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Conard R, Folsom L. Family planning preferences in transgender youth in an urban multi-disciplinary gender clinic. J Clin Transl Endocrinol 2024; 36:100353. [PMID: 38828403 PMCID: PMC11143893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcte.2024.100353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Known barriers to family planning in the transgender population include low utilization of cryopreservation and decisional regret. There is growing data on the risk of infertility with GAHT, and on to what degree transgender adolescents feel informed about fertility and family planning options. Objective Assess preferences regarding options for family planning and fertility preservation in transgender adolescents treated with GAHT in a pediatric endocrinology gender clinic. The goal is to enhance patient education about potential effects of GAHT on fertility and options for family planning. Methods Forty one adolescents aged 10 years and older treated with GAHT in an urban outpatient pediatric endocrinology clinic were surveyed over a 6-month period from January to June 2022. Survey questions were multiple choice, Likert scale, and open-ended. Participants were at least 10 years of age, actively followed in the clinic, and receiving GAHT at time of enrollment. Results Forty one participants completed the survey. Four (10 %) expressed interest in discussing family planning with their provider. Eighteen (45 %) were open to discussion in the future; 16 (39 %) were not interested at all. 12 (30 %) participants were planning for future parenthood, and 16 (40 %) participants were undecided. Of those interested in parenthood 7 (53.8 %) planned to adopt or foster. Barriers to family planning expressed included financial concerns, potential need to pause GAHT, and social stigma of transgender parenthood. Twenty (50 %) participants recalled prior family planning discussion with their endocrinologist. Conclusion Family planning discussions may not be optimally impactful given that 50 % of participants did not recall the conversations. Family planning is a lower priority in this population as most desired to postpone discussion with their provider despite choosing treatment that could influence fertility. It is essential to identify methods to engage transgender youth in discussions related to family planning during GAHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Conard
- University of Louisville, School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, affiliated with Norton Children’s Medical Group, 571 S. Floyd Street, Ste. 432, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Lisal Folsom
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, 571 S. Floyd Street, Ste. 128, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Norton Children’s Medical Group – Pediatric Endocrinology, 411 E. Chestnut St.. 7 Floor, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Norton Healthcare – Endocrinology, 210 E. Gray St, Ste 605, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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2
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Grimes AC, Sugalski AJ, Nuño MM, Ramakrishnan S, Beauchemin MP, Robinson PD, Santesso N, Walsh AM, Wrightson AR, Yu LC, Parsons SK, Sung L, Dupuis LL. Clinical Practice Guideline-Inconsistent Management of Fertility Preservation in Pediatric Cancer Patients in Community Settings: A Children's Oncology Group Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38770790 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2024.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The primary objective was to measure adherence to clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommendations for fertility preservation (FP) in pediatric cancer patients treated in National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) sites. Secondary objectives were to describe factors such as site size associated with CPG-inconsistent care delivery and cryopreservation completion. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study included patients 15 to 21 years old with a first cancer diagnosis from January 2014 through December 2015 who were previously enrolled to a Children's Oncology Group (COG) study and received care at a participating NCORP site. Patients were randomly selected from a list generated by the COG for chart review by participating sites. Primary outcome was care delivery that was inconsistent with a strong CPG recommendation on FP, namely discussion and offering of FP options before cancer treatment initiation, as adjudicated centrally by a panel. Results: A total of 129 patients from 25 sites were included. Among these, 48% (62/129) received CPG-inconsistent care. Most CPG-inconsistent care was due to lack of FP discussion documentation (93.5%, 58/62). Small site size, treatment at a pediatric (vs mixed adult/pediatric) site, and female sex were associated with higher odds of CPG-inconsistent care delivery. Conclusions: Newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients often received CPG-inconsistent care for FP, with disproportionate gaps noted for females, and those treated at smaller or pediatric NCORP sites. The primary reason for CPG-inconsistent care is lack of FP discussion from clinicians. Opportunities to improve FP CPG implementation are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison C Grimes
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Aaron J Sugalski
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle M Nuño
- Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, California, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nancy Santesso
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Alexandra M Walsh
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Phoenix Children's Hospital, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Andrea R Wrightson
- Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator, Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Lolie C Yu
- LSUHSC/Children's Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Susan K Parsons
- Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lillian Sung
- Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children; Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - L Lee Dupuis
- Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacy, The Hospital for Sick Children; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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3
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Campbell P, Riazzi A, Spitznagel E, Schulte M, Frias O, Daugherty M, Vanderbrink B, DeFoor W, Minevich E, Reddy P, Streich-Tilles T, Burns K, Strine A. Time to therapy and safety of testicular tissue cryopreservation in children undergoing gonadotoxic treatment or hematopoietic stem cell transplant. J Pediatr Urol 2024:S1477-5131(24)00263-8. [PMID: 38782681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2024.05.005] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the use of multimodal treatments and hematopoietic stem cell transplant, the majority of children diagnosed with malignancies and hematologic diseases are now surviving into adulthood. Due to the gonadotoxic effects and potential for future infertility associated with many of these treatments, fertility counseling with sperm cryopreservation prior to starting therapy is the standard of care for post-pubertal males. Unfortunately, the options are limited for pre-pubertal patients or those unable to provide a specimen. Testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC) is an investigational method to surgically obtain germ cells from testicular tissue and potentially restore future spermatogenesis. While TTC has been shown to be safe, little is reported on the time to treatment following the procedure to ensure adequate wound healing and avoid delays in definitive therapy. OBJECTIVES The primary outcome was the time to initiation of treatment following TTC. Secondary outcomes were complication rates, delays in treatment due to TTC, and presence of germ cells. METHODS We conducted a single-institution retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing TTC between 2017 and 2023. Patients at significant risk for treatment related infertility based on established criteria were eligible for TTC. Patients were excluded if they received their oncology or hematology care elsewhere. All patients were enrolled in an IRB approved research protocol with 75% of the tissue submitted for cryopreservation and 25% for research purposes. Time to therapy was defined as the first receipt of gonadotoxic treatment following TTC. RESULTS A total of 122 patients (53 = malignant, 69 = non-malignant) underwent TTC with a median age of 5.9 years (IQR 2.3-9.35). Germ cells were identified in 115 (94%) specimens. A total of 109 (89%) patients underwent concomitant procedures. The median time to initiation of therapy was 5 (IQR 1.0-7.0) and 7 days (IQR 6.0-13.0) for malignant and non-malignant disease, respectively. The 30-day surgical complication rate was 2.5% and was similar between malignant vs non-malignant diagnoses (p = 0.58). All surgical complications were managed non-operatively. No patients had a delay in definitive treatment due to concern for wound healing or complications. DISCUSSION Our surgical complication rates are similar to previous studies and are not affected by the time to treatment following TTC. Limitations of the study are its retrospective design, single institution, and short-term follow up. CONCLUSION TTC can be performed safely, efficiently, and in conjunction with other necessary procedures without resulting in delays of definitive treatment. TTC affords the opportunity for fertility preservation in children who have no other options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Campbell
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Urology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Abbey Riazzi
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Urology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Spitznagel
