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Appiah LC, Moravek M, Hoefgen H, Rotz S, Childress K, Samis J, Benoit J, Rodriguez-Wallberg K, Anazodo A. Reproductive late effects after hematopoietic stem cell transplant in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 5:e30551. [PMID: 37470746 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30551] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive late effects after hematopoietic stem cell transplant can have a significant impact on cancer survivors' quality of life. Potential late effects include gonadal insufficiency, genital graft-versus-host disease, uterine injury, psychosexual dysfunction, and an increased risk of breast and cervical cancer in patients treated with total body irradiation. Despite guidelines, screening and treatment are not standardized among at-risk patients. Provider barriers include lack of knowledge of at-risk therapies and evidenced-based guidelines. Patient barriers include a reluctance to report symptoms and lack of awareness of treatment options. System barriers include inefficient implementation of screening tools and poor dissemination of guidelines to providers who serve as the medical home for survivors. This review guides the clinician in identifying and managing reproductive late effects after hematopoietic stem cell transplant to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie C Appiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Molly Moravek
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Holly Hoefgen
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Michigan, USA
| | - Seth Rotz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Krista Childress
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake, Utah, USA
| | - Jill Samis
- Department of Endocrinology, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Janie Benoit
- Université de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Antoinette Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Lohynska R, Jirkovska M, Novakova-Jiresova A, Mazana E, Vambersky K, Veselsky T, Kindlova A, Stankusova H, Malinova B. Radiotherapy dose limit for uterus fertility sparing in curative chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2020; 165:99-101. [PMID: 32975243 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2020.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Curative sphincter sparing radiotherapy is a treatment option for early rectal cancer. There are many methods developed for fertility preservation in young patients treated with pelvic radiotherapy. Pregnancy rates after radiotherapy are dependent on the radiation dose to ovaries and uterus. Data on outcomes of total body irradiation suggest a pregnancy is possible following 12-14 Gy TBI, despite elevated rates of preterm deliveries and other complications. METHODS We report a case of full-term delivery of twins after curative chemoradiotherapy for anorectal adenocarcinoma T2 N0 M0 with the total dose 58.6 Gy. The patient underwent laparoscopic laterocranial ovarian transposition before radiotherapy. RESULTS Long term complete remission was achieved after treatment. Although a spontaneous conception was not successful, the patient underwent an in vitro fertilisation procedure with donor eggs and conceived twins 10 years after the radiotherapy treatment. The mean dose to the uterus was 16 Gy and to the uterine cervix 35 Gy. She reached a full-term pregnancy and delivered two healthy babies by caesarean section at a gestational age of 38 weeks, weighing 2420 g and 2220 g. CONCLUSION This is the first case report of the successful pregnancy following sphincter sparing curative pelvic radiotherapy for rectal cancer. Furthermore it allows us to propose an increased limit dose to the uterus enabling fertility sparing beyond the limits achieved from total body irradiation series with 12-14 Gy and accept 16 Gy as uterine body (35 Gy for uterine cervix) limit for IMRT treatment planning in young patients asking for maintaining fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radka Lohynska
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Thomayer Hospital Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Jirkovska
- Department of Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Motol Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Novakova-Jiresova
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Thomayer Hospital Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Mazana
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Thomayer Hospital Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Vambersky
- Department of Medical Physics, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Veselsky
- Department of Medical Physics, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Kindlova
- Department of Medical Physics, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Stankusova
- Department of Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Motol Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bela Malinova
- Department of Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Motol Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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Gandolfi F, Ghiringhelli M, Brevini TA. Bioengineering the ovary to preserve and reestablish female fertility. Anim Reprod 2020; 16:45-51. [PMID: 33299478 PMCID: PMC7721072 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Different bioengineering strategies can be presently adopted and have been shown to have great potential in the treatment of female infertility and ovarian dysfunction deriving from chemotherapy, congenital malformations, massive adhesions as well as aging and lifestyle. One option is transplantation of fresh or cryopreserved organs/fragments into the patient. A further possibility uses tissue engineering approaches that involve a combination of cells, biomaterials and factors that stimulate local ability to regenerate/ repair the reproductive organ. Organ transplant has shown promising results in large animal models. However, the source of the organ needs to be identified and the immunogenic effects of allografts remain still to be solved before the technology may enter the clinical practice. Decellularization/ repopulation of ovary with autologous cells or follicles could represent an interesting, still very experimental alternative. Here we summarize the recent advancements in the bioengineering strategies applied to the ovary, we present the principles for these systems and discuss the advantages of these emerging opportunities to preserve or improve female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20122, Italy.
| | - Matteo Ghiringhelli
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20122, Italy.
| | - Tiziana A.L. Brevini
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20122, Italy.
