissue processing size and outcomes post-transplant are required to identify a preferred or more successful processing method.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk], identifier [CRD42020189120].

Fertility preservation strategies for rectal cancer in reproductive-age women

Despite rectal cancer being unusual before 40, fertility preservation (FP) remains a major concern for these reproductive-age women. Treatment usually involves pelvic radiotherapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and surgery of rectum and mesorectum resection, at high risk of impairing fertility in women with risks of premature ovarian failure and radio-induced uterus damage. To date, there is no consensus on FP strategy for rectal cancer. We shared experiences between oncofertility experts from a French research network Groupe de Recherche et d'Etude en Cryoconservation Ovarienne et Testiculaire about a case of rectal cancer in a young woman. Indications, advantages and disadvantages of different FP strategies were discussed: ovarian transposition, cryopreservation of ovarian cortex and oocyte vitrification. This case was the starting point that led to the development of a French multidisciplinary e-meeting for sharing experiences and for suggesting the best strategy when faced with a complex oncofertility case.

Recent Advances in Fertility Preservation and Counseling for Reproductive-Aged Women with Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The incidence of colorectal cancer among reproductive-aged women is increasing. Concerns regarding future fertility are secondary only to concerns regarding survival and may significantly impact quality of life among reproductive-aged female cancer survivors. Fertility preservation counseling reduces long-term regret and dissatisfaction among cancer survivors. Health care providers counseling patients with colorectal cancer must understand the impact of cancer treatment on future reproductive potential.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to examine the effects that colorectal cancer treatments have on female fertility and summarize existing and emerging options for fertility preservation.

DATA SOURCES

EMBASE, National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE)/PubMed, Cochrane Review Library were the data sources for this review.

STUDY SELECTION

A systematic literature review was performed using exploded MeSH terms to identify articles examining the effect of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, as well as fertility preservation options for colorectal cancer on female fertility. Relevant studies were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the effect of colorectal cancer treatment on fertility.

RESULTS

There are limited data regarding the impact of colorectal surgery on fertility. The gonadotoxic effects of chemotherapy on reproductive capacity depend on age at the time of chemotherapy administration, cumulative chemotherapy, radiation dose, type of agent, and baseline fertility status. Chemotherapy-induced risks for colorectal cancers are considered low to moderate, whereas pelvic radiation with a dose of 45 to 50 Gray induces premature menopause in greater than 90% of patients. Ovarian transposition may reduce but not eliminate the damaging effect of radiation on the ovaries. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation are considered standard of care for women desiring fertility preservation, with oocyte cryopreservation no longer being considered experimental. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation remains experimental but may be an option for select patients. The use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists remains controversial and has not been definitively shown to preserve fertility.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations of this review are the lack of randomized controlled trials and high-quality studies, as well as the small sample sizes and the use of surrogate fertility markers.

CONCLUSION

Reproductive-aged women with colorectal cancer benefit from fertility preservation counseling before the initiation of cancer treatment.

Robotically Assisted Laparoscopic Ovarian Transposition in Women with Lower Gastrointestinal Cancer Undergoing Pelvic Radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Pelvic radiotherapy (RT) is a standard component of the management for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer or squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. Pelvic RT leads to permanent and irreversible ovarian failure in young women. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of robotically assisted laparoscopic ovarian transposition (OT) before RT in women with rectal or anal cancer who wanted to preserve normal ovarian function.

METHODS

The study reviewed the medical records of all patients treated at our institution from August 2009 to October 2014 who received robotically assisted laparoscopic OT for rectal or anal cancer before RT. Clinical and hormonal data were abstracted to determine ovarian function.

