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Gallagher S, Kerridge I, Newson A, Attinger S, Norman RJ, Lipworth W. Moral justification for the use of 'add-ons' in assisted reproductive technology: experts' views and experiences. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103637. [PMID: 38185024 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What factors do assisted reproductive terchnology (ART) providers take into account when they make decisions about offering 'add-ons'? DESIGN A qualitative analysis of interviews with 31 ART professionals, focusing on their views and experiences in relation to add-ons, including the factors that are considered when doctors make decisions about their use. RESULTS The participants reported that a range of considerations are taken into account when it comes to justifying the use of a particular add-on in a given circumstance, including the likelihood of benefit and harm, patients' perceived psychological needs and preferences, and organizational expectations. Importantly, patient preferences, psychological factors and low risk of harm appear to be stronger motivations than increasing the likelihood of a live birth or the desire to innovate. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that it cannot be taken for granted that add-ons and innovation are closely linked. One possible response to this would be regulatory reform; for example, only allowing 'unproven' add-ons to be used in the context of formal scientific evaluation. Alternatively, it could be made clear that add-ons that are not undergoing formal evaluation have more in common with other therapies lacking a clear evidence base, such as complementary and alternative medicines, than with conventional medical practice. Practices in relation to add-ons may also require a focus on the responsibilities of corporations, and the standards applying to purveyors of consumer goods and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siun Gallagher
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Health Ethics, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Ian Kerridge
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Health Ethics, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Royal North Shore Hospital, Haematology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Ainsley Newson
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Health Ethics, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Attinger
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Health Ethics, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert J Norman
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Wendy Lipworth
- Department of Philosophy, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Reguera Cabezas M. [Some present and future ethical dilemmas surrounding advancements in in vitro fertilization.]. Salud Colect 2023; 19:e4462. [PMID: 38000000 DOI: 10.18294/sc.2023.4462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing field of assisted human reproduction has achieved unimaginable milestones. Its continuous development and the innovations it generates at times pose both ethical and legal dilemmas. This essay aims to elucidate the progressive changes occurring in the realm of the origin of life due to the development of new options and strategies in assisted human reproduction. First, it constructs an interdisciplinary reflection on human nature and the changes society faces from the perspectives of science, ethics, and law, particularly from the perspective of Spain. Second, it provides a brief overview of current or future biomedical techniques in the field of human reproduction. It concludes with a discussion of the need to reflect on the rapid advancement of science in assisted human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Reguera Cabezas
- Bióloga, Magíster en Genética y Reproducción Humana Asistida, Unidad de Reproducción Asistida, miembro del Comité de Ética Asistencial, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Cantabria, España
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3
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Kasaven LS, Saso S, Getreu N, O'Neill H, Bracewell-Milnes T, Shakir F, Yazbek J, Thum MY, Nicopoullos J, Ben Nagi J, Hardiman P, Diaz-Garcia C, Jones BP. Age-related fertility decline: is there a role for elective ovarian tissue cryopreservation? Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1970-1979. [PMID: 35734904 PMCID: PMC9433842 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related fertility decline (ARFD) is a prevalent concern amongst western cultures due to the increasing age of first-time motherhood. Elective oocyte and embryo cryopreservation remain the most established methods of fertility preservation, providing women the opportunity of reproductive autonomy to preserve their fertility and extend their childbearing years to prevent involuntary childlessness. Whilst ovarian cortex cryopreservation has been used to preserve reproductive potential in women for medical reasons, such as in pre- or peripubertal girls undergoing gonadotoxic chemotherapy, it has not yet been considered in the context of ARFD. As artificial reproductive technology (ART) and surgical methods of fertility preservation continue to evolve, it is a judicious time to review current evidence and consider alternative options for women wishing to delay their fertility. This article critically appraises elective oocyte cryopreservation as an option for women who use it to mitigate the risk of ARFD and introduces the prospect of elective ovarian cortex cryopreservation as an alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine S Kasaven
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Cutrale Perioperative and Ageing Group, Sir Michael Uren Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Srdjan Saso
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Natalie Getreu
- Translational Ovarian Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Helen O'Neill
- Genome Editing and Reproductive Genetics Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Fevzi Shakir
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joseph Yazbek
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Meen-Yau Thum
- Lister Fertility Clinic, The Lister Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Jara Ben Nagi
- Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK
| | | | - Cesar Diaz-Garcia
- IVI London, IVIRMA Global, London, UK.,EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin P Jones
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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4
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Van Calster B, Benachi A, Nicolaides KH, Gratacos E, Berg C, Persico N, Gardener GJ, Belfort M, Ville Y, Ryan G, Johnson A, Sago H, Kosiński P, Bagolan P, Van Mieghem T, DeKoninck PLJ, Russo FM, Hooper SB, Deprest JA. The randomized Tracheal Occlusion To Accelerate Lung growth (TOTAL)-trials on fetal surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: reanalysis using pooled data. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:560.e1-560.e24. [PMID: 34808130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two randomized controlled trials compared the neonatal and infant outcomes after fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion with expectant prenatal management in fetuses with severe and moderate isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia, respectively. Fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion was carried out at 27+0 to 29+6 weeks' gestation (referred to as "early") for severe and at 30+0 to 31+6 weeks ("late") for moderate hypoplasia. The reported absolute increase in the survival to discharge was 13% (95% confidence interval, -1 to 28; P=.059) and 25% (95% confidence interval, 6-46; P=.0091) for moderate and severe hypoplasia. OBJECTIVE Data from the 2 trials were pooled to study the heterogeneity of the treatment effect by observed over expected lung-to-head ratio and explore the effect of gestational age at balloon insertion. STUDY DESIGN Individual participant data from the 2 trials were reanalyzed. Women were assessed between 2008 and 2020 at 14 experienced fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion centers and were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either expectant management or fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion. All received standardized postnatal management. The combined data involved 287 patients (196 with moderate hypoplasia and 91 with severe hypoplasia). The primary endpoint was survival to discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. The secondary endpoints were survival to 6 months of age, survival to 6 months without oxygen supplementation, and gestational age at live birth. Penalized regression was used with the following covariates: intervention (fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion vs expectant), early balloon insertion (yes vs no), observed over expected lung-to-head ratio, liver herniation (yes vs no), and trial (severe vs moderate). The interaction between intervention and the observed over expected lung-to-head ratio was evaluated to study treatment effect heterogeneity. RESULTS For survival to discharge, the adjusted odds ratio of fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion was 1.78 (95% confidence interval, 1.05-3.01; P=.031). The additional effect of early balloon insertion was highly uncertain (adjusted odds ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-3.91; P=.370). When combining these 2 effects, the adjusted odds ratio of fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion with early balloon insertion was 2.73 (95% confidence interval, 1.15-6.49). The results for survival to 6 months and survival to 6 months without oxygen dependence were comparable. The gestational age at delivery was on average 1.7 weeks earlier (95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.3) following fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion with late insertion and 3.2 weeks earlier (95% confidence interval, 2.3-4.1) following fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion with early insertion compared with expectant management. There was no evidence that the effect of fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion depended on the observed over expected lung-to-head ratio for any of the endpoints. CONCLUSION This analysis suggests that fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion increases survival for both moderate and severe lung hypoplasia. The difference between the results for the Tracheal Occlusion To Accelerate Lung growth trials, when considered apart, may be because of the difference in the time point of balloon insertion. However, the effect of the time point of balloon insertion could not be robustly assessed because of a small sample size and the confounding effect of disease severity. Fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion with early balloon insertion in particular strongly increases the risk for preterm delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Van Calster