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Kuo CY, Baker H, Fries MH, Yoo JJ, Kim PC, Fisher JP. Bioengineering Strategies to Treat Female Infertility. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2017; 23:294-306. [PMID: 28034338 PMCID: PMC5911692 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2016.0385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bioengineering strategies have demonstrated enormous potential to treat female infertility as a result of chemotherapy, uterine injuries, fallopian tube occlusion, massive intrauterine adhesions, congenital uterine malformations, and hysterectomy. These strategies can be classified into two broad categories as follows: (i) Transplantation of fresh or cryopreserved organs into the host and (ii) tissue engineering approaches that utilize a combination of cells, growth factors, and biomaterials that leverages the body's inherent ability to regenerate/repair reproductive organs. While whole organ transplant has demonstrated success, the source of the organ and the immunogenic effects of allografts remain challenging. Even though tissue engineering strategies can avoid these issues, their feasibilities of creating whole organ constructs are yet to be demonstrated. In this article we summarize the recent advancements in the applications of bioengineering to treat female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Ying Kuo
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Hannah Baker
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland
| | - Melissa H. Fries
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - James J. Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Peter C.W. Kim
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - John P. Fisher
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
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Freycon F, Trombert-Paviot B, Casagranda L, Berlier P, Bertrand Y, Plantaz D, Stephan JL, Berger C. Age at Birth of First Child and Fecundity of Women Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (1987-2007): A Study of the Childhood Cancer Registry of the Rhône-Alpes Region in France (ARCERRA). Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2015; 32:273-83. [PMID: 25942075 DOI: 10.3109/08880018.2015.1020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We studied the fecundity of 174 successive ALL (1987-2007) in females of the Childhood Cancer Registry of the Rhône-Alpes Region (ARCERRA) with a median age at follow-up of 25.6 years (18.0-37.4). We distinguished five treatment groups: Group Ia, chemotherapy only (n = 130); Ib, chemotherapy with cranial radiotherapy (n = 10); II, TBI conditioning allograft (n = 27); III, chemotherapy conditioning allograft (n = 4); IV, TBI conditioning autograft (n = 3). Twenty-three women had their first child at the mean age of 25.8 ±3.0 years, i.e., 2.0 ±2.9 years earlier than the general population of the Rhône-Alpes region (P = 0.003). The standardized fertility ratio (SFR), expressed as the number of actual births observed (O) to the number that would be expected in women of the same age in the general population (E) (SFR = O/E) was decreased for Group Ia (0.62; 95%CI, 0.52-0.74) and collapsed in Group II (0.17; 0.11-0.25). In univariate analysis, TBI (P = 0.013) and alkylating agents (P = 0.01) were negatively correlated with fecundity, but not with the age at diagnosis or the anthracyclines doses. In multivariate analysis including TBI and alkylating agents, we still found a negative correlation between TBI (P = 0.035), as well as alkylating agents (P = 0.028), and fecundity. More precisely, fecundity was negatively correlated with cumulative cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (P = 0.001), with a fecundity decreased for ≥1g/m(2), but without any dose effect; results not found in the Group Ia. Age at first child seems younger but the young median age of the cohort not allows concluding; fecundity is collapsed after fractionated total body irradiation and decreased after chemotherapy without any demonstrable cause. A delay of fertility is not excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernand Freycon
- Childhood Cancer Registry of the Rhône-Alpes Region (ARCERRA) and University of Saint-Etienne , Saint-Etienne , France
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De Pinho JC, Sauer MV. Infertility and ART after transplantation. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2014; 28:1235-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2014.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Oocyte donation outcome after oncological treatment in cancer survivors. Fertil Steril 2014; 103:205-13. [PMID: 25439848 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study reproductive outcome in patients cured of cancer who required oocyte donation (OD) owing to iatrogenic ovarian dysfunction. DESIGN Multicenter, unmatched, retrospective cohorts study. SETTING Private, university-affiliated group of clinics. PATIENT(S) Women treated and cured of cancer (n = 142) who underwent 333 cycles of OD (exposed group) and women without a previous cancer diagnosis (n = 17,844) who underwent 29,778 cycles of OD (unexposed cohort) between January 2000 and January 2012. INTERVENTION(S) Retrospective chart review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage, and ongoing pregnancy rates. RESULT(S) There were no differences in terms of pregnancy (55.7% vs. 54.7%), implantation (39.8% vs. 38.2%), miscarriage (29.5% vs. 26.9%), or delivery rates (39.3% vs. 39.9%) between the unexposed group and the patients previously diagnosed and cured of cancer, respectively. There was no correlation between OD outcome and cancer type. CONCLUSION(S) Endometrial receptivity in women treated and cured of cancer was comparable to that of general patients without previous malignancies who had received OD, based on the largest series available in the literature.
