Anti-Müllerian hormone screening to assess ovarian reserve among female survivors of childhood cancer

Limited Recommendations and Evidence for Timing and Frequency of Anti-Mullerian Hormone Screening in Female Pediatric Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review from the Pediatric and Adolescent Committee of the Oncofertility Consortium

Guidelines regarding the optimal use and timing of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) screening in childhood cancer survivors to evaluate for the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency or reduced fertility potential are lacking. We conducted a systematic review of the current evidence supporting AMH screening of female childhood cancer survivors with the overall objective to identify gaps in the literature needing further study, to allow for future data-driven recommendations. Search terms included "cancer, fertility, and anti-Mullerian hormone." We included original research articles that had ≥20 female childhood cancer survivors and excluded studies not including pediatric oncology survivors (≤18 years of age), did not include raw AMH values, were a mixed pediatric/young adult population which were minority pediatric, or did not separate pediatric from adult AMH data. In total, 17 studies (8 case-control, 5 cross-sectional, and 4 longitudinal prospective cohorts), encompassing 1106 total survivors met inclusion criteria and were further evaluated. Three studies evaluated the relationship of AMH to antral follicle count with generally good concordance. Four studies analyzed longitudinal changes in AMH with chemotherapy demonstrating that most patients will have an acute drop in AMH during therapy, and recovery of AMH over time is dependent on treatment intensity. No studies evaluated the optimal timing or interval of AMH testing. AMH correlates well with other markers of ovarian reserve, but there is insufficient data regarding the utility of AMH to predict the ability to conceive or timing of menopause. Optimal AMH screening initiation, duration, and intervals also require further study.

Fertility assessment in long-term young female survivors with hematological disease after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a single-center real-life cross-sectional study

HSCT has been recognized as a successful treatment for various hematological disease. The 5-year survival rate for children and adolescents diagnosed with hematological disease has risen to over 90% in high-income countries. Nevertheless, it has been reported that between 65 and 84% of individuals who undergo HSCT suffer from premature ovarian failure(POF), with only 0.6% managing to conceive successfully. To report the 5-year experience and evaluate the fertility of young female survivors in HSCT at Peking University People's Hospital, a total of 102 pediatric and female patients aged 8-35 years who underwent HSCT were included. The incidence of POF was 88.2%, 93.9% and 61.5% for young female AML, ALL and AA patients, respectively. The AA group (p = 0.028) had a significantly lower incidence of POF. In the POF group, 89% of patients underwent haploidentical related donor HSCT (p = 0.364) and the cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) of these patients was 10,391 mg/m2 (4890, 10589) (p = 0.222). According to the univariate analysis, an age at HSCT ≥ 13 years (p = 0.007), a diagnosis of AA (p = 0.028), and menarche before and amenorrhea after HSCT (p = 0.016) were associated with POF occurrence. The patients diagnosed with AA had a lower incidence of POF(p = 0.028), while other factors were associated with a higher risk of POF. Multivariate analysis was performed that only age at HSCT was independently associated with POF post-HSCT.

Clinical and self-reported markers of reproductive function in female survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) on clinical reproductive markers and pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

This study was embedded within the DCOG LATER-VEVO study; a Dutch, multicenter, retrospective cohort study between 2004 and 2014. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B, antral follicle count (AFC), and self-reported (first) pregnancy outcomes were evaluated in female childhood HL survivors and controls.

RESULTS

84 HL survivors and 798 controls were included, aged 29.6 and 32.7 years old at time of assessment. Median age at HL diagnosis was 13.4 years. Cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED-score) exceeded 6000 mg/m2 in 56 women and 14 survivors received pelvic irradiation. All clinical markers were significantly deteriorated in survivors (odds-ratio for low AMH (< p10) 10.1 [95% CI 4.9; 20.6]; low AFC (< p10) 4.6 [95% CI 2.1; 9.9]; elevated FSH (> 10 IU/l) 15.3 [95% CI 5.7; 41.1], low Inhibin B (< 20 ng/l) 3.6 [ 95% CI 1.7; 7.7], p < 0.001). Pregnancy outcomes were comparable between survivors and controls (± 80% live birth, ± 20% miscarriage). However, survivors were significantly younger at first pregnancy (27.0 years vs 29.0 years, P = 0.04). Adjusted odds-ratio for time to pregnancy > 12 months was 2.5 [95% CI 1.1; 5.6] in survivors, p = 0.031. Adverse outcomes were specifically present after treatment with procarbazine and higher CED-score.

