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George SA, Veludhandi A, Xiang Y, Liu K, Stenger E, Arnold SD, Mehta A, Schirmer DA, Spencer JB, Guilcher GMT, Bhatia M, Abraham A, Gomez-Lobo V, Krishnamurti L, Meacham LR. Reproductive Health Assessment and Reports of Fertility Counseling in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients with Sickle Cell Disease After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Transplant Cell Ther 2024; 30:912.e1-912.e13. [PMID: 38972510 PMCID: PMC11344653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2024.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Conditioning regimens for hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) place patients at risk for reproductive health issues. The purpose of this study was to assess reproductive health and reports of fertility counseling in patients with SCD who received a transplant. This was a secondary analysis of gonadal hormone production, future infertility risk assessment, and parent-proxy/patient reports of fertility counseling in SCD transplant recipients who are currently pubertal and were enrolled in the Atlanta sites of the Sickle Cell Transplant Evaluation of Long-term and Late Effects Registry (STELLAR) between May 2017 and October 2023. Clinical information was abstracted from medical records and reproductive health survey data from the STELLAR database. Descriptive statistics were reported as median (interquartile range [IQR]) or percentages. There were 20 females and 12 males in the study population. Females were median (IQR) 19.6 (9.4) years old and males 20.8 (11.4) years old at the time of the study. Transplants most commonly occurred in the decade 2010 to 2019 at 10.7 (4.8) years old for females and 11.1 (4.1) years old for males. Most participants received bone marrow stem cells (95.0% females, 100.0% males) from matched sibling donors (90.0% females, 100.0% males). Participants received one of seven HCT conditioning regimens with cyclophosphamide equivalent doses ranging from 3388 to 9706 mg/m2. The majority of females (90.0%) had diminished ovarian reserve with low anti-Mullerian hormone levels, and 61.1% had premature ovarian insufficiency with two follicle-stimulating hormone levels (FSH) ≥40 mIU/mL post-HCT. All males had normal testosterone levels, but 63.6% had elevated FSH levels suggestive of impaired spermatogenesis post-HCT. Parent proxies (for patients <18 years old) and patients ≥18 years old completed surveys 9.0 years (5.2) and 7.9 years (9.3) since HCT in females and males respectively. Twenty-five percent of parent proxies and 45% of patients reported that they had not been informed by a healthcare provider of the risk of infertility post-transplant. There are high rates of gonadal dysfunction post-HCT, but many parent proxies and patients do not recall being told of the risk for future infertility. More effective methods of education are warranted to ensure SCD patients and their families clearly understand the risk for reproductive health issues post-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobenna A George
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Emory+ Children's Pediatric Institute, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Anirudh Veludhandi
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Yijin Xiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatrics Biostatistics Core, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatrics Biostatistics Core, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Elizabeth Stenger
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Staci D Arnold
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Akanksha Mehta
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - David A Schirmer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica B Spencer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gregory M T Guilcher
- Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Section of Oncology/Cellular Therapy, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Monica Bhatia
- Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant, Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Allistair Abraham
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Lakshmanan Krishnamurti
- Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lillian R Meacham
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Emory+ Children's Pediatric Institute, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology and BMT, Emory + Children's Pediatric Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
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2
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Leavitt AP, Albritton KH, Cazzell M, Stevenson E. Expansion of the Fertility Preservation Program to All Newly Diagnosed Prepubertal Patients with Cancer at a Pediatric Hospital. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2024; 41:212-219. [PMID: 38523328 DOI: 10.1177/27527530231221134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Background: As the majority of pediatric patients with cancer survive their disease, generating a population of over 500,000 childhood cancer survivors in the United States, it is imperative to minimize the lifelong consequences of treatment, which include temporary or permanent infertility caused by certain cancer treatments. A fertility consultation at diagnosis can provide patients and families with the opportunity to be informed regarding the likelihood of gonadal dysfunction and to consider fertility preservation. Method: After our pediatric hospital started to offer tissue cryopreservation, we initiated this evidence-based interventional quality improvement project. Our primary aim was to ensure that all newly diagnosed prepubertal patients with cancer who met the criteria for fertility tissue preservation were correctly identified and offered an educational consultation and preservation. Results: Between July 15, 2022 and October 30, 2022, 54 patients' treatment plans were evaluated to determine treatment-related infertility risk using the Oncofertility Consortium Pediatric Initiative Network's Risk Assessment tool. Fifteen patients were at a high level of significantly increased risk and 13 were eligible for consultation. Seven (46%) patients and their families received a consultation. Initiation of treatment before referral was the primary reason for lack of consultation. Six of seven patients receiving consultation (86%) elected to undergo preservation. Preservation procedures did not cause a delay in starting treatment for those patients. Discussion: A fertility preservation program with established policies and processes can increase the likelihood that prepubertal patients at high risk for infertility are correctly identified, educated, and offered preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia P Leavitt