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Urology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Marion Schulte
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Urology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Olivia Frias
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Michael Daugherty
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Urology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Brian Vanderbrink
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Urology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - William DeFoor
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Urology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Eugene Minevich
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Urology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Pramod Reddy
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Urology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Tara Streich-Tilles
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Karen Burns
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Oncology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Andrew Strine
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Urology, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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4
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Roberts JE, Benoit J, Foong S, Saumet J, Korkidakis A, Marr K, McQuillan S, Todd N. Fertility preservation in patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments: a Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society clinical practice guideline. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103767. [PMID: 38458057 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The management of young patients with cancer presents several unique challenges. In general, these patients are ill prepared for the diagnosis and the impact on their fertility. With the improved survival for all tumour types and stages, the need for adequate fertility counselling and a multidisciplinary approach in the reproductive care of these patients is paramount. Recent advances in cryopreservation techniques allow for the banking of spermatozoa, oocytes, embryos and ovarian tissue without compromising survival. This Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) guideline outlines the current understanding of social and medical issues associated with oncofertility, and the medical and surgical technologies available to optimize future fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey E Roberts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
| | - Janie Benoit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shu Foong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Julio Saumet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ann Korkidakis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristin Marr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
| | - Sarah McQuillan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nicole Todd
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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5
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Sira N, McNeil S, Hegde A, Geistman K, Schwartz A. Infertility and Identity: A Closer Look Into Experiences of Emerging Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2024; 41:32-43. [PMID: 37858932 DOI: 10.1177/27527530231190386] [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: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Objective: While medical advances are enabling more children with cancer to live into adulthood, a large majority of them suffer from the late effects of treatment and about 30% experience infertility. Infertility impacts both male and female survivors complicating typical development for emerging young adults (EYAs) who typically spend this developmental period actively constructing their identities related to family and gender roles, attaining professional skills, and establishing social views. As literature is limited on identity formation and coping with infertility in young survivors, this study aimed to understand the experiences of childhood cancer survivors who are faced with infertility as a late treatment effect while reconstructing their identity. Method: A qualitative descriptive approach was used to explore the experiences and effects of childhood cancer complications on the identity development of six emerging adults (ages 18-29). Guided by the theoretical framework of identity development data were collected using semistructured interviews. Results: Four distinct themes emerged after the data analyses: restricted exploration and uncertain future, challenges to intimacy and communication, restructuring identity through redefining roles, and coping through familial support. Conclusions: Findings indicate that developmental processes of identity formation are complicated by the challenges stemming from infertility and require specific efforts to reconstruct core identity and redefine desired parental roles. Experimentation and self-discovery may be restricted for EYA cancer survivors as they reevaluate their views on intimate relationships, communication, potential professional roles, and family composition. Practical recommendations for multidisciplinary team members to support this growing population are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sira
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Sarah McNeil
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Archana Hegde
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Kayla Geistman
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Abby Schwartz
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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6
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Marin L, Ambrosini G, Vio C, Conley J, Bordin L, Sabbadin C, Andrisani A. Fertility preservation in pregnant cancer patients after first-trimester abortion: a new challenge with possible solutions. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2819-2825. [PMID: 37796419 PMCID: PMC10656411 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02950-5] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation in pregnant women recently diagnosed with cancer can be a challenge. Raised levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (Beta-hCG) and progesterone in this population of patients may pose a problem for the prompt initiation of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) due to a potential negative feedback of these hormones on folliculogenesis; however, it is not feasible to wait for negativization of serum beta-hCG levels before starting controlled ovarian stimulation. In literature, very few cases have been reported regarding the preservation of fertility in pregnant women recently diagnosed with cancer. We performed an extended revision of the literature to evaluate the current knowledge of the management of fertility preservation in women with cancer and we examined two cases closely. The first case study involved a cancer patient who underwent surgical abortion at 6.5 weeks of gestation followed by administration of mifepristone to detach any minimal residual trophoblast and consequently to decrease serum beta-hCG and progesterone levels before starting COS. In the second case study, the cancer patient underwent surgical abortion at 7.1 weeks of gestation and simultaneous unilateral oophorectomy for ovarian tissue cryopreservation due to a limited time for COS. By analyzing the results of these studies, it could be hypothesized that mifepristone administration may favor the decrease of serum beta-hCG and progesterone levels in order to permit rapid initiation of COS. In cases where COS is not feasible, ovarian tissue cryopreservation should be considered as an alternative fertility preservation technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Marin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy.
| | - Guido Ambrosini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Vio
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Jordyn Conley
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Luciana Bordin
- Department of Molecular Medicine-Biological Chemistry, University of Padova, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Sabbadin
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Andrisani
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy
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7
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Canavera KE, Bjornard KL, Cost NG, Grady A, Irving H, Kaye EC, Ketterl T, Levine J, Reinecke J, Rios J, Roth M, Sawyer K, Thomas SM, Unguru Y, Johnson LM. Disparate Access to Fertility Preservation in Youth: A Call for Advocacy to Close the Gap. J Pediatr 2023; 261:113496. [PMID: 37211206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kari L Bjornard
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Nicholas G Cost
- Department of Pediatric Urology and the Surgical Oncology Program, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Allison Grady
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology Section, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Helen Irving
- Department of Oncology, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Erica C Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Tyler Ketterl
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Jennifer Levine
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | - Julie Rios
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Michael Roth
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kimberly Sawyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Palliative Care, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Stefanie M Thomas
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, OH
| | - Yoram Unguru
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Herman and Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai, Baltimore, MD; Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, MD
| | - Liza-Marie Johnson
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.