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; EPI-center, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Hospital Antoine Béclère, Université Paris Saclay, Clamart, France
| | | | | | | | - Nicola Persico
- Hospital Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Michael Belfort
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
| | | | - Greg Ryan
- Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Haruhiko Sago
- National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Przemysław Kosiński
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pietro Bagolan
- Medical and Surgical Department of the Fetus-Newborn-Infant, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Tim Van Mieghem
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philip L J DeKoninck
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca M Russo
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stuart B Hooper
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute for Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jan A Deprest
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute for Women's Health, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
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5
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Pennings G. Enucleated oocyte donation: first for infertility treatment, then for mitochondrial diseases. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:605-8. [PMID: 35132530 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02428-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There seems to be a consensus that enucleated oocyte donation (EOD) should only be used to reduce the risk of having a child with mitochondrial disorders. However, this paper argues that in the initial phase in which we are at the moment, EOD should first be used to remedy infertility caused by poor oocyte quality or poor embryonic development. That learning period will allow researchers to improve their technical skills and the knowledge of the best procedure before starting on high-risk cases. Mitochondrial carryover of pathologic mtDNA is the main cause of concern for the offspring. That risk does not exist in infertility cases. The application of EOD to treat infertility should at present be performed in a clinical research setting to obtain more evidence about efficacy and safety.
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Russo F, Benachi A, Gratacos E, Zani A, Keijzer R, Partridge E, Sananes N, De Coppi P, Aertsen M, Nicolaides KH, Deprest J. Antenatal Management of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: what's next ? Prenat Diagn 2022; 42:291-300. [PMID: 35199368 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can be diagnosed in the prenatal period and its severity can be measured by fetal imaging. There is now level I evidence that, in selected cases, Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) increases survival to discharge from the neonatal unit as well as the risk for prematurity. Both effects are dependent on the time point of tracheal occlusion. FETO may also lead to iatrogenic death when done in unexperienced centres. The implementation of the findings from our clinical studies, may also vary based on local conditions. These may be different in terms of available skill set, access to fetal therapy, as well as outcome based on local neonatal management. We encourage prior benchmarking of local outcomes with optimal postnatal management, based on large enough numbers and using identical criteria as in the recent trials. We propose to work further on prenatal prediction methods, and the improvement of fetal intervention. In this manuscript, we describe a research agenda from a fetal medicine perspective. This research should be in parallel with innovation in neonatal and pediatric (surgical) management of this condition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Russo
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, KU Leuven and Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Antoine Béclère, Université Paris Saclay, Clamart, France
| | | | - Augusto Zani
- Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto and Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Keijzer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Emily Partridge
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicolas Sananes
- Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Michael Aertsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, KU Leuven and Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Institute of Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Liperis G, Fraire-Zamora JJ, Makieva S, Massarotti C, Ali ZE, Kohlhepp F, Ammar OF, Mathur R, Venetis C, Fincham A, Serdarogullari M. #ESHREjc report: trick or treatment-evidence based use of add-ons in ART and patient perspectives. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:386-388. [PMID: 34865048 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- George Liperis
- Westmead Fertility Centre, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Sofia Makieva
- Kinderwunschzentrum, Klinik für Reproduktions-Endokrinologie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Massarotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI Dept.), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Florian Kohlhepp
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Raj Mathur
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Christos Venetis
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health & School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Health & Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Munevver Serdarogullari
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine Cyprus International University, Northern Cyprus via Mersin 10, Turkey
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Breakthroughs in animal studies make the topic of human application of ectogenesis for medical and non-medical purposes more relevant than ever before. While current data do not yet demonstrate a reasonable expectation of clinical benefit soon, several groups are investigating the feasibility of artificial uteri for extracorporeal human gestation. MAIN TEXT This paper offers the first comprehensive and up to date discussion of the most important pros and cons of human ectogenesis in light of clinical application, along with an examination of crucial ethical (and legal) issues that continued research into, and the clinical translation of, ectogenesis gives rise to. The expected benefits include advancing prenatal medicine, improving neonatal intensive care, and providing a novel pathway towards biological parenthood. This comes with important future challenges. Prior to human application, important questions have to be considered concerning translational research, experimental use of human fetuses and appropriate safety testing. Key questions are identified regarding risks to ectogenesis' subjects, and the physical impact on the pregnant person when transfer from the uterus to the artificial womb is required. Critical issues concerning proportionality have to be considered, also in terms of equity of access, relative to the envisaged application of ectogenesis. The advent of ectogenesis also comes with crucial issues surrounding abortion, extended fetal viability and moral status of the fetus. CONCLUSIONS The development of human ectogenesis will have numerous implications for clinical practice. Prior to human testing, close consideration should be given to whether (and how) ectogenesis can be introduced as a continuation of existing neonatal care, with due attention to both safety risks to the fetus and pressures on pregnant persons to undergo experimental and/or invasive procedures. Equally important is the societal debate about the acceptable applications of ectogenesis and how access to these usages should be prioritized. It should be anticipated that clinical availability of ectogenesis, possibly first as a way to save extremely premature fetuses, may spark demand for non-medical purposes, like avoiding physical and social burdens of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seppe Segers
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Blandijnberg 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Galiano V, Orvieto R, Machtinger R, Nahum R, Garzia E, Sulpizio P, Marconi AM, Seidman D. "Add-Ons" for Assisted Reproductive Technology: Do Patients Get Honest Information from Fertility Clinics' Websites? Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3466-72. [PMID: 33939166 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00601-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
"Add-on" procedures are actively promoted on some fertility clinic websites as proven means to improve IVF success rates, especially for couples with repeated implantation/IVF failures. However, the actual contribution of these interventions to live birth rates remains inconclusive. At present, little is known about the type and quality of the information provided on the IVF clinics' websites regarding the merits of "add-ons." A systematic evaluation of the quality of information on "add-on" procedures in fertility clinic websites was performed using 10-criteria structured questionnaire. We included English language websites that presented in the Google.com search engine after typing the following key-words:"endometrial scratching"(ES), "intralipid infusions"(ILI), "assisted hatching"(AHA), "PGT-A," or "PGS". In total, 254 websites were evaluated. In most cases, an accurate description of the "add-on" procedures was provided (78.8%). However, only a minority (12%) reported their undetermined effectiveness. The use of PGT-A was more often encouraged (52.8%) than ES (23.6%) and AHA (16%). The cost was infrequently presented (6.9%). Scientific references were only rarely provided for ILI, versus 12.7% for ES, 4.0% for AHA, and 5.6% for PGT-A. The information entry date was often missing. None of the websites reported the clinic's pregnancy-rate following the "add-on" procedures. Information on "add-ons" available to patients from IVF clinic websites is often inaccurate. This could perpetuate false myths among infertile patients about these procedures and raises concern regarding possible commercial bias. It is imperative that IVF clinic websites will better communicate the associated risks and uncertainties of "add-ons" to prospective patients.