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Prevention of premature ovarian failure and osteoporosis induced by irradiation using allogeneic ovarian/bone marrow transplantation. Transplantation 2010; 89:395-401. [PMID: 20177340 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3181ca86bb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two side effects of irradiation are premature ovarian failure (POF) and osteoporosis, both of which are concerns not only clinically, for patients, but also experimentally, for animals. We examine whether bone marrow transplantation (BMT) can correct the POF induced by radiation and also address whether allogeneic ovarian transplantation (OT) can modulate the adverse effects of radiotherapy. METHODS Eight-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were lethally irradiated with 6 Gy x2, and then injected with allogeneic bone marrow cells into their bone marrow cavity using our previously described intrabone marrow (IBM)-BMT technique. Allogeneic ovaries were simultaneously transplanted under the renal capsules of the mice. RESULTS Three months after the transplantation, we noted that hematopoietic and lymphoid cells had been successfully reconstituted. The ovaries transplanted under the renal capsules demonstrated signs of development with a large number of differentiating follicles at different stages of development. Importantly, the total bone mineral density of the tibia in the "IBM-BMT+OT" (BMT/OT) group remained normal. However, the reproductive function of the recipient mice was not restored, despite the presence of many immature oocytes in the host ovaries in the BMT/OT group. In the BMT group, no oocytes were found in the host ovaries. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that IBM-BMT with ovarian allografts can be advantageous for young women with POF and osteopenia or osteoporosis that is due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy for malignant diseases.
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Prevention of osteoporosis and hypogonadism by allogeneic ovarian transplantation in conjunction with intra-bone marrow-bone marrow transplantation. Transplantation 2008; 84:1459-66. [PMID: 18091522 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000288182.75398.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the effects of ovarian allograft in conjunction with intra-bone marrow-bone marrow transplantation (IBM-BMT) on estrogen deficiency in mice. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice underwent ovariectomy (OvX). After 3 months, the mice were irradiated at 9.5 Gy, and the bone marrow cells (BMCs) of female BALB/c mice (8 weeks old) were then injected into the bone cavity of the B6 mice. Simultaneously, allogeneic ovaries from BALB/c mice were transplanted under the renal capsules of the B6 mice. RESULTS Three months after the transplantation, the hematolymphoid cells were found to be completely reconstituted with donor-derived cells. The transplanted ovary tissues under the renal capsules were accepted without using immunosuppressants; there were a large number of growing follicles at different stages of development. Atrophic endometrium and its glands were also recovered by ovarian transplantation (OT). The transplanted allogeneic ovaries secreted estrogen at normal levels. Furthermore, bone loss was prevented to a certain extent. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that IBM-BMT+OT will become a valuable strategy for young women with malignant tumors to prevent premature senescence, including hypogonadism and osteoporosis, after radiochemotherapy.