CONCLUSION

HL survivors appear to have an impaired ovarian reserve. However, chance to achieve pregnancy seems reassuring at a young age. Additional follow-up studies are needed to assess fertile life span and reproductive potential of HL survivors, in particular for current HL treatments that are hypothesized to be less gonadotoxic.

Fertility preservation in pediatric healthcare: a review

Survival rates for children and adolescents diagnosed with malignancy have been steadily increasing due to advances in oncology treatments. These treatments can have a toxic effect on the gonads. Currently, oocyte and sperm cryopreservation are recognized as well-established and successful strategies for fertility preservation for pubertal patients, while the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for ovarian protection is controversial. For prepubertal girls, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the sole option. However, the endocrinological and reproductive outcomes after ovarian tissue transplantation are highly heterogeneous. On the other hand, immature testicular tissue cryopreservation remains the only alternative for prepubertal boys, yet it is still experimental. Although there are several published guidelines for navigating fertility preservation for pediatric and adolescent patients as well as transgender populations, it is still restricted in clinical practice. This review aims to discuss the indications and clinical outcomes of fertility preservation. We also discuss the probably effective and efficient workflow to facilitate fertility preservation.

Reproductive ability in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult Hodgkin lymphoma: a review

BACKGROUND

Owing to a growing number of young and adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors, awareness of (long-term) adverse effects of anticancer treatment increases. The risk of impaired reproductive ability is of great concern given its impact on quality of life. There is currently no review available on fertility after childhood HL treatment.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

The aim of this narrative review was to summarize existing literature on different aspects of reproductive function in male and female childhood, adolescent, and young adult HL survivors.

SEARCH METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for articles evaluating fertility in both male and female HL survivors aged <25 years at diagnosis. In females, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), acute ovarian failure, menstrual cycle, FSH, and pregnancy/live births were evaluated. In males, semen-analysis, serum FSH, inhibin B, LH, testosterone, and reports on pregnancy/live births were included. There was profound heterogeneity among studies and a lack of control groups; therefore, no meta-analyses could be performed. Results were presented descriptively and the quality of studies was not assessed individually.

OUTCOMES

After screening, 75 articles reporting on reproductive markers in childhood or adolescent HL survivors were included. Forty-one papers reported on 5057 female HL survivors. The incidence of POI was 6-34% (median 9%; seven studies). Signs of diminished ovarian reserve or impaired ovarian function were frequently seen (low AMH 55-59%; median 57%; two studies. elevated FSH 17-100%; median 53%; seven studies). Most survivors had regular menstrual cycles. Fifty-one studies assessed fertility in 1903 male HL survivors. Post-treatment azoospermia was highly prevalent (33-100%; median 75%; 29 studies). Long-term follow-up data were limited, but reports on recovery of semen up to 12 years post-treatment exist. FSH levels were often elevated with low inhibin B (elevated FSH 0-100%; median 51.5%; 26 studies. low inhibin B 19-50%; median 45%; three studies). LH and testosterone levels were less evidently affected (elevated LH 0-57%, median 17%; 21 studies and low testosterone 0-43%; median 6%; 15 studies). In both sexes, impaired reproductive ability was associated with a higher dose of cumulative chemotherapeutic agents and pelvic radiotherapy. The presence of abnormal markers before treatment indicated that the disease itself may also negatively affect reproductive function (Females: AMH<p10 9%; one study and Males: azoospermia 0-50%; median 10%; six studies). Reports on chance to achieve pregnancy during survivorship are reassuring, although studies had their limitations and the results are difficult to evaluate. In the end, a diminished ovarian reserve does not exclude the chance of a live birth, and males with aberrant markers may still be able to conceive.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

This review substantiates the negative effect of HL treatment on gonadal function and therefore young HL survivors should be counseled regarding their future reproductive life, and fertility preservation should be considered. The current level of evidence is insufficient and additional trials on the effects of HL and (current) treatment regimens on reproductive function are needed. In this review, we make a recommendation on reproductive markers that could be assessed and the timing of (repeated) measurements.