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8
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Taub S, Macauley R. Responding to Parental Requests for Nondisclosure to Patients of Diagnostic and Prognostic Information in the Setting of Serious Disease. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023063754. [PMID: 37743818 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning that one's child is seriously ill can be devastating, requiring families to decide when and how to share information about diagnosis and prognosis with their child. In most cases, this disclosure is made thoughtfully and collaboratively with the medical team. Some parents, however, may be concerned that disclosure will take away their child's hope, cause emotional pain, or exceed the child's capacity for understanding. Faced with competing obligations of truth-telling to their patient and respect for parental wishes, pediatricians may be unsure how to proceed. This clinical report examines ethical duties and legal considerations, providing practical and culturally sensitive case-based guidance for clinicians to approach parental requests for nondisclosure of diagnostic or prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Taub
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Robert Macauley
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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9
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Tholeti P, Uppangala S, Jayaram RK, Udupa KS, Kalthur G, Spears N, Woodruff T, Adiga SK. Oncofertility awareness among primary care physicians in India. F1000Res 2023; 12:153. [PMID: 37767024 PMCID: PMC10521121 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.126232.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care physicians not only coordinate referrals to oncology services but can play a crucial role in successful fertility preservation referrals in cancer-diagnosed patients. Hence, it is important to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards fertility preservation. METHODS An eighteen-item oncofertility survey was administered to primary care physicians between May 2019 to September 2020. Results: A total of forty-six responses were received and analysed. About 60% of primary care physicians did not have adequate knowledge about available fertility preservation options and only 26-32% were aware of international guidelines recommending fertility preservation in cancer patients. Conclusions: Imparting awareness and knowledge of fertility preservation and its options to primary care physicians could enable an integrated cancer care model while also facilitating successful oncofertility referrals in countries like India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prathima Tholeti
- Centre for Fertility Preservation, Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | | | - Karthik S Udupa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Norah Spears
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Teresa Woodruff
- Oncofertility Consortium, Room A626B, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824-1316, USA
| | - Satish K Adiga
- Centre for Fertility Preservation, Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
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10
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Close A, Burns K, Bjornard K, Webb M, Chavez J, Chow EJ, Meacham L. Fertility preservation in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30407. [PMID: 37194406 PMCID: PMC10525075 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Certain chemotherapy agents, radiation, and surgery can all negatively impact future fertility. Consults regarding treatment-related risk for infertility and gonadal late effects of these agents should occur at the time of diagnosis as well as during survivorship. Counseling on fertility risk has traditionally varied significantly across providers and institutions. We aim to provide a guide to standardize the assignment of gonadotoxic risk, which can be used in counseling patients both at the time of diagnosis and in survivorship. Gonadotoxic therapies were abstracted from 26 frontline Children's Oncology Group (COG) phase III protocols for leukemia/lymphoma, in use from 2000-2022. A stratification system based on gonadotoxic therapies, sex, and pubertal status was used to assign treatments into minimal, significant, and high level of increased risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility. Risk levels were assigned to protocols and different treatment arms to aid oncologists and survivor care providers in counseling patients regarding treatment-related gonadotoxicity. Males were most commonly at high risk, with at least one high-risk arm in 14/26 protocols (54%), followed by pubertal females (23% of protocols) and prepubertal females (15% of protocols). All patients who received direct gonadal radiation or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) were considered at high risk. Partnering with patients and their oncology/survivorship team is imperative for effective fertility counseling both prior to and post treatment, and this comprehensive guide can be used as a tool to standardize and improve reproductive health counseling in patients undergoing COG-based leukemia/lymphoma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Close
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Karen Burns
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kari Bjornard
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Martine Webb
- University of California, Los Angeles, Division of Internal Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Josuah Chavez
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Eric J. Chow
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Emory University Atlanta, GA USA
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11
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Nelson M, Levine J. Current Issues in Fertility Preservation Among Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer Patients. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:793-802. [PMID: 37036623 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01401-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although fertility preservation is not yet fully integrated into the comprehensive cancer care of pediatric and adolescent patients, advances continue to take place. This review summarizes recent updates and trends for health care professionals caring for these patients. RECENT FINDINGS The creation of standardized infertility risk assessment guidelines offers the opportunity to provide greater consistency in clinical care and to provide a current baseline for future research studies seeking to refine risk stratification for individual patients. New agents are being introduced into cancer care; as their use increases, information about their impact on fertility is being studied. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation offers a new standard of care option for fertility preservation, but additional studies are needed to further assess efficacy and impact on ovarian reserve among pediatric and adolescent patients. Standardization of fertility preservation recommendations among certain sub-populations may also make it easier to provide greater consistency in clinical care. Advances continue to be made in the field of fertility preservation, but dissemination of this information is critical to moving toward fertility preservation truly being a part of comprehensive cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Nelson
- Children's National Medical Center, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Room W4-604, Washington, D.C., 20010, USA
| | - Jennifer Levine
- Children's National Medical Center, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Room W4-604, Washington, D.C., 20010, USA.
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Hanna MT, Handa N, Laronda MM, Rowell EE. Efficacy of Video-based Education in Improving Understanding of Pediatric Fertility Preservation. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 45:e487-e495. [PMID: 36716087 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Eighty percent of children diagnosed with cancer in childhood survive into adulthood. Fertility preservation (FP) is an important consideration, and procedures are available to reduce the risk of infertility following gonadotoxic therapies. Discussing FP options eases decision-making and minimizes regret; however, poor comprehension of these topics remains a challenge. This study evaluates if video-based educational tools increase understanding of FP options among pediatric patients and families. Videos were first tested among participants not at risk of infertility to ensure objective utility and optimize quality. In part 1, parents of pediatric surgical patients were randomized to view 2 publicly available educational videos on FP in differing orders. Each group completed pre-surveys and post-surveys assessing the comprehension and perception of video quality. In part 2, the parent and patient participants completed a comprehension assessment before and after viewing our institution-specific educational video, designed based on participant feedback from part 1. Part 1 results demonstrated a significant increase in participant knowledge and perceived understanding after viewing the videos ( P <0.001), regardless of order. In part 2, the post-test comprehension scores were significantly improved for all participants and all subgroups, P <0.01. Results suggest that video-based educational tools may help to reduce barriers to FP in pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Hanna
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Department of Surgery
| | - Nicole Handa
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Department of Surgery
| | - Monica M Laronda
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL
| | - Erin E Rowell
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Department of Surgery
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Frederick NN, Klosky JL, Meacham L, Quinn GP, Kelvin JF, Cherven B, Freyer DR, Dvorak CC, Brackett J, Ahmed-Winston S, Bryson E, Su HI, Chow EJ, Levine J. Fertility Preservation Practices at Pediatric Oncology Institutions in the United States: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e550-e558. [PMID: 36763922 PMCID: PMC10113112 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Fertility discussions are an integral part of comprehensive care for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients newly diagnosed with cancer and are supported by national guidelines. Current institutional practices are poorly understood. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 220 Children's Oncology Group member institutions regarding fertility discussion practices. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. The association between specific practices and selected outcomes on the basis of sex was examined via multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS One hundred forty-four programs (65.5%) returned surveys. Of these, 65 (45.1%) reported routine discussions of fertility with all female patients and 55 (38.5%) all male patients (P = .25). Ninety-two (63.8%) reported no specific criteria for offering females fertility preservation (FP), compared with 40 (27.7%) for males (P < .001). Program characteristics associated with fertility discussions included reproductive endocrinology and infertility on site (females odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.3), discussion documentation mandate (females OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.5; males OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 8.7), and cumulative institution-based FP infrastructure (which included [1] routine practice of documentation, [2] template for documentation, [3] mandate for documentation, and [4] availability of FP navigation; females OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.3; males OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6 to 3.4). Utilization of practices unsupported by guidelines included offering sperm banking after treatment initiation (39/135 programs; 28.9%), gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs for ovarian suppression/FP (75/144 programs; 52.1%), ovarian tissue cryopreservation at diagnosis for patients with leukemia (19/64 programs; 29.7%), and testicular tissue cryopreservation (23/138 programs; 16.7%) not part of a clinical trial. CONCLUSION Despite recommended guidelines, fertility discussions with patients/families before treatment initiation are not routine at Children's Oncology Group institutions. Standard criteria to determine which options should be offered to patients are more common for males than females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha N. Frederick
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT
| | - James L. Klosky
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lillian Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Division of Medical Ethics, Departments of OB-GYN, Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY
| | | | - Brooke Cherven