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Trias E, Nijs M, Rugescu IA, Lombardo F, Nikolov G, Provoost V, Tolpe A, Vermeulen N, Veleva Z, Piteira R, Casaroli-Marano R, Tilleman K. Evaluating risk, safety and efficacy of novel reproductive techniques and therapies through the EuroGTP II risk assessment tool. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1821-1838. [PMID: 32728714 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can risks associated with novelties in assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) be assessed in a systematic and structured way? SUMMARY ANSWER An ART-specific risk assessment tool has been developed to assess the risks associated with the development of novelties in ART (EuroGTP II-ART). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY How to implement new technologies in ART is well-described in the literature. The successive steps should include testing in animal models, executing pre-clinical studies using supernumerary gametes or embryos, prospective clinical trials and finally, short- and long-term follow-up studies on the health of the offspring. A framework categorizing treatments from experimental through innovative to established according to the extent of the studies conducted has been devised. However, a systematic and standardized methodology to facilitate risk evaluation before innovations are performed in a clinical setting is lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The EuroGTP II-ART risk assessment tool was developed on the basis of a generic risk assessment algorithm developed for tissue and cell therapies and products (TCTPs) in the context of the project 'Good Practices for demonstrating safety and quality through recipient follow-up European Good Tissue and cells Practices II (EuroGTP II)'. For this purpose, a series of four meetings was held in which eight ART experts participated. In addition, several tests and simulations were undertaken to fine-tune the final tool. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The three steps comprising the EuroGTP II methodology were evaluated against its usefulness and applicability in ART. Ways to improve and adapt the methodology into ART risk assessment were agreed and implemented. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Assessment of the novelty (Step 1), consisting of seven questions, is the same as for other TCTPs. Practical examples were included for better understanding. Identification of potential risks and consequences (Step 2), consisting of a series of risks and risk consequences to consider during risk assessment, was adapted from the generic methodology, adding more potential risks for processes involving gonadic tissues. The algorithm to score risks was also adapted, giving a specific range of highest possible risk scores. A list of strategies for risk reduction and definition of extended studies required to ensure effectiveness and safety (Step 3) was also produced by the ART experts, based on generic EuroGTP II methodology. Several explanations and examples were provided for each of the steps for better understanding within this field. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A multidisciplinary team is needed to perform risk assessment, to interpret results and to determine risk mitigation strategies and/or next steps required to ensure the safety in the clinical use of novelties. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is a dynamic tool whose value goes beyond assessment of risk before implementing a novel ART in clinical practice, to re-evaluate risks based on information collected during the process. STUDY FUNDING / COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was called EUROGTP II and was funded by the European Commission (Grant agreement number 709567). The authors declare no competing interests concerning the results of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteve Trias
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Leitat Technological Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ioana Adina Rugescu
- Embryolab Academy, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Romanian Embryologists Association and Romanian Competent Authority, Romania
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology and Bank of Semen 'Loredana Gandini', Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | - Gueorgui Nikolov
- Laboratory of Seminology and Bank of Semen 'Loredana Gandini', Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | - Veerle Provoost
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Tolpe
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Vermeulen
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Grimbergen, Belgium
| | - Zdravka Veleva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rita Piteira
- Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST) - Barcelona Tissue Bank, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Kelly Tilleman
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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11
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Segers I, Bardhi E, Mateizel I, Van Moer E, Schots R, Verheyen G, Tournaye H, De Vos M. Live births following fertility preservation using in-vitro maturation of ovarian tissue oocytes. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2026-2036. [PMID: 32829388 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can oocytes extracted from excised ovarian tissue and matured in vitro be a useful adjunct for urgent fertility preservation (FP)? SUMMARY ANSWER Ovarian tissue oocyte in-vitro maturation (OTO-IVM) in combination with ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is a valuable adjunct technique for FP. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Despite the impressive progress in the field, options for FP for cancer patients are still limited and, depending on the technique, clinical outcome data are still scarce. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a university hospital-affiliated fertility clinic between January 2012 and May 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study included 77 patients who underwent unilateral oophorectomy for OTC. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained during ovarian tissue processing were matured in vitro for 28-42 h. Oocytes reaching metaphase II stage were vitrified or inseminated for embryo vitrification. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Overall, 1220 COCs were collected. The mean oocyte maturation rate was 39% ± 23% (SD). There were 64 patients who had vitrification of oocytes (6.7 ± 6.3 oocytes per patient). There were 13 patients who had ICSI of mature oocytes after IVM, with 2.0 ± 2.0 embryos vitrified per patient. Twelve patients have returned to the clinic with a desire for pregnancy. For seven of these, OTO-IVM material was thawed. Two patients had OTO-IVM oocytes warmed, with survival rates of 86% and 60%. After ICSI, six oocytes were fertilised in total, generating three good quality embryos for transfer, leading to a healthy live birth for one patient. In five patients, for whom a mean of 2.0 ± 0.8 (SD) embryos had been vitrified, seven embryos were warmed in total: one embryo did not survive the warming process; two tested genetically unsuitable for transfer; and four were transferred in separate cycles to three different patients, resulting in two healthy babies. In this small series, the live birth rate per patient after OTO-IVM, ICSI and embryo transfer was 43%. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The retrospective study design and the limited sample size should be considered when interpreting results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results of the study illustrate the added value of OTO-IVM in combination with OTC. We report the first live birth following the use of this appended technique combined with oocyte vitrification. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was used for this study. M.D.V. reports honoraria for lectures in the last 2 years from MSD and Ferring, outside the submitted work, as well as grant support from MSD. The other authors have nothing to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Segers
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), University Hospital Brussel - Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erlisa Bardhi
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), University Hospital Brussel - Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Ileana Mateizel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), University Hospital Brussel - Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Van Moer
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), University Hospital Brussel - Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rik Schots
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Brussel - Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Greta Verheyen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), University Hospital Brussel - Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), University Hospital Brussel - Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine (CRG), University Hospital Brussel - Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.,Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
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12
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Verweij EJ, de Vries MC, Oldekamp EJ, Eggink AJ, Oepkes D, Slaghekke F, Spoor JKH, Deprest JA, Miller JL, Baschat AA, DeKoninck PLJ. Fetoscopic myelomeningocoele closure: Is the scientific evidence enough to challenge the gold standard for prenatal surgery? Prenat Diagn 2021; 41:949-956. [PMID: 33778976 PMCID: PMC8360048 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Since the completion of the Management of Myelomeningocoele Study, maternal-fetal surgery for spina bifida has become a valid option for expecting parents. More recently, multiple groups are exploring a minimally invasive approach and recent outcomes have addressed many of the initial concerns with this approach. Based on a previously published framework, we attempt to delineate the developmental stage of the surgical techniques. Furthermore, we discuss the barriers of performing randomized controlled trials comparing two surgical interventions and suggest that data collection through registries is an alternative method to gather high-grade evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Joanne Verweij