Anti-Müllerian hormone as a marker of ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency in children and women with cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Female patients undergoing anticancer treatment are at elevated risk of adverse ovarian outcomes including infertility and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), which is associated with short- and long-term health risks. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a key biomarker of ovarian reserve, but its role prior to and after cancer treatment is less well understood.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

To conduct a systematic review evaluating AMH as a biomarker of ovarian reserve and POI before and after anticancer treatment, which has become a pressing clinical issue in reproductive medicine. There are a large number of observational studies, but differences in patient groups, cancer diagnoses and study design make this a confusing field that will benefit from a thorough and robust review.

SEARCH METHODS

A systematic literature search for AMH in women with cancer was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 1 April 2021. Bias review was conducted using the Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) protocol along with qualitative assessment of quality. Exploratory subgroups were established based on age, cancer type and length of follow-up.

OUTCOMES

Ninety-two publications (N = 9183 patients) were included in this analysis after quality and bias review. Reduced/undetectable AMH was consistently identified in 69/75 studies (92%) following chemotherapy or radiotherapy, with reductions ranging from 42% to concentrations below the limit of detection, and many reporting mean or median declines of ≥90%. Where longitudinal data were analysed (42 studies), a majority (33/42 (79%)) of studies reported at least partial recovery of AMH at follow-up, however, effect estimates were highly variable, reflecting that AMH levels were strongly impacted by anticancer treatment (i.e. the chemotherapy regimen used and the number of treatment cycles need), with recovery and its degree determined by treatment regimen, age and pre-treatment AMH level. In 16/31 (52%) publications, oligo/amenorrhoea was associated with lower post-treatment AMH consistent with impending POI, although menstruation and/or pregnancy were reported in patients with low or undetectable AMH. Long-term (>5 years) follow-up of paediatric patients following cancer treatment also found significantly lower AMH compared with control groups in 14/20 (70%) of studies, with very variable effect sizes from complete loss of AMH to full recovery depending on treatment exposure, as in adult patients.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

AMH can be used to identify the damaging effect of cancer treatments on ovarian function. This can be applied to individual women, including pre-pubertal and adolescent girls, as well as comparing different treatment regimens, ages and pre-treatment AMH levels in populations of women. While there was evidence for its value in the diagnosis of POI after cancer treatment, further studies across a range of diagnoses/treatment regimens and patient ages are required to clarify this, and to quantify its predictive value. A major limitation for the use of AMH clinically is the very limited data relating post-treatment AMH levels to fertility, duration of reproductive lifespan or time to POI; analysis of these clinically relevant outcomes will be important in further research.

A survey of ovarian reserve and quality of life in female survivors of pediatric cancer

INTRODUCTION

Childhood cancer is rare; the incidence in Sweden is approximately 16 new cases/100 000 children each year. Reduced reproductive function and fertility are well-known side effects of cancer treatment. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been shown to correlate well with antral follicle count in healthy women but is currently not recommended as the primary surveillance modality for evaluation of premature ovarian insufficiency in this patient group. Psychological wellbeing related to fertility could affect quality of life and should be included in long-term follow-up. The aim of the study is to present the baseline data from inclusion for a prospective follow-up study of fertility surveillance where both medical and psychological aspects of fertility in female childhood cancer survivors are considered.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

These are the first results from this longitudinal follow-up cohort study. Female adolescent and young adult survivors of pediatric cancer in Western Sweden were included from January 2016 to December 2018, a total of 54 participants. Median age at inclusion was 21 (15-29) years and median age at cancer diagnosis was 10 (1-17) years. AMH levels, antral follicle count, and data on fertility were recorded at inclusion and will be prospectively followed up. The study includes questionnaires and interviews concerning quality of life. This study is planned to continue until the participants reach the age of 40 years.