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - David R. Freyer
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Christopher C. Dvorak
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Julienne Brackett
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX
| | | | - Elyse Bryson
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - H. Irene Su
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Eric J. Chow
- Clinical Research and Public Health Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Jennifer Levine
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
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14
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Pecker LH, Oteng-Ntim E, Nero A, Lanzkron S, Christianson MS, Woolford T, Meacham LR, Mishkin AD. Expecting more: the case for incorporating fertility services into comprehensive sickle cell disease care. Lancet Haematol 2023; 10:e225-e234. [PMID: 36708736 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(22)00353-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are not yet systematically available to people with sickle cell disease or their parents. Fertility care for these groups requires addressing sickle cell disease-associated infertility risks, fertility preservation options, pregnancy possibilities and outcomes, and, when needed, infertility treatment. People with a chance of having a child with sickle cell disease can use in-vitro fertilisation with preimplantation genetic testing to conceive a child unaffected by sickle cell disease. Also, parents of children with sickle cell disease can use this technology to identify embryos to become potential future matched sibling donors for stem cell transplant. In the USA, disparities in fertility care for the sickle cell disease community are especially stark. Universal screening of newborn babies' identifies sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, guidelines direct preconception genetic carrier screening, and standard-of-care fertility preserving options exist. However, potentially transformative treatments and cures for patients with sickle cell disease are not used due to iatrogenic infertility concerns. In diversely resourced care settings, obstacles to providing fertility care to people affected by sickle cell disease persist. In this Viewpoint, we contend that fertility care should be incorporated into the comprehensive care model for sickle cell disease, supporting alignment of treatment goals with reproductive life plans and delivering on the promise of individualised high-quality care for people with sickle cell disease and their families. We consider the obligation to provide fertility care in light of medical evidence, with acknowledgment of formidable obstacles to optimising care, and powerful historical and ethical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia H Pecker
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Eugene Oteng-Ntim
- Women's Health Academic Centre, King's College London, London, UK; Women's Services, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alecia Nero
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sophie Lanzkron
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mindy S Christianson
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Teonna Woolford
- Sickle Cell Reproductive Health Education Directive, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lillian R Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Pediatrics Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adrienne D Mishkin
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program, Division of Hematology & Oncology and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Xu Z, Ibrahim S, Burdett S, Rydzewska L, Al Wattar BH, Davies MC. Long term pregnancy outcomes of women with cancer following fertility preservation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 281:41-48. [PMID: 36535069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As cancer survivorship increases, there is higher uptake of fertility preservation treatments among affected women. However, there is limited evidence on the subsequent use of preserved material and pregnancy outcomes in women who underwent fertility preservation (FP) before cancer treatments. We aimed to systematically review the long-term reproductive and pregnancy outcomes in this cohort of women. PATIENTS Women who underwent any type of the following FP treatments: embryo cryopreservation (EC), oocyte cryopreservation (OC) and ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC)) before any planned cancer treatment. EVIDENCE REVIEW We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and HTA) from inception until May 2021 for all observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We extracted data on reproductive and pregnancy outcomes in duplicate and assessed the risk of bias in included studies using the ROBINS-I tool. We pooled data using a random-effects model and reported using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Our primary outcome was live birth rate and other important reproductive and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS Of 5405 citations, we screened 103 and included 26 observational studies (n = 7061 women). Hematologic malignancy was the commonest cause for seeking FP treatments, followed by breast and gynecology cancers. Twelve studies reported on OTC (12/26, 46 %), eight included EC (8/26, 30 %), and twelve reported on OC (12/26, 46 %). The cumulative live birth rate following any FP treatment was 0.046 (95 %CI 0.029-0.066). Only 8 % of women returned to use their frozen reproductive material (558/7037, 8.0 %), resulting in 210 live births in total, including assisted conceptions following EC/OC/OTC and natural conceptions following OTC. The odds for live birth was OR 0.38 (95 %CI 0.29-0.48 I2 83.7 %). The odds for live birth was the highest among women who had EC (OR 0.45, 95 %CI 0.14-0.76, I2 95.1 %), followed by the OTC group (OR 0.37, 95 %CI 0.22-0.53, I2 88.7 %) and OC group (OR 0.31, 95 %CI 0.15-0.47, I2 78.2 %). CONCLUSIONS Fertility preservation treatments offered good long-term reproductive outcomes for women with cancer with a high chance to achieve a live birth. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term pregnancy and offspring outcomes in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sameh Ibrahim
- UCL Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Burdett
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Larysa Rydzewska
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bassel H Al Wattar
- Beginings Assisted Conception Unit, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Melanie C Davies
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Takae S, Iwahata Y, Sugishita Y, Iwahata H, Kanamori R, Shiraishi E, Ito K, Suzuki Y, Yamaya Y, Tanaka K, Oyama K, Keino D, Nakamura K, Odawara K, Horage Y, Meng L, Igualada A, Faizal AM, Aworet LO, Furuta S, Sakamoto M, Mori T, Kitagawa H, Suzuki N. Survey of understanding and awareness of fertility preservation in pediatric patients: Is conversation about fertility preservation unpleasant for pediatric patients? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1074603. [PMID: 36686445 PMCID: PMC9853553 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1074603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To verify understanding and awareness of fertility preservation (FP) in pediatric patients undergoing FP treatments. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted before and after explanation of fertility issues and FP treatments for patients 6-17 years old who visited or were hospitalized for the purpose of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) or oocyte cryopreservation (OC), or sperm cryopreservation between October 2018 and April 2022. This study was approved by the institutional review board at St. Marianna University School of Medicine (No. 4123, UMIN000046125). Result Participants in the study comprised 36 children (34 girls, 2 boys). Overall mean age was 13.3 ± 3.0 years. The underlying diseases were diverse, with leukemia in 14 patients (38.9%), brain tumor in 4 patients (11.1%). The questionnaire survey before the explanation showed that 19 patients (52.8%) wanted to have children in the future, but 15 (41.7%) were unsure of future wishes to raise children. And most children expressed some degree of understanding of the treatment being planned for the underlying disease (34, 94.4%). Similarly, most children understood that the treatment would affect their fertility (33, 91.7%). When asked if they would like to hear a story about how to become a mother or father after FP which including information of FP, half answered "Don't mind" (18, 50.0%). After being provided with information about FP treatment, all participants answered that they understood the adverse effects on fertility of treatments for the underlying disease. Regarding FP treatment, 32 children (88.9%) expressed understanding for FP and 26 (72.2%) wished to receive FP. "Fear" and "Pain" and "Costs" were frequently cited as concerns about FP. Following explanations, 33 children (91.7%) answered "Happy I heard the story" and no children answered, "Wish I hadn't heard the story". Finally, 28 of the 34 girls (82.4%) underwent OTC and one girl underwent OC. Discussion The fact that all patients responded positively to the explanations of FP treatment is very informative. This is considered largely attributable to the patients themselves being involved in the decision-making process for FP. Conclusions Explanations of FP for children appear valid if age-appropriate explanations are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seido Takae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuriko Iwahata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yodo Sugishita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Iwahata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ryo Kanamori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Eriko Shiraishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuki Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Yamaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kunihide Tanaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Kei Oyama
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Dai Keino
- Department of Hematology and Oncology Pediatric Department Kanagawa Children’s Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kei Odawara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuki Horage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Lingbo Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Arby Igualada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ahmad Mohd Faizal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of ObGyn, UKM Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ludmilla Ogouma Aworet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Furuta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Miki Sakamoto
- Department of ObGyn, UKM Medical Centre, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tetsuya Mori
- Department of Anesthesiology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kitagawa
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Nao Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
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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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18
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Cheng H, Shang D, Zhou R. Germline stem cells in human. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:345. [PMID: 36184610 PMCID: PMC9527259 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01197-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The germline cells are essential for the propagation of human beings, thus essential for the survival of mankind. The germline stem cells, as a unique cell type, generate various states of germ stem cells and then differentiate into specialized cells, spermatozoa and ova, for producing offspring, while self-renew to generate more stem cells. Abnormal development of germline stem cells often causes severe diseases in humans, including infertility and cancer. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) first emerge during early embryonic development, migrate into the gentile ridge, and then join in the formation of gonads. In males, they differentiate into spermatogonial stem cells, which give rise to spermatozoa via meiosis from the onset of puberty, while in females, the female germline stem cells (FGSCs) retain stemness in the ovary and initiate meiosis to generate oocytes. Primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) can be induced in vitro from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we focus on current advances in these embryonic and adult germline stem cells, and the induced PGCLCs in humans, provide an overview of molecular mechanisms underlying the development and differentiation of the germline stem cells and outline their physiological functions, pathological implications, and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhua Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.