- Clinical Operations, Cancer Screening, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Mary Cazzell
- Nursing Research, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Moravek MB, Pavone ME, Burns K, Kashanian JA, Anderson RA, Klosky JL, Rotz SJ, Stern CJ, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Levine JM, Meacham LR. Fertility assessment and treatment in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 5:e28854. [PMID: 37381152 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
In the survivorship setting, adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors frequently demonstrate little knowledge of infertility risk, are unclear regarding their fertility status, and may under- or overestimate their treatment-related risk for infertility. In female AYA survivors, ovarian function usually parallels fertility, and can be assessed with serum hormone levels and ultrasonography. Posttreatment fertility preservation may be appropriate for survivors at risk for primary ovarian insufficiency. In male AYA survivors, fertility and gonadal function are not always equally affected, and can be assessed with a semen analysis and serum hormones, respectively. As reproductive health issues are commonly cited as an important concern by survivors of AYA cancer, multidisciplinary care teams including oncology, endocrinology, psychology, and reproductive medicine are advocated, with the aim of optimal provision of fertility advice and care for AYA cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly B Moravek
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mary Ellen Pavone
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Karen Burns
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James L Klosky
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Seth J Rotz
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Catharyn J Stern
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kenny A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jennifer M Levine
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Cornell University Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Lillian R Meacham
- Aflac Cancer Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Ludemann J, Pruett M, Klosky JL, Meacham L, Cherven B. The evolution of fertility preservation care models in a large pediatric cancer and blood disorders center. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30052. [PMID: 36308423 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents who receive gonadotoxic treatments are at risk for future infertility. While there is a growing focus on integrating fertility preservation (FP) within pediatric cancer and blood disorder centers, wide variations in care models and methods exist across institutions. The purpose of this work is to describe the evolution of FP care models within a large pediatric hematology/oncology center. METHODS Models of care and associated timeframes are described, including a pre-FP program model, establishment of a formal FP program, integration of nurse navigators, and the addition of FP consult stratification based on urgency (urgent/nonurgent). The number of patient consults within each model, patient sex, diagnosis (oncologic/hematologic), and consult timing (pre-gonadotoxic treatment/posttreatment completion) were abstracted from the clinical database. RESULTS The number of annual consults increased from 24 during the pre-FP program model (2015) to 181 during the current care model (2020). Over time, the proportion of consults for females and patients with nonmalignant hematologic disorders increased. Patient stratification reduced the proportion of consults needing to be completed urgently from 75% at the advent of the FP program to 49% in the current model. CONCLUSIONS The evolution of care models within our FP program allowed for growth in the number of consults completed, expansion of services to more patients with nonmalignant hematologic disorders, and more consults for female patients. Nurse navigators play a critical role in care facilitating referrals, coordination, and patient education. Urgency stratification has allowed FP team members to manage increasing FP-related encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ludemann
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Megan Pruett
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James L Klosky
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brooke Cherven
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Incorporating gonadal health counseling into pediatric care of sickle cell patients. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:442-449. [PMID: 36485118 PMCID: PMC9820063 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Discussions regarding gonadal function and possible disease or treatment-related ovarian or testicular dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and possible future infertility can be challenging in the sickle cell disease (SCD) pediatric care setting. A construct that stratifies topics into those that are time sensitive and those that require reproductive care expertise vs address gonadal health as a part of normal SCD care may be helpful. Pediatric health care discussions of gonadal function/dysfunction for patients with SCD can include (1) time-sensitive fertility consults preceding the start of gonadotoxic therapy and (2) targeted discussions at key time points during normally scheduled hematology clinic visits. The former conversations are best led by individuals with expertise in the risk for treatment-related infertility and fertility preservation. The latter discussions can be incorporated into targeted regularly scheduled visits with hematologists. These topics can be addressed as a part of planned education in pediatric care for adolescents and incorporated into transition plans as young adults transfer care to adult providers. Although the topics of puberty and gonadal health can be uncomfortable and many complex interdisciplinary and ethical issues arise in this process, these discussions can be aided by the collaterals and teaching handouts presented in this article.