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martine C de Vries
- Department of Medical Ethics & Health Law, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Esther J Oldekamp
- Department of Medical Ethics & Health Law, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alex J Eggink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick Oepkes
- Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Slaghekke
- Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jochem K H Spoor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A Deprest
- Academic Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jena L Miller
- Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ahmet A Baschat
- Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Philip L J DeKoninck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Strowitzki T, Bruckner T, Roesner S. Maternal and neonatal outcome and children's development after medically assisted reproduction with in-vitro matured oocytes-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:460-473. [PMID: 33377477 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IVM was implemented in medically assisted reproduction 25 years ago. IVM does not involve controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and is mainly indicated in patients with a high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in particular in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); it is also an acknowledged option in fertility protection. However, the in-vitro culture of immature oocytes raises concerns over their developmental potential and the putative impact on children's health. Although an increasing number of studies on obstetric and neonatal outcomes of IVM children and their development have been published in recent years, study designs are difficult to compare, since IVM is used in women with various indications and IVM protocols do not follow the same standards. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence from IVM children of an impact of in-vitro culture of immature oocytes. Primary outcome parameters were birthweight and children's development up to the age of 2 years. We also compared pregnancy pathologies and the outcome of IVM children and COS children in relation to maternal indications, in particular PCOS, and to the type of IVM protocols with or without ovulation trigger as the secondary outcome parameters. IVM is an accepted clinical option for many centres; however, a comprehensive analysis of the available data is needed to establish whether the use of human oocytes that are fully matured in vitro is safe for both children and their mothers. SEARCH METHODS Google Scholar and PubMed were used for identifying peer-reviewed original articles and reviews through January 2020. A total of 191 studies were screened and 16 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Studies were stratified according to indications, the use of an ovulation trigger and multiplicity. OUTCOMES Birthweights of IVM singletons and multiples were comparable to their respective COS controls: birthweights were also similar if the analysis was restricted to mothers with PCOS. IVM children had a comparable birthweight to COS children, irrespective of whether an ovulation trigger was used in IVM cycles or not. The frequency of gestational diabetes (GD) in singleton pregnancies was comparable between IVM and COS, regardless of infertility background. There was also no difference in GD frequency between IVM and COS, if an hCG ovulation trigger in IVM cycles was used or not. Hypertensive disorders in singleton pregnancies of women with PCOS were significantly more frequent after IVM compared to COS, in particular if IVM cycles were performed only with in-vitro matured oocytes. There was no difference in the preterm birth rate of singleton pregnancies between IVM and COS. Preterm birth rates were still similar if only women diagnosed with PCOS were compared and whether an ovulation trigger in IVM was used or not. The malformation rate in IVM children did not differ in COS children versus children after natural conception. At the age of 2 years, IVM singletons showed similar anthropometric and mental development compared to COS children or children from natural conception. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The higher incidence of hypertensive disorders in IVM pregnancies needs monitoring during pregnancy. Current data on the development of IVM children are encouraging, although the quality of many studies is limited and long-term data beyond 2 years are scarce. Further studies should be based on generally accepted IVM protocols. Studies on long-term outcomes beyond 2 years are needed to search for potential long-time sequelae of IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Strowitzki
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Heidelberg University, 69121 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Bruckner
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Informatics, Heidelberg University, 69121 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Roesner
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Heidelberg University, 69121 Heidelberg, Germany
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Jans V, Dondorp W, Bonduelle M, de Die C, Mertes H, Pennings G, de Wert G. Follow-up in the field of reproductive medicine: an ethical exploration. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:1144-1150. [PMID: 32967810 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What ethical implications, issues and concerns play a role in conducting follow-up studies of children born after assisted reproductive technologies (ART)? DESIGN Literature study and relevant experiences of academic medical centres in Brussels, Belgium, and Maastricht, the Netherlands were used to identify and analyse the most pertinent ethical implications, issues and concerns. RESULTS According to recommendations from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, follow-up (ideally long term) of children conceived through medically assisted reproduction (MAR) should be an integral part of introducing new ART. With potentially risky new ART on the horizon, these recommendations need to be taken more seriously. Apart from practical barriers, such as funding, challenges for follow-up include securing active involvement of families of children conceived through MAR, starting with parents of young children, and ideally involving consenting adolescents and adults during a large part of their lives, possibly even into the next generation. CONCLUSIONS From an ethical viewpoint, the most pertinent issues include the proportionality of the inevitable burdens and risks for families of children conceived through MAR, and the implications of the principle of respect for autonomy. The proportionality requirement is most critical when it concerns incompetent children, who should not be included in research with more than minimal burdens and risks if there is no reasonable expectation of benefit for themselves. With respect for autonomy, we argue that, when seeking voluntary consent for participating in follow-up studies that meet the condition of proportionality, professionals may encourage members of families of children conceived through MAR to partake in follow-up research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verna Jans
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society Maastricht University, Postbus 616, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Wybo Dondorp
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society Maastricht University, Postbus 616, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Maryse Bonduelle
- Center for Medical Genetics, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels (Jette) 1090, Belgium
| | - Christine de Die
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Research School GROW for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Postbus 5800, Maastricht 6202 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Blandijnberg 2, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Guido Pennings
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Blandijnberg 2, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society Maastricht University, Postbus 616, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands
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15
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Goossens E, Jahnukainen K, Mitchell RT, van Pelt A, Pennings G, Rives N, Poels J, Wyns C, Lane S, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Rives A, Valli-Pulaski H, Steimer S, Kliesch S, Braye A, Andres MM, Medrano J, Ramos L, Kristensen SG, Andersen CY, Bjarnason R, Orwig KE, Neuhaus N, Stukenborg JB. Fertility preservation in boys: recent developments and new insights †. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa016. [PMID: 32529047 PMCID: PMC7275639 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is an important side effect of treatments used for cancer and other non-malignant conditions in males. This may be due to the loss of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and/or altered functionality of testicular somatic cells (e.g. Sertoli cells, Leydig cells). Whereas sperm cryopreservation is the first-line procedure to preserve fertility in post-pubertal males, this option does not exist for prepubertal boys. For patients unable to produce sperm and at high risk of losing their fertility, testicular tissue freezing is now proposed as an alternative experimental option to safeguard their fertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE With this review, we aim to provide an update on clinical practices and experimental methods, as well as to describe patient management inclusion strategies used to preserve and restore the fertility of prepubertal boys at high risk of fertility loss. SEARCH METHODS Based on the expertise of the participating centres and a literature search of the progress in clinical practices, patient management strategies and experimental methods used to preserve and restore the fertility of prepubertal boys at high risk of fertility loss were identified. In addition, a survey was conducted amongst European and North American centres/networks that have published papers on their testicular tissue banking activity. OUTCOMES Since the first publication on murine SSC transplantation in 1994, remarkable progress has been made towards clinical application: cryopreservation protocols for testicular tissue have been developed in animal models and are now offered to patients in clinics as a still experimental procedure. Transplantation methods have been adapted for human testis, and the efficiency and safety of the technique are being evaluated in mouse and primate models. However, important practical, medical and ethical issues must be resolved before fertility restoration can be applied in the clinic.Since the previous survey conducted in 2012, the implementation of testicular tissue cryopreservation as a means to preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys has increased. Data have been collected from 24 co-ordinating centres worldwide, which are actively offering testis tissue cryobanking to safeguard the future fertility of boys. More than 1033 young patients (age range 3 months to 18 years) have already undergone testicular tissue retrieval and storage for fertility preservation. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The review does not include the data of all reproductive centres worldwide. Other centres might be offering testicular tissue cryopreservation. Therefore, the numbers might be not representative for the entire field in reproductive medicine and biology worldwide. The key ethical issue regarding fertility preservation in prepubertal boys remains the experimental nature of the intervention. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The revised procedures can be implemented by the multi-disciplinary teams offering and/or developing treatment strategies to preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys who have a high risk of fertility loss. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The work was funded by ESHRE. None of the authors has a conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Jahnukainen
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden.,Division of Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, New Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh; and the Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amm van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - N Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, F 76000, Rouen, France
| | - J Poels
- Department of Gynecology and Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Wyns
- Department of Gynecology and Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Lane
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Children's Hospital Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - K A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Section of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, F 76000, Rouen, France
| | - H Valli-Pulaski
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - S Steimer
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - S Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A Braye
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M M Andres
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Medrano
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - L Ramos
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynacology, Division Reproductive Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S G Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Y Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Bjarnason
- Children's Medical Center, Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland and Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - K E Orwig
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - N Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - J B Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
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Abstract
Culturing of human embryos in optimal conditions is crucial for a successful in vitro fertilisation (IVF) programme. In addition, the capacity to assess and rank embryos correctly for quality will allow for transfer of the potentially 'best' embryo first, thereby shortening the time to pregnancy, although not improving cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates. It will also encourage and facilitate the implementation of single embryo transfers, thereby increasing safety for mother and offspring. Time-lapse technology introduces the concept of stable culture conditions, in connection with the possibility of continuous viewing and documenting of the embryo throughout development. However, so far, even when embryo quality scoring is based on large datasets, or when using the time-lapse technology, the morphokinetic scores are still mainly based on subjective and intermittent annotations of morphology and timings. Also, the construction of powerful algorithms for widespread use is hampered by large variations in culture conditions between individual IVF laboratories. New methodology, involving machine learning, where every image from the time-lapse documentation is analysed by a computer programme, looking for patterns that link to outcome, may in the future provide a more accurate and non-biased embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kersti Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
- CONTACT Kersti Lundin Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Hannah Park
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
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17
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Hussein RS, Khan Z, Zhao Y. Fertility Preservation in Women: Indications and Options for Therapy. Mayo Clin Proc 2020; 95:770-783. [PMID: 32247351 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Fertility preservation (FP) is a vital issue for individuals in either reproductive or prepubescent stage of life when future fertility may be compromised. The objective of any FP intervention is to minimize or eliminate primary disease burden and to ensure maintaining or preserving reproductive health. Fertility potential can be affected by cancer therapy and numerous other factors, including advancing age, metabolic conditions, autoimmune diseases, specific surgical interventions, and sex affirmation procedures. A paradigm shift focusing on quality-of-life issues and long-term survivorship has emerged, especially because of advances in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Several FP techniques have been widely distributed, while others are still in the research stage. In addition, specific procedures and some potentially fertoprotective agents are being developed, aiming to minimize the hazards of gonadal damage caused by cancer therapy and decrease the need for more costly, invasive, and time-consuming FP methods. This review highlights the advances, indications, and options for FP, both experimental and well-established, in females of various age groups. An electronic search in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases was conducted, including retrospective studies, prospective clinical trials, meta-analyses, original reviews, and online abstracts published up to June 30, 2019. The search terms used included fertility preservation, oncofertility, embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The meeting proceedings of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology were also hand searched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda S Hussein
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Zaraq Khan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Yulian Zhao
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
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18
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Jans V, Dondorp W, Mastenbroek S, Mertes H, Pennings G, Smeets H, de Wert G. Between innovation and precaution: how did offspring safety considerations play a role in strategies of introducing new reproductive techniques? Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa003. [PMID: 32201741 PMCID: PMC7077615 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of reproductive medicine has been criticized for introducing ARTs without systematic research on possible safety risks and for failing to meet the standards of evidence-based innovation held elsewhere in medicine. In this paper, firstly, we ask whether ‘responsible innovation’ has been a concern for the field, and if so, how it has understood the practical implications of this idea for the development and introduction of potentially risky new ARTs. Secondly, we consider whether the field has indeed fallen short of its responsibilities in this respect, and if so, how things can be improved. To answer these questions, we present three case studies involving the introduction of a new reproductive technology: ICSI, preimplantation genetic testing and mitochondrial replacement therapy. As a framework for analyzing these cases, we used Per Sandin’s account of the four dimensions of dealing with risks (threat, uncertainty, action, command) that are central to debates about the possible role of the so-called precautionary principle. We conclude that, although offspring safety concerns have been on the agenda of the debate about bringing the relevant technologies to the clinic, systematic safety and effectiveness studies were not always conducted. As professionals in assisted reproduction have a responsibility to take account of the welfare of the children they are creating, we suggest a policy of proceeding with systematic caution. Legal measures may be needed to ensure that professional guidance is followed in practice. Finally, an open question concerns the threshold for acceptable risk in the context of introducing new ARTs. Multiple stakeholders, including professional societies and patient organizations, should have a role in the urgent debate about this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verna Jans
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society and Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wybo Dondorp
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society and Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guido Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hubert Smeets
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society and Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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19