RESULTS

Eighteen of 54 (33%) participants had AMH levels below 1.0 µg/L and were considered to have high or very high risk of infertility. Median AMH level was 2.50 µg/L. Six women had immediate need of oocyte cryopreservation. Psychological assessment showed that more than one-third of participants (n = 20) had elevated anxiety scores.

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of female survivors of pediatric cancer in the study had high risk of low ovarian reserve, measured by a combination of AMH and antral follicle count, and many had signs of anxiety. The longitudinal study could contribute to better knowledge in the changes of AMH over time for this patient group. Psychological follow-up with questionnaires and interviews evaluating signs of depression and anxiety may serve as a model for future screening programs.

Effect of Genetic Variation in CYP450 on Gonadal Impairment in a European Cohort of Female Childhood Cancer Survivors, Based on a Candidate Gene Approach: Results from the PanCareLIFE Study

BACKGROUND

Female childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) carry a risk of therapy-related gonadal dysfunction. Alkylating agents (AA) are well-established risk factors, yet inter-individual variability in ovarian function is observed. Polymorphisms in CYP450 enzymes may explain this variability in AA-induced ovarian damage. We aimed to evaluate associations between previously identified genetic polymorphisms in CYP450 enzymes and AA-related ovarian function among adult CCSs.

METHODS

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels served as a proxy for ovarian function in a discovery cohort of adult female CCSs, from the pan-European PanCareLIFE cohort (n = 743; age (years): median 25.8, interquartile range (IQR) 22.1-30.6). Using two additive genetic models in linear and logistic regression, nine genetic variants in three CYP450 enzymes were analyzed in relation to cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) score and their impact on AMH levels. The main model evaluated the effect of the variant on AMH and the interaction model evaluated the modifying effect of the variant on the impact of CED score on log-transformed AMH levels. Results were validated, and meta-analysis performed, using the USA-based St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (n = 391; age (years): median 31.3, IQR 26.6-37.4).

RESULTS

CYP3A4*3 was significantly associated with AMH levels in the discovery and replication cohort. Meta-analysis revealed a significant main deleterious effect (Beta (95% CI): -0.706 (-1.11--0.298), p-value = 7 × 10-4) of CYP3A4*3 (rs4986910) on log-transformed AMH levels. CYP2B6*2 (rs8192709) showed a significant protective interaction effect (Beta (95% CI): 0.527 (0.126-0.928), p-value = 0.01) on log-transformed AMH levels in CCSs receiving more than 8000 mg/m2 CED.

CONCLUSIONS

Female CCSs CYP3A4*3 carriers had significantly lower AMH levels, and CYP2B6*2 may have a protective effect on AMH levels. Identification of risk-contributing variants may improve individualized counselling regarding the treatment-related risk of infertility and fertility preservation options.

Current Fertility Preservation Options for Female Patients With Hodgkin Lymphoma

Importance

Many adolescents and young adults diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) experience disease progression requiring high-dose alkylating salvage therapy, which often results in permanent infertility.

Objective

The aim of this report is to discuss fertility preservation options in female patients with consideration of chemotherapeutic agents in HL.

Evidence Acquisition

An electronic literature review was performed utilizing a combination of the terms "Hodgkin lymphoma," "fertility preservation," "ovarian tissue cryopreservation," "oocyte cryopreservation," "embryo cryopreservation," and "gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist." References and data from identified sources were searched and compiled to complete this review.

Results

Initial treatment of HL is often nonsterilizing; however, salvage therapy and conditioning for stem cell transplantation confer significant gonadotoxicity. Established fertility preservation options for pubertal females include embryo cryopreservation and oocyte cryopreservation. These options are contraindicated within 6 months of receipt of chemotherapy. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is an option for patients who require salvage therapy within 6 months of first-line therapy.

Conclusions

Timing and choice of fertility preservation techniques depends on planned first-line chemotherapy and response to treatment. In patients initially treated with low-risk chemotherapy, it is reasonable to defer invasive fertility techniques until treatment failure; however, upfront fertility preservation should be considered in patients planning to undergo primary treatment with high-risk therapy.