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10
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Schover LR. Reproductive Complications and Sexual Dysfunction in the Cancer Patient. Oncology 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/0-387-31056-8_90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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11
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Impact of Oncostatic Treatments for Childhood Malignancies (Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy) on Uterine Competence to Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2007; 62:803-11. [DOI: 10.1097/01.ogx.0000290348.29697.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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12
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Pfeiffer S. Management Quandary. Radiation and chemotherapy effect on reproduction in a teenage cancer survivor. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2006; 19:231-5. [PMID: 16731420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2006.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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13
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Schr??der AK, Diedrich K, Ludwig M. Strategies for Preventing Chemotherapy- and Radiotherapy-Induced Gonadal Damage. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.2165/00024669-200403020-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Abstract
Cancer patients have now longer life expectancy due to improved treatment modalities. As the mortality rate decreased and the survival rate increased, the consequences of cancer treatment in terms of impaired fertility became more frequently encountered. The objective of this review is to highlight fertility issues associated with systemic malignancies. Systemic malignancies lead to deterioration of human fertility directly or indirectly as a result of cytotoxic treatment regimens. A variety of measures may be used to decrease the incidence of fertility decline that occurs. Gamete cryopreservation represents a widely accepted method for fertility preservation in cancer patients. In addition, other procedures such as germ cell transplantation and ovarian cryopreservation, which are currently being developed, are expected to make significant contribution in these cases. However, there are some ethical issues that should be considered before offering patients any of these options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- Center for Advanced Research in Human Reproduction, Infertility, and Sexual Function, Glickman Urological Institute and Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Larsen EC, Schmiegelow K, Rechnitzer C, Loft A, Müller J, Andersen AN. Radiotherapy at a young age reduces uterine volume of childhood cancer survivors. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2003; 83:96-102. [PMID: 14678092 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0412.2004.00332.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In contrast to chemotherapy, previous irradiation of the uterus carries an increased risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome. Conflicting results exist as regards the ability of the uterus to increase in volume following radiotherapy-induced damage. We measured uterine volume in a cohort of childhood cancer survivors, and assessed uterine response to a high-dose estrogen replacement regimen. METHODS Uterine volume was assessed by transvaginal sonography in 100 childhood cancer survivors. Three patients with ovarian failure and severely reduced uterine volume following abdominal or pelvic irradiation were treated with percutaneous estradiol 150 microg/24 h for three cycles, and transvaginal uterine sonography was repeated monthly. RESULTS Uterine volume was significantly reduced in nulliparous patients who had received direct uterine irradiation (n = 13; median 13 mL, range 1-52 mL) compared with nulliparous patients who had received chemotherapy only (n = 37; 47 mL, 22-88), radiotherapy above the diaphragm (n = 17; 40 mL, 24-61), or radiotherapy below the diaphragm not directly involving the uterus (n = 13; 34 mL, 8-77) (p < 0.02 in all comparisons). Among nulliparous patients a significant correlation was found between age at direct uterine irradiation and uterine volume (r = 0.78, p = 0.002). No significant improvement in uterine volume, endometrial thickness or uterine artery blood flow was observed in three hypogonadal patients in response to high-dose estrogen replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that cytotoxic treatment in childhood does not affect adult uterine size. In contrast, uterine irradiation at a young age reduces adult uterine volume. The radiotherapy-induced damage is probably irreversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth C Larsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Juliane Marie Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Burton KA, Wallace WHB, Critchley HOD. Female reproductive potential post-treatment for childhood cancer. HOSPITAL MEDICINE (LONDON, ENGLAND : 1998) 2002; 63:522-7. [PMID: 12357853 DOI: 10.12968/hosp.2002.63.9.1946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Survival post-treatment for childhood malignancy is now in excess of 70%. Hence female reproductive potential following treatment must be addressed. Issues concerning subsequent uterine and ovarian function, fertility options and importantly the ethics and safety of treatment approaches are discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Burton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Thomson
- Section of Child Life and Health, Department of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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18
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Thomson AB, Critchley HOD, Kelnar CJH, Wallace WHB. Late reproductive sequelae following treatment of childhood cancer and options for fertility preservation. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002; 16:311-34. [PMID: 12064895 DOI: 10.1053/beem.2002.0200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The successful treatment of childhood cancer can be associated with impaired gonadal function in adulthood. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may damage germ-cell spermatogonia, resulting in impaired spermatogenesis or sterility in the male, or may hasten oocyte depletion with truncated fecundity and premature menopause in the female. The only established option in current clinical practice for preserving male fertility is cryopreservation of spermatozoa. The only strategy currently available for preserving female fertility is cryopreservation of embryos. Harvesting and storage of ovarian cortical tissue from girls and young women before potentially gonadotoxic chemotherapy has been available in a number of centres but there have been no live births and the procedure remains experimental. Standards for best practice in the cryopreservation of gonadal tissue, including the criteria for providing a service, patient identification and selection, standard operating procedures and requirements for safe storage, remain to be defined. Recent advances in assisted reproduction may circumvent natural conception barriers and the implications of impaired DNA integrity may be manifest as an increased risk of congenital abnormalities and chromosomal disorders in the offspring. In this chapter we consider the late reproductive sequelae following treatment for childhood cancer and options for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela B Thomson