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Wilkinson J, Malpas P, Hammarberg K, Mahoney Tsigdinos P, Lensen S, Jackson E, Harper J, Mol BW. Do à la carte menus serve infertility patients? The ethics and regulation of in vitro fertility add-ons. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:973-977. [PMID: 31703942 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Add-on treatments are the new black. They are provided (most frequently, sold) to patients undergoing in vitro fertilization on the premise that they will improve the chances of having a baby. However, the regulation of add-ons is consistently minimal, meaning that they are introduced into routine practice before they have been shown to improve the live birth rate. Debate on the adequacy of this light-touch approach rages. Defenders argue that demands for a rigorous approval process are paternalistic, as this would delay access to promising treatments. Critics respond that promising treatments may turn out to have adverse effects on patients and their offspring, contradicting the clinician's responsibility to do no harm. Some add-ons, including earlier versions of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, might even reduce the live birth rate, raising the prospect of desperate patients paying more to worsen their chances. Informed consent represents a solution in principle, but in practice there is a clear tension between impartial information and direct-to-consumer advertising. Because the effects of a treatment cannot be known until it has been robustly evaluated, we argue that strong evidence should be required before add-ons are introduced to the clinic. In the meantime, there is an imperative to identify methods for communicating the associated risks and uncertainties of add-ons to prospective patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Wilkinson
- Centre for Biostatistics, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Phillipa Malpas
- Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karin Hammarberg
- Jean Hailes Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Lensen
- Cochrane Gynecology and Fertility Group, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Emily Jackson
- Law Department, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joyce Harper
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ben W Mol
- Evidence-based Women's Health Care Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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20
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Alteri A, Pisaturo V, Tilleman K, D’Angelo A. The IVF Shopping List: To Tick or Not to Tick. EMJ 2019. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/10311849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Alteri
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Pisaturo
- Reproductive Medicine Department, International Evangelical Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Kelly Tilleman
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-Fast), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arianna D’Angelo
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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21
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Trias E, Lomas R, Tabera J, Piteira AR, Tilleman K, Casaroli-Marano RP, Chandrasekar A. EuroGTP II: a tool to assess risk, safety and efficacy of substances of human origin. Int J Qual Health Care 2019; 32:80-84. [DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzz048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
A systematic methodology, able to assess risk and predict clinical safety and efficacy of Substances of Human Origin’ (SoHO) has been developed. The model consists of a risk based approach taking into account factors such as novelty of the product, preparation process, clinical indication, and its technical complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteve Trias
- Banc Sang i Teixits (BST)—Barcelona Tissue Bank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard Lomas
- National Health Service—Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). Liverpool, UK
| | - Jaime Tabera
- Banc Sang i Teixits (BST)—Barcelona Tissue Bank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Rita Piteira
- Banc Sang i Teixits (BST)—Barcelona Tissue Bank, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kelly Tilleman
- Ghent University Hospital—Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Jans V, Dondorp W, Goossens E, Mertes H, Pennings G, de Wert G. Balancing animal welfare and assisted reproduction: ethics of preclinical animal research for testing new reproductive technologies. Med Health Care Philos 2018; 21:537-545. [PMID: 29417302 PMCID: PMC6267242 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-018-9827-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the field of medically assisted reproduction (MAR), there is a growing emphasis on the importance of introducing new assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) only after thorough preclinical safety research, including the use of animal models. At the same time, there is international support for the three R's (replace, reduce, refine), and the European Union even aims at the full replacement of animals for research. The apparent tension between these two trends underlines the urgency of an explicit justification of the use of animals for the development and preclinical testing of new ARTs. Considering that the use of animals remains necessary for specific forms of ART research and taking account of different views on the moral importance of helping people to have a genetically related child, we argue that, in principle, the importance of safety research as part of responsible innovation outweighs the limited infringement of animal wellbeing involved in ART research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verna Jans
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society and Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Wybo Dondorp
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society and Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Department of Biology of the Testis (BITE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guido Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society and Research School GROW for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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23
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von Wolff M, Sänger N, Liebenthron J. Is Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation and Transplantation Still Experimental? It Is a Matter of Female Age and Type of Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2018; 36:JCO1800425. [PMID: 30289731 DOI: 10.1200/jco.18.00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael von Wolff
- Michael von Wolff, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland; Nicole Sänger, University Hospital, Johann-Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; and Jana Liebenthron, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Michael von Wolff, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland; Nicole Sänger, University Hospital, Johann-Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; and Jana Liebenthron, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jana Liebenthron
- Michael von Wolff, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland; Nicole Sänger, University Hospital, Johann-Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; and Jana Liebenthron, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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24
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Silva LM, Mbemya GT, Guerreiro DD, Brito DCC, Donfack NJ, Morais MLG, Rodrigues GQ, Bruno JB, Rocha RMP, Alves BG, Apgar GA, Cibin FWS, Figueiredo JR, Rodrigues APR. Effect of Catalase or Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplementation in the Vitrification Solution of Ovine Ovarian Tissue. Biopreserv Biobank 2018; 16:258-269. [DOI: 10.1089/bio.2017.0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana M. Silva
- PPGCV-LAMOFOPA-Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, Brasil
| | - Gildas T. Mbemya
- PPGCV-LAMOFOPA-Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jamily B. Bruno
- PPGCV-LAMOFOPA-Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, Brasil
| | | | - Benner G. Alves
- PPGCV-LAMOFOPA-Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, Brasil
| | - Gary A. Apgar
- PPGCV-LAMOFOPA-Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, Brasil
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25
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Jans V, Dondorp W, Goossens E, Mertes H, Pennings G, Smeets H, de Wert G. Of mice and human embryos: is there an ethically preferred order of preclinical research on new assisted reproductive technologies? Hum Reprod 2018; 33:1581-1585. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Verna Jans
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society Maastricht University, Postbus 616, Maastricht MD, The Netherlands
| | - Wybo Dondorp
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society Maastricht University, Postbus 616, Maastricht MD, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Biology of the testis BITE, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels (Jette), Belgium
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Blandijnberg 2, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guido Pennings
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Blandijnberg 2, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hubert Smeets
- Maastricht University, Clinical Genomics, Maastricht MD, The Netherlands
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society Maastricht University, Postbus 616, Maastricht MD, The Netherlands
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26
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Raffel N, Lotz L, Hoffmann I, Liebenthron J, Söder S, Beckmann MW, Dittrich R. Repetitive Maturation of Oocytes From Non-Stimulated Xenografted Ovarian Tissue From a Prepubertal Patient Indicating the Independence of Human Ovarian Tissue. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2017; 77:1304-1311. [PMID: 29269958 PMCID: PMC5734935 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-122601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Modern anti-cancer strategies have distinctly increased survival rates; nevertheless, often accompanied by sterility. Currently, the only option for preserving fertility in prepubertal females is to cryopreserve ovarian tissue and re-transplant frozen-thawed tissue to restore fertility after treatment. Our aim was to report the occurrence of repetitive antral follicle formation and oocyte maturation in a prepubescent ovarian tissue xenograft without exogenous hormone stimulation.