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Cherven B, Kelling E, Lewis RW, Pruett M, Meacham L, Klosky JL. Fertility-related worry among emerging adult cancer survivors. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2857-2864. [PMID: 36447078 PMCID: PMC9790831 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02663-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer survivors with a history of gonadotoxic treatment are at risk for future infertility and reproductive concerns, including worry about infertility. The purpose of this study was to describe factors associated with fertility-related worry among emerging adult survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS This chart review included patients aged 18.00-25.99 years and > 1 year from cancer treatment completion with a history of gonadotoxic treatment. Survivors were offered structured fertility-focused discussions at age ≥ 18 years, which assessed worry about future infertility. Data from this discussion (i.e., reported fertility-related worry (yes/no), sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics were abstracted from the medical record. Multivariable logistic regression with backwards elimination was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for factors associated with fertility-related worry. RESULTS Survivors (N = 249) were a mean age of 19.1 ± 1.2 years at initial fertility discussion; 55.8% were male, 58.2% non-Hispanic White, and 27.3% were at high risk for future treatment-related infertility. Fertility-related worry was reported by 66.3% of survivors. Factors related to worry on multivariable analysis included female sex (OR: 2.64, 95%CI: 1.44-4.96, p = .002), solid tumor diagnosis (OR: 2.31, 95%CI: 1.15-4.71, p = .019), moderate and high risk of infertility (OR: 2.94, 95%CI: 1.23-7.64, p = .02; OR: 3.25, 95%CI: 1.55-7.17, p = .002), and ≥ 2 fertility discussions during survivorship care OR: 2.71, 95%CI: 1.46-5.20, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS Two-thirds of emerging adult cancer survivors expressed worry about future infertility, which has been linked to a variety of adverse quality of life outcomes. Survivors who are worried about infertility may benefit from psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Cherven
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Dr, 4th Fl, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Erin Kelling
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Dr, 4th Fl, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca Williamson Lewis
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Dr, 4th Fl, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Megan Pruett
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Dr, 4th Fl, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Dr, 4th Fl, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James L Klosky
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Dr, 4th Fl, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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7
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Ghidei L, Sullivan J, Valero Carrion RJ, Schammel J, Lipshultz L, McKenzie LJ. Current Gaps in Fertility Preservation for Men: How Can We do Better? J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:2524-2529. [PMID: 35724344 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.02714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luwam Ghidei
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX
| | - John Sullivan
- Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX
| | | | - Joshua Schammel
- Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX
| | - Larry Lipshultz
- Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX
| | - Laurie J McKenzie
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX.,Department of Gynecology Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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8
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Cherven B, Lewis RW, Pruett M, Meacham L, Klosky JL. Interest in fertility status assessment among young adult survivors of childhood cancer. Cancer Med 2022; 12:674-683. [PMID: 35651304 PMCID: PMC9844611 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors who received gonadotoxic treatment are at-risk for future infertility and may desire a fertility status assessment (FSA), defined as semen analysis for males and consultation with a reproductive specialist for females. The purpose of this study was to describe the proportion of, and factors associated with, interest in FSA among young adult survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS This retrospective single-institution review included patients with prior gonadotoxic treatment, aged 18-25 years and >1 year from cancer treatment completion, who received a fertility-focused discussion during survivorship. Documentation of interest in and completion of FSA, worry about infertility, sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics were abstracted from medical records. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for factors associated with interest in FSA. RESULTS Survivors (N = 259) were on average 19.2 ± 1.2 years at their fertility discussion; 55.6% were male and 57.9% non-Hispanic white. Interest in FSA was reported by 50.7% of males and 46.1% of females. Factors related to interest in FSA for males and females respectively, included worry about infertility (OR 2.40, 95%CI 1.11-5.27, p = 0.026 and OR 4.37, 95%CI 1.71-12.43, p = 0.003) and ≥2 fertility discussions (OR 3.78, 95%CI 1.70-8.75, p = 0.001 and 2.45, 95%CI 1.08-5.67, p = 0.033). Among males, fertility preservation consult/procedure at diagnosis (OR 3.02, 95%CI 1.09-9.04, p = 0.039) and high-risk for infertility (OR 2.47, 95%CI 1.07-5.87, p = 0.036) were also associated with interest in FSA. CONCLUSIONS Cancer survivors are interested in FSA, particularly those who have had repeated fertility-focused discussions during survivorship care and who report worry about infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Cherven