Possible modification of BRSK1 on the risk of alkylating chemotherapy-related reduced ovarian function

STUDY QUESTION

Do genetic variations in the DNA damage response pathway modify the adverse effect of alkylating agents on ovarian function in female childhood cancer survivors (CCS)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Female CCS carrying a common BR serine/threonine kinase 1 (BRSK1) gene variant appear to be at 2.5-fold increased odds of reduced ovarian function after treatment with high doses of alkylating chemotherapy.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Female CCS show large inter-individual variability in the impact of DNA-damaging alkylating chemotherapy, given as treatment of childhood cancer, on adult ovarian function. Genetic variants in DNA repair genes affecting ovarian function might explain this variability.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

CCS for the discovery cohort were identified from the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group (DCOG) LATER VEVO-study, a multi-centre retrospective cohort study evaluating fertility, ovarian reserve and risk of premature menopause among adult female 5-year survivors of childhood cancer. Female 5-year CCS, diagnosed with cancer and treated with chemotherapy before the age of 25 years, and aged 18 years or older at time of study were enrolled in the current study. Results from the discovery Dutch DCOG-LATER VEVO cohort (n = 285) were validated in the pan-European PanCareLIFE (n = 465) and the USA-based St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (n = 391).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

To evaluate ovarian function, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were assessed in both the discovery cohort and the replication cohorts. Using additive genetic models in linear and logistic regression, five genetic variants involved in DNA damage response were analysed in relation to cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) score and their impact on ovarian function. Results were then examined using fixed-effect meta-analysis.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Meta-analysis across the three independent cohorts showed a significant interaction effect (P = 3.0 × 10-4) between rs11668344 of BRSK1 (allele frequency = 0.34) among CCS treated with high-dose alkylating agents (CED score ≥8000 mg/m2), resulting in a 2.5-fold increased odds of a reduced ovarian function (lowest AMH tertile) for CCS carrying one G allele compared to CCS without this allele (odds ratio genotype AA: 2.01 vs AG: 5.00).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

While low AMH levels can also identify poor responders in assisted reproductive technology, it needs to be emphasized that AMH remains a surrogate marker of ovarian function.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Further research, validating our findings and identifying additional risk-contributing genetic variants, may enable individualized counselling regarding treatment-related risks and necessity of fertility preservation procedures in girls with cancer.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the PanCareLIFE project that has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 602030. In addition, the DCOG-LATER VEVO study was funded by the Dutch Cancer Society (Grant no. VU 2006-3622) and by the Children Cancer Free Foundation (Project no. 20) and the St Jude Lifetime cohort study by NCI U01 CA195547. The authors declare no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Nature's endless wonder: unexpected motherhood after pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation and severe late effects

Infertility and endocrine late effects (LE) are common sequelae after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after myeloablative conditioning. Nevertheless, the individual risk for these LE is not always easy to predict and therefore these issues are of ongoing interest to the clinical research community dealing with HSCT aftercare. This article describes the case of a young woman who received polychemotherapy and total body irradiation (TBI) containing conditioning for HSCT for a relapsed anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). She developed severe sclerotic chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) with irreversible joint contractures and multiorgan involvement, requiring long-term multimodal immunosuppressive treatment. Subsequently showing a considerable number of LE including hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, she accepted that infertility would be quite likely. Her courageous personal life planning included part-time working and a partnership but not motherhood. This article reports the unexpected and spontaneous pregnancy and the extreme preterm birth of a surprisingly adequately developing child.