Material and Methods
Frozen-thawed ovarian tissue from a 6-year-old patient suffering from nephroblastoma was xenotransplanted in oophorectomized severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice to evaluate follicle development.
Ergebnisse
Repetitive follicle development to the antral stage occurred in the same xenograft of prepubertal ovarian tissue without exogenous hormone administration; 37 days after retrieving a maturing oocyte (this first retrieval has been previously published), another, completely mature oocyte was harvested from the xenograft. Subsequent histological evaluation of the grafted tissue showed primordial follicles, nearly all stages of developing follicles, as well as large atretic ones. Many clusters with dormant primordial follicles were also present.
Conclusion
Xenotransplanted prepubertal ovarian tissue has the potential for repetitive oocyte retrieval cycles without administering exogenous hormones. The results indicate that the human ovarian tissue might be able to synchronize the hypothalamus-hypophysis-axes of the mouse to the physiological human cycle; this should be investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Raffel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura Lotz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Inge Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jana Liebenthron
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stephan Söder
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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27
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Balduzzi A, Dalle JH, Jahnukainen K, von Wolff M, Lucchini G, Ifversen M, Macklon KT, Poirot C, Diesch T, Jarisch A, Bresters D, Yaniv I, Gibson B, Willasch AM, Fadini R, Ferrari L, Lawitschka A, Ahler A, Sänger N, Corbacioglu S, Ansari M, Moffat R, Dalissier A, Beohou E, Sedlacek P, Lankester A, De Heredia Rubio CD, Vettenranta K, Wachowiak J, Yesilipek A, Trigoso E, Klingebiel T, Peters C, Bader P. Fertility preservation issues in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: practical approaches from the consensus of the Pediatric Diseases Working Party of the EBMT and the International BFM Study Group. Bone Marrow Transplant 2017; 52:1406-1415. [PMID: 28737775 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2017.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fertility preservation is an urgent challenge in the transplant setting. A panel of transplanters and fertility specialists within the Pediatric Diseases Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the International BFM Study Group provides specific guidelines. Patients and families should be informed of possible gender- and age-specific cryopreservation strategies that should be tailored according to the underlying disease, clinical condition and previous exposure to chemotherapy. Semen collection should be routinely offered to all postpubertal boys at the diagnosis of any disease requiring therapy that could potentially impair fertility. Testicular tissue collection might be offered to postpubertal boys; nevertheless, its use has been unsuccessful to date. Oocyte collection after hormonal hyperstimulation should be offered to postpubertal girls facing gonadotoxic therapies that could be delayed for the 2 weeks required for the procedure. Ovarian tissue collection could be offered to pre-/post-pubertal girls. Pregnancies have been reported after postpubertal ovarian tissue reimplantation; however, to date, no pregnancy has been reported after the reimplantation of prepubertal ovarian tissue or in vitro maturation of pre-/post-pubertal ovarian tissue. Possible future advances in reproductive medicine could change this scenario. Health authorities should prioritize fertility preservation projects in pediatric transplantation to improve patient care and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Balduzzi
- Clinica Pediatrica, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - J-H Dalle
- Hemato-Immunology Department, Robert-Debre Hospital, APHP and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - K Jahnukainen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M von Wolff
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital Bern, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Lucchini
- Bone Marrow Transplant Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - M Ifversen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K T Macklon
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Poirot
- Adolescent and Young Adult Hematology Unit, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - T Diesch
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Jarisch
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - D Bresters
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - I Yaniv
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - B Gibson
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Royal Hospital for Children, Scotland, UK
| | - A M Willasch
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - R Fadini
- Centro di Medicina della Riproduzione Biogenesi, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | - L Ferrari
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ospedale San Gerardo di Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - A Lawitschka
- St Anna Children's Hospital, UKKJ, MUW, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Ahler
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - N Sänger
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, JW Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - S Corbacioglu
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M Ansari
- Department of Pediatrics, Hémato-Oncologie Pédiatrique, CANSEARCH Research Laboratory, Université de Médecine de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R Moffat
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Dalissier
- EBMT Paris Office, Hospital Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - E Beohou
- EBMT Paris Office, Hospital Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - P Sedlacek
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - A Lankester
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C D De Heredia Rubio
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - K Vettenranta
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Wachowiak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - A Yesilipek
- Bahcesehir University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E Trigoso
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, Paediatric Transplant Unit, Polytechnic and University Hospital 'LA FE', Valencia, Spain
| | - T Klingebiel
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - C Peters
- St Anna Children's Hospital, UKKJ, MUW, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Bader
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
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28
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Fabregues F, Calafell JM, Manau D, Borras A, Peñarrubia J, Casals G, Peralta S, Creus M, Iglesias S, Yaghi S, Carmona F. Pregnancy after Orthotopic Ovarian Tissue Transplantation Using N-hexyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders 2017; 9:216-21. [DOI: 10.5301/jeppd.5000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in advance of cytotoxic therapies and later transplantation of the tissue is being performed increasingly often, and the total success rates in terms of pregnancy and delivery have been described in case series. Most pregnancies were achieved after orthotopic transplantation of tissue (in the peritoneum or the remaining ovary); however, treatment of the transplantation site during surgery is controversial. In this observational case-series study, we include four patients who underwent ovarian tissue transplantation between 2012 and 2016 by laparoscopy. Previously ovarian tissue was cryopreserved with slow freezing protocol prior to chemo- and/or radiotherapy. After cancer remission, the cryopreserved ovarian tissues were orthotopically re-transplanted in the ovarian medulla by laparoscopy, using N-hexyl-2-cyanoacrylate as an absorbable adhesion barrier. All patients regained ovarian function between 8 and 24 weeks after transplantation, as shown by follicle development and estrogen production. In patients 1 and 2 the ovarian function ended one year after transplantation. Patient 3 has regular menstrual cycles 2 years after the transplant and patient 4 currently has an ongoing spontaneous pregnancy. The use of N-hexyl-2 cyanoacrylate can facilitate the placement of ovarian pieces in orthotopic transplantation by laparoscopy without affecting the restoration and duration of ovarian activity.