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGeorgiaUSA,Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | | | - Megan Pruett
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGeorgiaUSA,Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - James L. Klosky
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGeorgiaUSA,Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The issue of fertility preservation has become increasingly relevant as survival rates of children with cancer exceeds 80% at 5 years. Fertility preservation options are being utilized alongside less gonadotoxic therapeutic regimens in the treatment of these patients. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances in fertility preservation in the pediatric, adolescent, and young adult population. RECENT FINDINGS Education research involves both patient and provider; to increase understanding on both sides for improved adoption of techniques and higher rates of posttreatment fertility. Basic science research, specific to the pediatric population, has worked to further understanding of protective techniques and cryopreserved tissue transfer. Research on the techniques of preservation confirms the safety of surgical gonadal (ovarian and testicular) tissue retrieval for cryopreservation but a viable pathway for testicular tissue utilization, as it has for ovarian, has yet to be realized. Outcomes may be improving but it is apparent that robust registries are necessary to track patients long-term. Possibly the largest advancement in the recent past are group efforts, such as by PanCareLIFE, to create guidelines for these issues using larger cohorts and registries than were available. SUMMARY Current research implies the need for the development of a national strategy to ensure that pediatric patients undergoing gonadotoxic regimens are educated, alongside their family, about fertility options and outcomes thereafter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roshni Dasgupta
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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10
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Nilsson S, Jarfelt M, Järvholm S, Kluge L, Thurin-Kjellberg A. A survey of ovarian reserve and quality of life in female survivors of pediatric cancer. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2021; 101:84-93. [PMID: 34783360 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Nilsson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Varberg Hospital, Varberg, Sweden
| | - Marianne Jarfelt
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stina Järvholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Kluge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann Thurin-Kjellberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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11
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Cherven B, Meacham L, Williamson Lewis R, Klosky JL, Marchak JG. Evaluation of the Modified Reproductive Concerns Scale Among Emerging Adult Cancer Survivors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 10:661-667. [PMID: 33769891 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The reproductive concerns of emerging adult survivors of childhood cancer are not well described, and valid measurement tools tailored to this population are lacking. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate a modified version of the Reproductive Concerns Scale (mRCS) among male and female survivors of childhood cancer. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected from patients enrolled on an infertility-educational intervention study. Participants completed the mRCS at baseline. Cancer treatment data were abstracted from participant medical records. Principal component analyses were conducted to evaluate the factor structure of the mRCS for males, females, and the entire sample. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Open-ended responses were analyzed and used to assess the validity of relevant quantitative items on the mRCS. Results: The sample consisted of N = 98 participants who were an average of 19.1 (±1.1) years of age, 45.9% were male, and 61.2% were non-Hispanic white. Factor analyses revealed three domains: Fertility Concerns (Cronbach's alpha = 0.77), Health Concerns (α = 0.74), and Information Seeking (α = 0.57). Sex-specific factor analyses identified differences in scale items for males. The open-ended responses aligned well with participant scores on the Fertility Concerns subscale. Conclusion: The mRCS consists of three subscales relevant to emerging adult survivors of childhood cancer. Further analysis by sex suggests that separate scales for males and females are warranted. Future research is warranted to determine the clinical utility of using the mRCS as a screening tool to identify and address reproductive concerns among emerging adult survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Cherven
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca Williamson Lewis
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James L Klosky
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jordan Gilleland Marchak
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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