RESULTS

The study identified 22 women with rectal (n = 20) or anal (n = 2) cancer. The median age of the women was 39 years (range 26-45 years). For one patient, OT was technically not feasible. The postoperative course was uneventful in all but one case. Follow-up data on ovarian function were unavailable for 3 patients. The median times from RT initiation to the last gynecologic or hormonal evaluation were 9 months (range 5-47 months) and 10.5 months (range 5-47 months), respectively. At the last gynecologic or hormonal follow-up visit, ovarian function was preserved in 12 (67%) of 18 evaluable patients, including 9 (90%) of 10 patients 40 years of age or younger and 3 (38%) of 8 patients older than 40 years (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotically assisted laparoscopic bilateral OT is safe and can lead to preservation of ovarian function in two-thirds of patients with low gastrointestinal cancer undergoing pelvic RT. It should be considered in this setting, especially for women age 40 years or younger, to avoid premature menopause and its associated sequelae.

Fertility Preservation: A Key Survivorship Issue for Young Women with Cancer

Fertility preservation in the young cancer survivor is recognized as a key survivorship issue by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Thus, health-care providers should inform women about the effects of cancer therapy on fertility and should discuss the different fertility preservation options available. It is also recommended to refer women expeditiously to a fertility specialist in order to improve counseling. Women’s age, diagnosis, presence of male partner, time available, and preferences regarding use of donor sperm influence the selection of the appropriate fertility preservation option. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation are the standard techniques used while ovarian tissue cryopreservation is new, yet promising. Despite the importance of fertility preservation for cancer survivors’ quality of life, there are still communication and financial barriers faced by women who wish to pursue fertility preservation.

[Fertility preservation in women of the childbearing age: Indications and strategies]

Advances on cryopreservation techniques now allow considering oocyte, embryo or ovarian tissue freezing for female fertility preservation. Originally developed for patients suffering from cancer, fertility preservation has rapidly invaded others medical fields, and represents now the standard of care for all young patient diagnosed with a disease that could impair fertility or having to receive possibly gonadotoxic treatment. As a result, autoimmune diseases, some genetic pathologies or iterative pelvic surgeries, at risk of premature ovarian failure, have become common indications of fertility preservation. In addition, the social egg freezing aiming at preventing the age-related fertility decline is still debated in France, although authorized in numerous countries. This review will discuss the different strategies of fertility preservation in young girls and women of reproductive age, regarding different medical or non-medical indications.

Laparoscopic ovarian transposition prior to pelvic irradiation in a young female patient with advanced rectal cancer

In the report, we describe the first case of laparoscopic ovarian transposition prior to pelvic radio-chemo therapy in a young female patient with advanced rectal cancer in Japan. A 14-year-old female visited a hospital because of consistent diarrhea and melena. Colonoscopy examination showed a bulky tumor of the rectum, which was diagnosed as moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis was cT3N2aM1a (due to lymph node in pelvic side wall), cStage IVA. In an attempt to improve local control and sphincter preservation, neoadjuvant concurrent radio-chemo therapy was planned. Considering that pelvic irradiation particularly in young female might cause ovarian failure, laparoscopic ovarian transposition was carried out prior to pelvic irradiation. Sequentially the patient underwent low anterior resection of the rectum and lymphadenectomy including pelvic side wall. The menstruation was maintained with delay for 6 months after adjuvant chemotherapy. There is no evidence of cancer recurrence at 3 years after the surgery.In premenopausal patients with rectal cancer undergoing pelvic irradiation, laparoscopic ovarian transposition is one of the choices to prevent ovarian failure.

Factors associated with the receipt of fertility preservation services along the decision-making pathway in young Canadian female cancer patients

PURPOSE

This study investigated the factors associated with the receipt of fertility preservation (FP) services along the decision-making pathway in young Canadian female cancer patients. The roles of the oncologists were examined.

METHODS

A total of 188 women who were diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18-39 after the year 2000 and had finished active cancer treatment by the time of the survey (2012-2013) participated in the study. Logistic regression models and Pearson χ (2) tests were used for analyses.