| | - Dantong Shang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Rongjia Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.
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Chu KY, Ory J, Punjani N, Nassau DE, Israeli J, Kashanian JA, Ramasamy R. Utility of evaluating semen samples from adolescents with Klinefelter Syndrome for cryopreservation: A multi-institution evaluation. J Pediatr Urol 2022; 18:288.e1-288.e5. [PMID: 35491303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is the most common genetic condition cause of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). KS also often results in decreased testicular growth and testosterone production. Because of this, exogenous testosterone therapy is commonly prescribed for KS patients to treat hypogonadism, but this may have additional impacts to future fertility potential. KS adolescent patients may be asked to provide multiple semen samples to identify potential sperm for early cryopreservation. OBJECTIVE To develop a multi-institutional database to evaluate the prevalence of sperm in the ejaculate of adolescent KS patients. METHODS A retrospective study was performed of all adolescent KS patients seen at two high-volume tertiary male infertility clinics between 2015 and 2020. Adolescence was defined as individuals aged 12-19 years, as per the World Health Organization. Demographic information data including weight, height, medical comorbidities, and concurrent medications were collected. Serum hormone levels including FSH, LH, and testosterone were collected, as well as any available semen analysis data. RESULTS A total of 116 patients were identified and included in the database. A total of 100 (86.2%) had hormone data available and 48 (41.3%) had semen analysis data. Of the 48 patients with semen analyses, only 4 (8.3%) patients had rare sperm in the ejaculate while the remaining had azoospermia (91.7%). None of the specimens were suitable for cryopreservation. The average serum total testosterone level of adolescent KS patients was 181 ± 216 ng/dL. FSH levels were 14.3 ± 18.8 IU/L (normal 0.3-10.0 IU/L) and LH levels were 7.8 ± 12.4 IU/L (normal 1.2-7.8 IU/L). A total of 17 patients repeated a semen analysis, and in no instance did this result in sperm where there was none previously. CONCLUSION The findings from a large multicenter retrospective cohort of adolescent KS patients suggest that a single semen analysis is sufficient for attempted cryopreservation purposes, and that multiple semen analyses is not needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y Chu
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Jesse Ory
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Urology, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS, Canada
| | - Nahid Punjani
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel E Nassau
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joseph Israeli
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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20
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van der Perk MEM, Cost NG, Bos AME, Brannigan R, Chowdhury T, Davidoff AM, Daw NC, Dome JS, Ehrlich P, Graf N, Geller J, Kalapurakal J, Kieran K, Malek M, McAleer MF, Mullen E, Pater L, Polanco A, Romao R, Saltzman AF, Walz AL, Woods AD, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Fernandez CV. White paper: Onco-fertility in pediatric patients with Wilms tumor. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:843-858. [PMID: 35342935 PMCID: PMC9541948 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The survival of childhood Wilms tumor is currently around 90%, with many survivors reaching reproductive age. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are established risk factors for gonadal damage and are used in both COG and SIOP Wilms tumor treatment protocols. The risk of infertility in Wilms tumor patients is low but increases with intensification of treatment including the use of alkylating agents, whole abdominal radiation or radiotherapy to the pelvis. Both COG and SIOP protocols aim to limit the use of gonadotoxic treatment, but unfortunately this cannot be avoided in all patients. Infertility is considered one of the most important late effects of childhood cancer treatment by patients and their families. Thus, timely discussion of gonadal damage risk and fertility preservation options is important. Additionally, irrespective of the choice for preservation, consultation with a fertility preservation (FP) team is associated with decreased patient and family regret and better quality of life. Current guidelines recommend early discussion of the impact of therapy on potential fertility. Since most patients with Wilms tumors are prepubertal, potential FP methods for this group are still considered experimental. There are no proven methods for FP for prepubertal males (testicular biopsy for cryopreservation is experimental), and there is just a single option for prepubertal females (ovarian tissue cryopreservation), posing both technical and ethical challenges. Identification of genetic markers of susceptibility to gonadotoxic therapy may help to stratify patient risk of gonadal damage and identify patients most likely to benefit from FP methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas G Cost
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Surgical Oncology Program of the Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Annelies M E Bos
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Robert Brannigan
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tanzina Chowdhury
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew M Davidoff
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, USA
| | - Najat C Daw
- Department of Pediatrics - Patient Care, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Dome
- Division of Oncology at Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter Ehrlich
- University of Michigan, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Section of Pediatric Surgery, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Norbert Graf
- Department for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - James Geller
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - John Kalapurakal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kathleen Kieran
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, and Division of Urology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, USA
| | - Marcus Malek
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Mary F McAleer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mullen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luke Pater
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Angela Polanco
- National Cancer Research Institute Children's Group Consumer Representative, London, UK
| | - Rodrigo Romao
- Departments of Surgery and Urology, IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Amy L Walz
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Andrew D Woods
- Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Conrad V Fernandez
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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Lin C, Baca N, Yun C, Armenian S, Freyer DR, Majlessipour F, Mueller L, Kuo DJ, Casillas J, Zabokrtsky K, Ehwerhemuepha L, Torno L. Southern California Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer Survivorship (SC-PACS): Establishing a Multi-Institutional Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Consortium in Southern California. Cureus 2022; 14:e21981. [PMID: 35282564 PMCID: PMC8906349 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Given their risk for late effects and early mortality, childhood/adolescent cancer survivors (CACSs) should receive longitudinal monitoring and care. The Southern California Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer Survivorship (SC-PACS) consortium was established in February 2017 to combine resources and expertise across seven participating survivorship programs. Its over-arching objective is to address the unique needs of its demographically diverse CACS population through collaborative survivorship research and care initiatives. The first SC-PACS study was an assessment of survivorship needs and evaluation of current services as reported by CACSs and their parents/primary care givers (PPCGs) receiving survivorship care at consortium sites. Methods As an initial investigation, a cross-sectional survey for CACSs and their parents/primary