Management of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Symptoms in Survivors of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer

Cancer treatments can damage the ovaries, causing primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a condition associated with numerous sequelae that impact long-term quality of life. This article systematically reviews the literature on the prevalence, surveillance, and treatment of POI in survivors of pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancers. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in January 2018 through a search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and SCOPUS, alongside the screening of relevant reference lists. An initial search identified 746 potentially relevant studies. A total of 36 studies were included in the final review. Studies were categorized into one of the following categories: incidence/prevalence of POI, measurement of ovarian reserve, and other. Depending on patient characteristics, cancer diagnosis, and treatment, the prevalence of POI ranged from 2.1% to 82.2%. Risk factors for POI included exposure to alkylating agents and abdominal/pelvic radiation. POI may be associated with a number of complications, including low bone mineral density and poor cardiovascular health. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are known to cause gonadal damage in female survivors of pediatric and AYA cancers. Acute or chronic effects depend on the dose of treatment, age of the individual, radiotherapy field, and ovarian reserve of the individual. Some women experience short-term loss of reproductive function and then may resume menstrual cycles, months or even years later. Although protecting fertility through banking of mature eggs, embryos, and tissue samples has become standard of care, additional steps need to be taken to ensure that patients have adequate hormone levels to maintain whole-body health, including life expectancy, bone health, cardiovascular health, quality of life, sexual and genitourinary function, and neurologic function. Surveillance and management of each of these comorbidities is critically important to survivor health.

Development of Ovarian Tissue Autograft to Restore Ovarian Function: Protocol for a French Multicenter Cohort Study

Background

Sterility is a major late effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. Iatrogenic sterility is often permanent and greatly impacts long-term quality of life. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) performed before gonadotoxic treatments with subsequent autograft is a method of fertility preservation available for girls and women. Its application in prepubertal girls is of particular value as it is the only possible approach in this patient group. In addition, it does not require a delay in cancer therapy and no ovarian stimulation is needed.

Objective

The primary aim of this protocol is to help increase the implementation of ovarian tissue autografting in France. Knowledge is still lacking regarding the efficacy of ovarian transplantation in restoring ovarian function and regarding the safety of this procedure, especially the risk of cancer cell reseeding in certain types of cancer. A secondary aim of this study is to generate data to improve our understanding of these two essential aspects.

Methods

The DATOR (Development of Ovarian Tissue Autograft in Order to Restore Ovarian Function) study is ongoing in 17 university hospitals. The DATOR protocol includes the autograft of ovarian cortex fragments. Candidates are identified from an observational prospective cohort (called the Prospective Cohort of Patients Candidates for Ovarian Tissue Autograft [PERIDATOR]) of patients who have undergone OTC. Enrollment in the study is initiated at the patient’s request and must be validated by the center’s multidisciplinary team and by the study steering committee. The DATOR study begins with a total medical checkup. Ovarian tissue qualification and residual disease detection, if required, are performed.

Results

The study is ongoing. Currently, 38 patients have provided informed consent and have been entered into the DATOR study. Graft has been performed for 34 of these patients. An interim analysis was conducted on the first 25 patients for whom the period of at least 1 year posttransplantation was achieved. Out of these 25 patients, 11 women succeeded in becoming pregnant (pregnancy rate=44% [11/25]; delivery rate=40% [10/25]). Among these, 6 women conceived twice, and 1 pregnancy led to a miscarriage.

Conclusions

Our preliminary analysis appears to be coherent with the accumulating body of evidence indicating the potential utility of ovarian tissue autograft for patients with premature ovarian failure. All these elements justify the pursuit of our study.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02846064; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02846064

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/12944

Recommendations for assessing ovarian health and fertility potential in survivors of childhood cancer

Most children diagnosed with cancer survive for many years after treatment. However, the fertility potential of these patients may suffer due to their oncologic therapies. Certain chemotherapies and radiation are more likely to be detrimental to gonadal function, and put patients at risk of acute or premature ovarian failure. Prepubertal cancer patients will need different follow-up and testing from their post-pubertal counterparts. This review will present evidence to help patients, family members and physicians determine who is most at risk of ovarian insufficiency and how to monitor childhood cancer survivors. It will discuss the impact of age at diagnosis and cancer therapies on reproductive outcomes, and guide caregivers and patients on monitoring gonadal function after therapy.