RESULTS

The mean ages of participants at diagnosis and at survey time were 30.2 (SD = 3.7) and 33.9 (SD = 5.9). One quarter (n = 45, 23.9 %) did not recall having a fertility discussion with their oncologists. Of the three quarters who had a fertility discussion (n = 143, 76.1 %), discussions were equally initiated by oncologists (n = 71) and patients (n = 72). Of the 49 women (26 %) who consulted a fertility specialist, 17 (9 %) underwent a FP procedure. Fertility concern at diagnosis was the driving force of the receipt of FP services at all decision points. Our findings suggest that not only was the proactive approach of oncologists in initiating a fertility discussion important, the quality of the discussion was equally critical in the decision-making pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Oncologists play a pivotal role in the provision of fertility services in that they are not only gate keepers, knowledge brokers, and referral initiators of FP consultation, but also they are catalysts in supporting cancer patients making important FP decision in conjunction with the consultation provided by a fertility specialist.

American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women and second leading cause of cancer death when men and women are combined in the United States (US). Almost two-thirds of CRC survivors are living 5 years after diagnosis. Considering the recent decline in both incidence and mortality, the prevalence of CRC survivors is likely to increase dramatically over the coming decades with the increase in rates of CRC screening, further advances in early detection and treatment and the aging and growth of the US population. Survivors are at risk for a CRC recurrence, a new primary CRC, other cancers, as well as both short-term and long-term adverse effects of the CRC and the modalities used to treat it. CRC survivors may also have psychological, reproductive, genetic, social, and employment concerns after treatment. Communication and coordination of care between the treating oncologist and the primary care clinician is critical to effectively and efficiently manage the long-term care of CRC survivors. The guidelines in this article are intended to assist primary care clinicians in delivering risk-based health care for CRC survivors who have completed active therapy.

Incidence of chemotherapy- and chemoradiotherapy-induced amenorrhea in premenopausal women with stage II/III colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The incidence rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) in young individuals are increasing. There has been a significant improvement in overall survival in CRC because of advances in adjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy over the past decades. However, these procedures may compromise the function of the reproductive system, and ovarian failure and premature menopause may occur. The objective of this analysis was to determine the incidence of long-term amenorrhea (≥ 12 months) in women with CRC aged 40 years and younger after adjuvant treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors identified 162 premenopausal women with CRC aged 40 years or younger who were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from January 2008 to December 2012. One hundred twenty-three patients met all eligibility criteria and had sufficient follow-up for evaluation. The median age at diagnosis in patients with colon and rectal cancers was, respectively, 36 and 35 years (range, 17-40 and 24-40 years).

RESULTS

All patients had regular menses before treatment; 3 patients with colon cancer (4.2%) experienced long-term amenorrhea, and 48 patients with rectal cancer (94.1%) experienced long-term amenorrhea. The incidence of amenorrhea was significantly lower in patients with colon cancer (4.2%; 3 of 72) than in patients with rectal cancer (94.1%; 48 of 51) (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective series, the incidence of amenorrhea in patients with colon and rectal cancers was 4.2% and 94.1%, respectively. We believe our data support the fact that young female patients with CRC, especially those with rectal cancer who are scheduled to undergo pelvic irradiation, should be counseled regarding fertility preservation options, including ovarian transposition and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, embryo, or oocyte.

Oncofertility in Canada: cryopreservation and alternative options for future parenthood

BACKGROUND

Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis. In particular, malignancy and its indicated treatments have profoundly negative effects on the fertility of young cancer patients. Oncofertility has emerged as a new interdisciplinary field to address the issue of gonadotoxicity associated with cancer therapies and to facilitate fertility preservation. In Canada, these fertility issues are often inadequately addressed despite the availability of resources. The goal of this four-part series is to facilitate systemic improvements in fertility preservation for adolescent and young adult Canadians with a new diagnosis of cancer.

METHODS

This article reviews fertility preservation options that use cryopreservation techniques. It also outlines some of the alternative options for future parenthood.

RESULTS

Cryopreservation of a woman's gametes and gonadal tissue may involve embryo, oocyte, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation with or without ovarian stimulation. Similarly, male gametes and gonadal tissue may be cryopreserved. Techniques and success rates continue to improve. Third-party assistance through gamete donation, gestational carriers, and adoption are also alternative options for parenthood.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryopreservation techniques are especially feasible options for fertility preservation in the newly diagnosed cancer patient.