care givers was conducted. The goal was to enroll 10 CACSs and 10 PPCGs from each of the seven institutions (total of 140 participants). The eligibility criteria for CACSs were age ≥13 years at the time of enrollment, >2 years from the end of treatment, sufficient cognitive function to complete the survey, and English or Spanish language proficiency. For CACSs <13 years old, their PPCGs completed the survey. This was a convenience sample using frequencies and proportions to describe participant characteristics and survey responses, which were entered into a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database. Results Across the consortium, of the recruitment target of 140 participants (CACSs, n=70; PPCGs, n=70), 127 (90.7%) participants were enrolled. Of the 127 participants enrolled, 65 (51.2%) were CACSs and 62 (48.8%) were PPCGs. The majority of participants were female (51.2%), were Hispanic (62.2%), spoke English as the primary language at home (57.5%), and were diagnosed between one to four years of age (45.7%). Information considered most important by both CACSs and PPCGs was related to cancer diagnosis (90.8%) and future risks as a result of cancer treatment received (98.0%). Overall, 78% of CACSs and PPCGs found the survivorship information (treatment summary) useful, and 83% felt that they received the right amount of information about their cancer. Conclusion Our aim was to obtain baseline data that would characterize our CACS population, inform consortium priorities, and establish a collaborative research platform. The ultimate goal of the consortium is to develop a comprehensive survivorship care approach that addresses the most important needs of cancer survivors in our catchment area and promotes best practice interventions. Future plans are to expand the needs assessment survey to obtain a wider representation of the survivor population at SC-PACS institutions, helping create strategies to improve cancer-specific education, delivery of treatment summary, and access to community resources for this demographically and socioeconomically diverse population.
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Abstract
Patient survival following childhood cancer has increased with contemporary radiation and chemotherapy techniques. However, gonadotoxicity associated with treatments means that infertility is a common consequence in survivors. Novel fertility preservation options are emerging, but knowledge about these options amongst urologists and other medical professionals is lacking. Pre-pubertal boys generally do not produce haploid germ cells. Thus, strategies for fertility preservation require cryopreservation of tissue containing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Few centres worldwide routinely offer this option and fertility restoration (including testicular tissue engraftment, autotransplantation of SSCs and in vitro maturation of SSCs to spermatozoa) post-thaw is experimental. In pubertal boys, the main option for fertility preservation is masturbation and cryopreservation of the ejaculate. Assisted ejaculation using penile vibratory stimulation or electroejaculation and surgical sperm retrieval can be used in a sequential manner after failed masturbation. Physicians should inform boys and parents about the gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment and offer fertility preservation. Preclinical experience has identified challenges in pre-pubertal fertility preservation, but available options are expected to be successful when today's pre-pubertal boys with cancer become adults. By contrast, fertility preservation in pubertal boys is clinically proven and should be offered to all patients undergoing cancer treatment.
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OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:747-762. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Grégoire-Briard F, Mitsakakis N, Hayawi L, Dumont T. Evaluation of Fertility Preservation Counseling and Treatments for Female Oncology Patients in an Urban Pediatric Canadian Center. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 11:518-524. [PMID: 34936499 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0149] [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: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Several international organizations and guidelines have recommended implementation of structured fertility preservation (FP) discussions with patients and their families before initiation of chemotherapy and radiation treatments in children. This study aimed to identify current trends and rates in FP counseling and treatments at a Canadian pediatric tertiary care center. Objectives were to measure guideline adherence for FP counseling at our institution by determining (1) the frequency of FP counseling in pediatric female oncological patients at our institution, (2) the frequency of FP treatment in this study population, and (3) the factors associated with FP pre-treatment counseling. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed, including all pediatric and adolescent female patients (age <18) seen in consultation by the oncology team. Demographic data, as well as documentation of FP counseling and referral to a reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialist and subsequent FP treatment were collected. Results: A total of 89 female pediatric patients were included in our study. Forty-two patients received fertility counseling (47.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 37.2-57.5). Only 29/42 (69.0%; 95% CI: 54-80.9) received counseling before onset of treatment. A 12/42 (41.4%; 95% CI: 25-59.3) of the patients who received FP counseling were referred to an REI specialist and 11/12 proceeded with FP treatment (37.9%, 95% CI: 22.7-56). Conclusion: This study presents contemporary data on the rates of FP counseling in Canadian pediatric female oncological patients and demonstrates low rates of FP counseling in our patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Grégoire-Briard
- Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas Mitsakakis
- CHEO Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lamia Hayawi
- CHEO Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tania Dumont
- Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CHEO Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Coker Appiah L, Fei YF, Olsen M, Lindheim SR, Puccetti DM. Disparities in Female Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Oncofertility: A Needs Assessment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5419. [PMID: 34771582 PMCID: PMC8582476 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in cancer screening and implementation of targeted treatments have significantly improved survival rates to 85% for pediatric and AYA survivors. Greater than 75% of survivors will live to experience the long-term adverse outcomes of cancer therapies, termed late effects (LE), that disrupt quality of life (QoL). Infertility and poor reproductive outcomes are significant disruptors of QoL in survivorship, affecting 12-88% of survivors who receive at-risk therapies. To mitigate risk, fertility preservation (FP) counseling is recommended as standard of care prior to gonadotoxic therapy. However, disparities in FP counseling, implementation of FP interventions, and screening for gynecologic late effects in survivorship persist. Barriers to care include a lack of provider and patient knowledge of the safety and breadth of current FP options, misconceptions about the duration of time required to implement FP therapies, cost, and health care team bias. Developing strategies to address barriers and implement established guidelines are necessary to ensure equity and improve quality of care across populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Coker Appiah
- Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO 80045, USA
- Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver, CO 80045, USA
| | - Yueyang Frances Fei
- Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
| | - Mallery Olsen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.O.); (D.M.P.)
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, American Family Children’s Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Steven R. Lindheim
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45409, USA;
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Diane M. Puccetti
- Department of Medicine, The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (M.O.); (D.M.P.)