Ovarian and Uterine Functions in Female Survivors of Childhood Cancers

Adult survivors of childhood cancers are more prone to developing poor reproductive and obstetrical outcomes than their siblings and the general population as a result of previous exposure to chemotherapy and radiation during childhood. Chemotherapy drugs exert cytotoxic effects systemically and therefore can damage the ovaries, leading to infertility, premature ovarian failure, and, to a lesser extent, spontaneous abortions. They have very limited or no deleterious effects on the uterus that can be recognized clinically. By contrast, radiation is detrimental to both the ovaries and the uterus, thereby causing a greater magnitude of adverse effects on the female reproductive function. These include infertility, premature ovarian failure, miscarriage, fetal growth restrictions, perinatal deaths, preterm births, delivery of small-for-gestational-age infants, preeclampsia, and abnormal placentation. Regrettably, the majority of these adverse outcomes arise from radiation-induced uterine injury and are reported at higher incidence in the adult survivors of childhood cancers who were exposed to uterine radiation during childhood in the form of pelvic, spinal, or total-body irradiation. Recent findings of long-term follow-up studies evaluating reproductive performance of female survivors provided some reassurance to female cancer survivors by documenting that pregnancy and live birth rates were not significantly compromised in survivors, including those who had been treated with alkylating agents and had not received pelvic, cranial, and total-body irradiation. We aimed in this narrative review article to provide an update on the impact of chemotherapy and radiation on the ovarian and uterine function in female survivors of childhood cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Adult survivors of childhood cancers are more prone to developing a number of poor reproductive and obstetrical outcomes than their siblings and the general population as a result of previous exposure to chemotherapy and radiation during childhood. The impact of radiation therapy on the female genital system is greater than chemotherapy regimens because radiation is detrimental to both the uterus and the ovaries, whereas toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs are confined to the ovaries. Therefore, radiation-induced uterine damage accounts for most poor obstetrical outcomes in the survivors. These include infertility, miscarriages, stillbirths, fetal growth restrictions, preeclampsia, and preterm deliveries.

Chemotherapy-related late adverse effects on ovarian function in female survivors of childhood and young adult cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Anti-cancer treatment may reduce the fertile life span and induce premature menopause. This review aims to provide an overview of the available literature on effects of chemotherapy only on the incidence of ovarian dysfunction and to evaluate the relationship between dose of chemotherapy, age at time of treatment, and time since treatment in female survivors of childhood and young adult cancer.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed (search date December 2015).

RESULTS

45 studies were included, describing, in total, 5607 female survivors. Median age at menopause was earlier in cancer survivors than in the general population. The prevalence of amenorrhoea varied from 0% to 83%. Those exposed to MVPP protocols were at highest risk for amenorrhoea (39-79%), as were breast cancer survivors receiving cyclophosphamide-containing regimens, in whom the prevalence of amenorrhoea was 40-80%. The most important risk factors for ovarian dysfunction were: (1) alkylating agents, specifically procarbazine and busulfan, (2) older age at treatment.

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer survivors, those treated with procarbazine or other alkylating agents and those with a higher age at diagnosis are at highest risk of diminished ovarian function. However, all studies included in this review showed methodological limitations. It is imperative that nation-wide registries guarantee long term follow-up during the adult life of cancer survivors.

Longitudinal observation of serum anti-Müllerian hormone in three girls after cancer treatment

Gonadal dysfunction and infertility are major endocrinological late effects among childhood cancer survivors. Chemotherapy and radiation have gonadotoxic effects and diminish the ovarian reserve. The serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a useful marker of ovarian reserve in survivors. We conducted a longitudinal study to investigate the variations of AMH in evaluating the acute and chronic effects of cancer therapy on the ovary. Three young female patients with different hematological diseases were registered, and their medical records were reviewed. Patient 1 with myelodysplastic syndrome received reduced-intensity hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at 10 yr of age. Breast development and menarche occurred spontaneously after HSCT; however, AMH level became undetectable and gonadotropin did not increase. Patient 2 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia had been receiving chemotherapy since 11 yr of age. AMH level became undetectable but increased after chemotherapy and was associated with regular menstruation. Patient 3 with acute myeloid leukemia received chemotherapy at 13 yr of age and myeloablative HSCT at 14 yr of age. AMH level became undetectable after HSCT, and the patient developed amenorrhea. These different patterns in the recovery phase demonstrated that the AMH level immediately after the end of cancer therapy is inappropriate for the evaluation of the ovarian reserve.