- Department of Haematology/Oncology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 17 Millerfield Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1LW, UK
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Critchley HOD, Bath LE, Wallace WHB. Radiation damage to the uterus -- review of the effects of treatment of childhood cancer. HUM FERTIL 2002; 5:61-6. [PMID: 12082209 DOI: 10.1080/1464727022000198942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
At the present time approximately 1 in 1000 young people aged between 16 and 35 years will have been cured of cancer in childhood and some of the treatment regimens used will have predictable effects on their future fertility prospects. In young women who have been exposed to radiotherapy below the diaphragm, the reproductive problems include the risk of ovarian failure and significantly impaired development of the uterus. The magnitude of the risk is related to the radiation field, total dose and fractionation schedule. Premature labour and low birth weight infants have been reported after flank abdominal radiotherapy. Female long-term survivors treated with total body irradiation and marrow transplantation are also at risk of ovarian follicular depletion and impaired uterine growth and blood flow, and of early pregnancy loss and premature labour if pregnancy is achieved. Despite standard oestrogen replacement, the uterus of these young girls is often reduced to 40% of normal adult size. Uterine volume correlates with the age at which radiation was received. Regrettably, it is likely that radiation damage to the uterine musculature and vasculature adversely affects prospects for pregnancy in these women. It has been demonstrated that, in women treated with total body irradiation, sex steroid replacement in physiological doses significantly increases uterine volume and endometrial thickness, as well as re-establishing uterine blood flow. However, it is not known whether standard regimens of oestrogen replacement therapy are sufficient to facilitate uterine growth in adolescent women treated with total body irradiation in childhood. Even if the uterus is able to respond to exogenous sex steroid stimulation, and appropriate assisted reproductive technologies are available, a successful pregnancy outcome is by no means ensured. The uterine factor remains a concern and women who are survivors of childhood cancer and their carers must recognize that these pregnancies will be at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary O D Critchley
- Section of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Centre for Reproductive Biology, University of Edinburgh, 37 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh EH3 9ET, UK
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20
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Elford KJ, Spence JEH. The forgotten female: Pediatric and adolescent gynecological concerns and their reproductive consequences. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2002; 15:65-77. [PMID: 12057527 DOI: 10.1016/s1083-3188(01)00146-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Future reproductive performance is not often addressed in pediatric and adolescent gynecological conditions. This overview reviews conditions that present in childhood and adolescence and discusses what is known about the future fertility in these women. The following topics are selected: STD exposure, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, eating disorders, adolescent athletics, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature ovarian failure, childhood cancer survivors, Mullerian duct anomalies, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cystic fibrosis, and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Elford
- University of Ottawa, Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
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Abstract
Chemotherapy and irradiation to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis given for childhood cancer carry with them a risk of endocrine late effects. These treatment modalities are part of the treatment of common oncological diseases in childhood such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, brain tumours, Hodgkins lymphoma and solid tumours outside the central nervous system. Cranial irradiation of a prepubertal child can induce early or even precocious puberty, particularly in girls. Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism may develop at a later stage. Irradiation of the gonads, as e.g. part of total body irradiation before bone marrow transplantation, will most likely cause gonadal failure and late, incomplete or absent puberty in girls. Many boys will experience a normal pubertal development except for small testes. Alkylating agents given for a variety of childhood cancers, are gonadotoxic. After high doses of these drugs, girls are at great risk of developing ovarian failure, whereas boys will usually go through puberty normally. Many children receive a combination of several treatment modalities, which complicates the prediction of pubertal development. Control and management of children with cancer at risk of having a disturbance of puberty is difficult and requires detailed knowledge of endocrinology as well as oncology. This chapter reviews the common treatments for the most frequent childhood cancers, the known effects of the therapy on pubertal development and provides outlines of control and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn Müller
- Department of Growth and Reproduction GR 5064, Rigshospitalet, 9 Blegdamsvej, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Bath LE, Wallace WHB, Critchley HOD. Late effects of the treatment of childhood cancer on the female reproductive system and the potential for fertility preservation. BJOG 2002; 109:107-14. [PMID: 11905426 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2002.t01-1-01007.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louise E Bath
- Department of Developmental and Reproductive Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
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