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, American Family Children’s Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Alur-Gupta S, Vu M, Vitek W. Adolescent Fertility Preservation: Where Do We Stand Now. Semin Reprod Med 2021; 40:69-78. [PMID: 34687030 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of flux for many body systems. While fertility potential typically increases after menarche, there are diseases where the opposite occurs and fertility preservation options need to be considered early. In cases of cancer, options vary by pubertal status and can include ovarian tissue cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation, sperm cryopreservation, and testicular tissue cryopreservation. Much remains to be learned about fertility and preservation options in those with differences in sexual development (DSDs); however, depending on the form of DSD, fertility preservation may not be necessary. Similarly, traditional fertility counseling in children with galactosemia may need to be changed, as data suggest that fertility rates attributed to other causes of premature ovarian insufficiency may not be as applicable to this disease. Adolescents with Turner's syndrome are at high risk for premature ovarian failure; therefore, it is important to consider options as early as possible since ovarian reserves are depleted quickly. On the other hand, transgender and gender diverse adolescents may even be able to undergo fertility preservation after starting hormone therapy. In all cases, there are additional ethical components including technical/surgical risks in childhood, offering experimental therapies without creating false hope and evaluating children's consent and assent capabilities that must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snigdha Alur-Gupta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Michelle Vu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Wendy Vitek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
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The ethics of offering fertility preservation to pediatric patients: A case-based discussion of barriers for clinicians to consider. Semin Pediatr Surg 2021; 30:151095. [PMID: 34635275 PMCID: PMC8513925 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2021.151095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Decisions about fertility preservation can be difficult in general but the recent application of preservation techniques to pediatric patients has ushered in a host of new ethical considerations. Fertility preservation (FP) may be considered for all patients who are at risk for infertility due to their medical diagnosis or treatment, including those undergoing gonadotoxic chemotherapy, those with differences of sex development (DSD) undergoing gonadectomy,1-3 and transgender patients undergoing gender affirming surgery. The focus of this paper is to review the ethical issues involved in offering FP to pediatric oncology patients and, to a lesser extent, the new ethical issues that apply to patients with DSD. Some of the techniques and approach to counseling will also apply to transgender individuals, although that is beyond the scope of this work. We aim to discuss several barriers to offering FP and to advise how to counsel families in the setting of rapid changes in this field. Families should be educated about:Specific guidance for clinicians regarding some of these points was recently published in an American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report,1 and we will illustrate the use of these guidelines in four case presentations.
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Takae S, Furuta S, Iwahata H, Iwahata Y, Keino D, Kanamori R, Oyama K, Tanaka K, Shiraishi E, Suzuki Y, Sugishita Y, Horage Y, Sakamoto M, Mori T, Kitagawa H, Suzuki N. Cryopreservation of pediatric ovarian tissue with an updated version of the Edinburgh criteria for appropriate patient selection: One center's experience. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:667-676. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Schermerhorn SMV, Rosen MP, Blevins EM, Byrd KA, Rabban JT, Marsh P, Lucas DJ. Regional air transportation of ovarian tissue for cryopreservation in a prepubertal female with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29107. [PMID: 34105898 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the only fertility preservation (FP) option available to prepubescent females receiving gonadotoxic therapy, but it has limited availability. A 6-year-old female was diagnosed with high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma, and the planned treatment carried an 80% risk of ovarian failure. Her parents desired FP, but the nearest center was 500 miles away. The patient underwent oophorectomy at the cancer center with air transport of the tissue to the oncofertility center, where it was successfully cryopreserved. Formation of networks between full-service and limited oncofertility centers in a hub-and-spoke model would increase access to FP services, particularly in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M V Schermerhorn
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mitchell P Rosen
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Erin M Blevins
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kevin A Byrd
- School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Joseph T Rabban
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Philip Marsh
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Donald J Lucas
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Hudson MM, Bhatia S, Casillas J, Landier W. Long-term Follow-up Care for Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2021-053127. [PMID: 34462344 PMCID: PMC9014377 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in therapy has made survival into adulthood a reality for most children, adolescents, and young adults with a cancer diagnosis today. Notably, this growing population remains vulnerable to a variety of long-term therapy-related sequelae. Systematic ongoing follow-up of these patients is, therefore, important to provide for early detection of and intervention for potentially serious late-onset complications. In addition, health counseling and promotion of healthy lifestyles are important aspects of long-term follow-up care to promote risk reduction for physical and emotional health problems that commonly present during adulthood. Both general and subspecialty health care providers are playing an increasingly important role in the ongoing care of childhood cancer survivors, beyond the routine preventive care, health supervision, and anticipatory guidance provided to all patients. This report is based on the guidelines that have been developed by the Children's Oncology Group to facilitate comprehensive long-term follow-up of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors (www.survivorshipguidelines.org).
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M. Hudson
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Wendy Landier
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Mulder RL, Font-Gonzalez A, van Dulmen-den Broeder E, Quinn GP, Ginsberg JP, Loeffen EAH, Hudson MM, Burns KC, van Santen HM, Berger C, Diesch T, Dirksen U, Giwercman A, Gracia C, Hunter SE, Kelvin JF, Klosky JL, Laven JSE, Lockart BA, Neggers SJCMM, Peate M, Phillips B, Reed DR, Tinner EME, Byrne J, Veening M, van de Berg M, Verhaak CM, Anazodo A, Rodriguez-Wallberg K, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Asogwa OA, Brownsdon A, Wallace WH, Green DM, Skinner R, Haupt R, Kenney LB, Levine J, van de Wetering MD, Tissing WJE, Paul NW, Kremer LCM, Inthorn J. Communication and ethical considerations for fertility preservation for patients with childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer: recommendations from the PanCareLIFE Consortium and the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group. Lancet Oncol 2021; 22:e68-e80. [PMID: 33539755 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(20)30595-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer who will be treated with gonadotoxic therapies are at increased risk for infertility. Many patients and their families desire biological children but effective communication about treatment-related infertility risk and procedures for fertility preservation does not always happen. The PanCareLIFE Consortium and the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group reviewed the literature and developed a clinical practice guideline that provides recommendations for ongoing communication methods for fertility preservation for patients who were diagnosed with childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer at age 25 years or younger and their families. Moreover, the guideline panel formulated considerations of the ethical implications that are associated with these procedures. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to grade the evidence and recommendations. In this clinical practice guideline, existing evidence and international expertise are combined to develop transparent recommendations that are easy to use to facilitate ongoing communication between health-care providers and patients with childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer who might be at high risk for fertility impairment and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée L Mulder
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Anna Font-Gonzalez
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eline van Dulmen-den Broeder
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gwendolyn P Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Population Health, and Division of Medical Ethics, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jill P Ginsberg
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erik A H Loeffen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, UMC Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Melissa M Hudson
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control and Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Karen C Burns
- Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hanneke M van Santen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Claire Berger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France; Host Research Team EA4607 Autonomic Nervous System, Epidemiology, Physiology, Exercise, and Health, Jean Monnet University of Saint-Étienne, Education and Research Cluster Lyon, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Tamara Diesch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uta Dirksen
- Department of Pediatrics III, West German Cancer Centre, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Essen, Germany
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Division of Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Clarisa Gracia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah E Hunter
- Starship Blood and Cancer Centre, Starship Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - James L Klosky
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joop S E Laven
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Barbara A Lockart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery and Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sebastian J C M M Neggers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Sophia Children's Hospital and Pituitary Center Rotterdam, Endocrinology Section, Department of Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michelle Peate