Redefining reproductive surgery

With the availability of and improvements in in vitro fertilization (IVF), the role of reproductive surgery has been questioned. Yet, the scope of reproductive surgery today is much larger than in the past. Hysteroscopic correction of intrauterine disease is an important endoscopic procedure in women with infertility. Evidence suggests that correction of intrauterine disease is often followed by spontaneous pregnancy and improved IVF outcome. Hysteroscopic examination should be considered after 1 failed IVF. Today, it is clear that removal of the hydrosalpinx leads to a higher IVF-related live birth rate. The procedure should be performed thoroughly without compromising the ovarian blood supply. The IVF pregnancy rate is not affected by the presence of ovarian endometriomas, and small endometriomas need not be removed; however, large and symptomatic endometriomas that interfere with oocyte retrieval should be excised. When excision of the cyst wall is difficult, fenestration and ablation should be considered. This might lead to an increased recurrence rate, but is associated with less interference of the ovarian reserve. Although the role of reproductive surgery as primary treatment for tuboperitoneal infertility is limited, it has an important role in enhancing the outcome of IVF treatment and in preservation of fertility. Surgical preservation of fertility consists of ovarian suspension, ovarian excision for cryopreservation, and ovarian tissue transplantation.

Topic update: effects of colorectal cancer treatments on female fertility and potential methods for fertility preservation

PURPOSE

Preservation of fertility in young females with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer is gaining increasing importance as survival rates of cancer increase. This review examines the effects of pelvic surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy on fecundity. It also discusses the options available to patients including ovarian transposition, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, embryo and ovarian cryopreservation, and ovarian tissue transplantation.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library was performed using keywords and exploded Mesh search headings and the subsequent articles were reviewed. Relevant studies were included.

RESULTS

There are no studies that examine the effect of surgery for colorectal cancer on female fertility, in particular, surgery below the peritoneal reflection for rectal cancer. However, patients with familial adenomatous polyposis have a similar fecundity before and after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. These patients did significantly better than patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent the same procedure. There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of open vs laparoscopic surgery on fertility. Oxaliplatin, an adjuvant therapy, has moderate gonadotoxic effects. Fluorouracil is considered to have almost no effect on human reproductive function. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are currently used to preserve female fecundity during chemotherapy. A recent update of patients treated for Hodgkin lymphoma showed that significantly fewer women treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist during chemotherapy exhibited premature ovarian failure. Ovarian transposition reduces the radiation dose to approximately 5% to 10% of the dose to the ovaries in their normal position. Other options are available to women with cancer who wish to preserve their germ line, including embryo and oocyte cryopreservation and ovarian tissue cryopreservation.

CONCLUSION

Significant advances are now allowing females to preserve their fertility after cancer treatment. It is essential that patients receive adequate fertility counseling before any intervention to give them an opportunity to consider fertility alternatives.

Incorporating fertility preservation into the care of young oncology patients

As the number of cancer survivors continues to increase, oncologists are faced with the challenge of providing cancer therapy to patients who may 1 day want to have children. Yet, gonadotoxic cancer treatments can compromise future fertility, either temporarily or permanently. There are established means of preserving fertility before cancer treatment; specifically, sperm cryopreservation for men and in vitro fertilization and embryo cryopreservation for women. Several innovative techniques are being actively investigated, including oocyte and ovarian follicle cryopreservation, ovarian tissue transplantation, and in vitro follicle maturation, which may expand the number of fertility preservation choices for young cancer patients. Fertility preservation may also require some modification of cancer therapy; thus, patients' wishes regarding future fertility and available fertility preservation alternatives should be discussed before initiation of therapy. This commentary provides an overview of the range of fertility preservation options currently available and under development, using case-based discussions to illustrate ways in which fertility preservation can be incorporated into oncology care. Cases involving breast cancer, testicular cancer, and rectal cancer are described to illustrate fertility issues experienced by male and female patients, as well as to provide examples of strategies for modifying surgical, medical, and radiation therapy to spare fertility. Current guidelines in oncology and reproductive medicine are also reviewed to underscore the importance of communicating fertility preservation options to young patients with cancer.