Severe gonadotoxic insult manifests early in young girls treated for Ewing sarcoma

We prospectively investigated anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a measure of ovarian insult in young females during and after treatment for Wilms tumor (WT), osteosarcoma (OS), and Ewing sarcoma (ES).Twenty-one female childhood cancer patients, with a mean age of 7.9 years (range 0.6-17), entered the study. Levels of AMH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone were monitored at diagnosis and every 3 to 4 months during, and regularly for a mean of 2.6 years after treatment.A profound decline in AMH was seen in the majority of the 21 study patients 3 to 4 months after the beginning of treatment, the exception being patients with WT, of whom 60% showed no such decline. During the remaining treatment, all patients except those with WT not treated with whole abdominal radiotherapy or stem cell transplantation (SCT) had AMH below detection limit.After completion of treatment, patients with OS and WT (without whole abdominal radiotherapy and SCT) recovered in AMH and had FSH in the normal range. In contrast, ES patients showed no AMH recovery and highly fluctuating FSH in the first years of follow-up, except for the 2 youngest patients, who had a late, slow AMH recovery.In conclusion, young female ES patients already showed signs of severe ovarian dysfunction during the first years after cancer treatment similar to patients treated with SCT and abdominal radiotherapy, in contrast to females with WT and OS. Fertility counseling and information concerning fertility preservation procedures should be considered before starting to treat young females with ES.

Fertility After Treatment With High Dose Melphalan in Women With Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

BACKGROUND

High-dose melphalan (HDM) is an integral component of conditioning regimens for autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases. The gonadotoxic effects of HDM are often obscured by previous or concurrent administration of alkylating agents. From April 1996 to January 2006 our acute myeloid leukemia treatment regimen included induction and consolidation therapy with cytosine arabinoside, anthracyclines and etoposide, followed by HDM and autologous stem cell infusion. We explored gonadal function in surviving female patients so treated, who represent a unique group of patients exposed to HDM as a single gonadotoxic agent.

PROCEDURE

The fertility assessment included a questionnaire, blood tests for luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and anti mullerian hormone (AMH), and a gynecological ultrasound exam for antral follicular count (AFC).

RESULTS

Eight female survivors participated. Although fertility assessment showed considerable damage to ovarian reserve in all participants, four of the eight female survivors conceived and bore children without medical intervention.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, HDM treatment reduced fertility potential but did not preclude fecundity. Early referral to a fertility clinic and long term follow-up including serial measurements of AMH levels and AFC for female patients receiving HDM are recommended.

Gonadal Function and Fertility Among Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Reproductive health and fertility are of great importance to the increasing number of survivors of childhood cancer, approximately 70% of whom are estimated to be over 20 years old. This article reviews the various treatment exposures that have been associated with makers of gonadal injury and decreased fertility in childhood cancer survivors. Identifying risk factors that decrease fertility is essential in proper counseling and timely referral for interventions that may allow for future fertility in high-risk populations.

Preserving Fertility in Children and Adolescents with Cancer

In the face of excellent survival rates for pediatric and adolescent cancer, preserving the opportunity to have biological children is an important component of long term quality of life. Yet, modern chemotherapeutic regimens continue to pose a threat to fertility. The only fertility preservation methods available to pre-pubertal children of both genders is cryopreservation of gonadal tissue, a highly experimental intervention, or shielding/re-location of reproductive tissue in the setting of radiation. These techniques are available in the post pubertal population as well, but post pubertal patients also have the option for cryopreservation of gametes, a process that is much simpler in males than females. For this reason, prior to the initiation of therapy, sperm banking should be considered standard of care for males, while consideration of embryo or oocyte cryopreservation should be limited to those females at risk of developing ovarian failure. Attention to reproductive health and fertility preservation should continue after the completion of therapy. Establishing programs that streamline access to current fertility preservation techniques will assist in ensuring that all eligible patients can avail themselves of current options.