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bob Phillips
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Damon R Reed
- Adolescent Young Adult Oncology Program, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Eva Maria E Tinner
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Margreet Veening
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marleen van de Berg
- Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Chris M Verhaak
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboudumc Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Antoinette Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kenny Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marry M van den Heuvel-Eibrink
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Alexandra Brownsdon
- Children and Young Peoples' Cancer Service, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - W Hamish Wallace
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel M Green
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control and Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Roderick Skinner
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Haematology/Oncology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Riccardo Haupt
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit and DOPO Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Lisa B Kenney
- Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Levine
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Wim J E Tissing
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, UMC Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Norbert W Paul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Population Health, and Division of Medical Ethics, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leontien C M Kremer
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands; Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julia Inthorn
- Institute for the History, Philosophy, and Ethics of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Behl S, Joshi VB, Hussein RS, Walker DL, Lampat KL, Krenik AG, Barud KM, Fredrickson JR, Galanits TM, Rian KJ, Delgado AM, Byrne JH, Potter D, Pittock ST, Arndt CAS, Zhao Y, Gargollo PC, Granberg CF, Khan Z, Chattha AJ. Consult and procedure incidence outcomes following establishment of a fertility preservation program for children with cancer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:495-501. [PMID: 33389381 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02042-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Fertility is a quality of life outcome adversely affected by cancer therapy. Many childhood cancer patients, however, are not offered options to preserve their fertility. Providers acknowledge difficulty discussing impaired fertility to patients due to lack of knowledge of available options. Our objective was to review the impact of a pediatric multidisciplinary fertility preservation program on providers' fertility preservation counseling and discussion of options. METHODS A retrospective medical chart review was conducted for pediatric cancer patients prior to and following program establishment. Fertility preservation discussions, consults, and incidence were noted. Following filtering and stratification, 198 and 237 patients were seen prior to and following program establishment, respectively. RESULTS Following program establishment, provider-patient discussions of impaired fertility (p = 0.007), fertility preservation consults (p = 0.01), and incidence of fertility preservation procedures (p < 0.001) increased among patients. Furthermore, the number of patients who received fertility preservation consults after receiving gonadotoxic treatment decreased (p < 0.001). This trend was particularly noted in pre-pubertal and female patients, for whom fertility preservation options are limited without an established program. CONCLUSION The establishment of a formal program greatly improved access to fertility preservation consults and procedures in children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Behl
- Children's Research Center, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Vidhu B Joshi
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Reda S Hussein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - David L Walker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kari L Lampat
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Anthony G Krenik
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kathrynne M Barud
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jolene R Fredrickson
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Terri M Galanits
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Katherine J Rian
- In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Adriana M Delgado
- Children's Research Center, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Julia H Byrne
- Children's Research Center, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Dean Potter
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Siobhan T Pittock
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Carola A S Arndt
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yulian Zhao
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Zaraq Khan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Asma J Chattha
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Wyns C, Kanbar M, Giudice MG, Poels J. Fertility preservation for prepubertal boys: lessons learned from the past and update on remaining challenges towards clinical translation. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:433-459. [PMID: 33326572 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer incidence and survivorship are both on the rise. However, many lifesaving treatments threaten the prepubertal testis. Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT), containing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as a fertility preservation (FP) option for this population is increasingly proposed worldwide. Recent achievements notably the birth of non-human primate (NHP) progeny using sperm developed in frozen-thawed ITT autografts has given proof of principle of the reproductive potential of banked ITT. Outlining the current state of the art on FP for prepubertal boys is crucial as some of the boys who have cryopreserved ITT since the early 2000s are now in their reproductive age and are already seeking answers with regards to their fertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In the light of past decade achievements and observations, this review aims to provide insight into relevant questions for clinicians involved in FP programmes. Have the indications for FP for prepubertal boys changed over time? What is key for patient counselling and ITT sampling based on the latest achievements in animals and research performed with human ITT? How far are we from clinical application of methods to restore reproductive capacity with cryostored ITT? SEARCH METHODS An extensive search for articles published in English or French since January 2010 to June 2020 using keywords relevant to the topic of FP for prepubertal boys was made in the MEDLINE database through PubMed. Original articles on fertility preservation with emphasis on those involving prepubertal testicular tissue, as well as comprehensive and systematic reviews were included. Papers with redundancy of information or with an absence of a relevant link for future clinical application were excluded. Papers on alternative sources of stem cells besides SSCs were excluded. OUTCOMES Preliminary follow-up data indicate that around 27% of boys who have undergone testicular sampling as an FP measure have proved azoospermic and must therefore solely rely on their cryostored ITT to ensure biologic parenthood. Auto-transplantation of ITT appears to be the first technique that could enter pilot clinical trials but should be restricted to tissue free of malignant cells. While in vitro spermatogenesis circumvents the risk linked to cancer cell contamination and has led to offspring in mice, complete spermatogenesis has not been achieved with human ITT. However, generation of haploid germ cells paves the way to further studies aimed at completing the final maturation of germ cells and increasing the efficiency of the processes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite all the research done to date, FP for prepubertal boys remains a relatively young field and is often challenging to healthcare providers, patients and parents. As cryopreservation of ITT is now likely to expand further, it is important not only to acknowledge some of the research questions raised on the topic, e.g. the epigenetic and genetic integrity of gametes derived from strategies to restore fertility with banked ITT but also to provide healthcare professionals worldwide with updated knowledge to launch proper multicollaborative care pathways in the field and address clinical issues that will come-up when aiming for the child's best interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wyns
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Kanbar
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Grazia Giudice
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Poels
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Early-life cancer, infertility, and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: a registry linkage study in Massachusetts. Cancer Causes Control 2020; 32:169-180. [PMID: 33247354 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-020-01371-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigate the relationship between history of cancer and adverse pregnancy outcomes according to subfertility/fertility treatment. METHODS Deliveries (2004-2013) from Massachusetts (MA) Registry of Vital Records and Statistics were linked to MA assisted reproductive technology data, hospital discharge records, and Cancer Registry. The relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals of adverse outcomes (gestational diabetes (GDM), gestational hypertension (GHTN), cesarean section (CS), low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), preterm birth (PTB), neonatal mortality, and prolonged neonatal hospital stay) were modeled with log-link and Poisson distribution generalized estimating equations. Differences by history of subfertility/fertility treatment were investigated with likelihood ratio tests. RESULTS Among 662,630 deliveries, 2,983 had a history of cancer. Women with cancer history were not at greater risk of GDM, GHTN, or CS. However, infants born to women with prior cancer had higher risk of LBW (RR: 1.19 [1.07-1.32]), prolonged neonatal hospital stay (RR: 1.16 [1.01-1.34]), and PTB (RR: 1.19 [1.07-1.32]). We found clinically and statistically significant differences in the relationship between cancer history and SGA by subfertility/fertility treatment (p value, test for heterogeneity = 0.02); among deliveries with subfertility or fertility treatment, those with a history of cancer experienced a greater risk of SGA (RRsubfertile: 1.36 [1.02-1.83]). CONCLUSIONS Women with a history of cancer had greater risk of some adverse pregnancy outcomes; this relationship varied by subfertility and fertility treatment.
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