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29
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Gastal GDA, Alves BG, Alves KA, Souza MEM, Vieira AD, Varela AS, Figueiredo JR, Feugang JM, Lucia T, Gastal EL. Ovarian fragment sizes affect viability and morphology of preantral follicles during storage at 4°C. Reproduction 2017; 153:577-587. [PMID: 28246309 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The method of transportation and the conditions imposed on the ovarian tissue are pivotal aspects for the success of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the size of the ovarian tissue (e.g. whole ovary, biopsy size and transplant size) during different times of storage (0, 6, 12 and 24 h) on the structural integrity of equine ovarian tissue transported at 4°C. Eighteen pairs of ovaries from young mares (<10 years old) were harvested in a slaughterhouse and processed to simulate the fragment sizes (biopsy and transplant size groups) or kept intact (whole ovary group) and stored at 4°C for up to 24 h in α-MEM-enriched solution. The effect of the size of the ovarian tissue was observed on the morphology of preantral follicles, stromal cell density, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential. The results showed that (i) biopsy size fragments had more morphologically normal preantral follicles after 24 h of storage at 4°C; (ii) mitochondrial membrane potential was the lowest during each storage time when the whole ovary was used; (iii) DNA fragmentation rate in the ovarian cells of all sizes of fragments increased as storage was prolonged and (iv) transplant size fragments had increased stromal cell density during storage at cool temperature. In conclusion, the biopsy size fragment was the best to preserve follicle morphology for long storage (24 h); however, transportation/storage should be prior determined according to the distance (time of transportation) between patient and reproduction centers/clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D A Gastal
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - B G Alves
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - K A Alves
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - M E M Souza
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - A D Vieira
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionFaculty of Veterinary Medicine
| | - A S Varela
- Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral FolliclesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy SciencesMississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - T Lucia
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionFaculty of Veterinary Medicine
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
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30
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Vassena R. Evidence-based medicine in ART. Hum Reprod 2016; 32:256. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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31
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Van der Ven H, Liebenthron J, Beckmann M, Toth B, Korell M, Krüssel J, Frambach T, Kupka M, Hohl MK, Winkler-Crepaz K, Seitz S, Dogan A, Griesinger G, Häberlin F, Henes M, Schwab R, Sütterlin M, von Wolff M, Dittrich R. Ninety-five orthotopic transplantations in 74 women of ovarian tissue after cytotoxic treatment in a fertility preservation network: tissue activity, pregnancy and delivery rates. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2031-41. [PMID: 27378768 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the success rate in terms of ovarian activity (menstrual cycles) as well as pregnancy and delivery rates 1 year after orthotopic ovarian transplantations conducted in a three-country network? SUMMARY ANSWER In 49 women with a follow-up >1 year after transplantation, the ovaries were active in 67% of cases and the pregnancy and delivery rates were 33 and 25%, respectively. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in advance of cytotoxic therapies and later transplantation of the tissue is being performed increasingly often, and the total success rates in terms of pregnancy and delivery have been described in case series. However, published case series have not allowed either a more detailed analysis of patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or calculation of success rates based on the parameter 'tissue activity'. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Retrospective analysis of 95 orthotopic transplantations in 74 patients who had been treated for cancer, performed in the FertiPROTEKT network from 2008 to June 2015. Of those 95 transplantations, a first subgroup (Subgroup 1) was defined for further analysis, including 49 women with a follow-up period >1 year after transplantation. Of those 49 women, a second subgroup (Subgroup 5) was further analysed, including 40 women who were transplanted for the first time and who were diagnosed with POI before transplantation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Transplantation was performed in 16 centres and data were transferred to the FertiPROTEKT registry. The transplantations were carried out after oncological treatment had been completed and after a remission period of at least 2 years. Tissue was transplanted orthotopically, either into or onto the residual ovaries or into a pelvic peritoneal pocket. The success rates were defined as tissue activity (menstrual cycles) after 1 year (primary outcome) and as pregnancies and deliveries achieved. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The average age of all transplanted 74 women was 31 ± 5.9 years at the time of cryopreservation and 35 ± 5.2 at the time of transplantation. Twenty-one pregnancies and 17 deliveries were recorded. In Subgroup 1, tissue was cryopreserved at the age of 30 ± 5.6 and transplanted at 34 ± 4.9 years. Ovaries remained active 1 year after transplantation in 67% of cases (n = 33/49), the pregnancy rate was 33% (n = 16/49) and the delivery rate was 25% (n = 12/49). In Subgroup 5, tissue was cryopreserved at the age 30 ± 5.9 years and transplanted at 34 ± 5.2 years. Ovaries remained active 1 year after transplantation in 63% of cases (n = 25/40), the pregnancy rate was 28% (n = 11/40) and the delivery rate was 23% (n = 9/40). The success rates were age dependant with higher success in women who cryopreserved at a younger age. In Subgroup 5, tissue was exclusively transplanted into the ovary in 10% (n = 4/40) of women and into a peritoneal pocket in 75% (n = 30/40), resulting in spontaneous conceptions in 91% of patients (n = 10/11). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The data were drawn from a retrospective analysis. The cryopreservation and transplantation techniques used have changed during the study period. The tissue was stored in many tissue banks and many surgeons were involved, leading to heterogeneity of the procedures. However, this does reflect the realistic situation in many countries. Although patients with POI were evaluated before transplantation to allow specific analysis of the transplanted tissue itself, the possibility cannot be excluded that residual ovarian tissue was also reactivated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the largest case series worldwide to date and it confirms that cryopreservation and transplantation of ovarian tissue can be a successful option for preserving fertility. Persistent tissue activity 12 months after transplantation suggests that the pregnancy and delivery rates may increase further in the future. As transplantation into the peritoneum results in a high success rate, this approach may be an alternative to transplantation into the ovary. However, in order to establish the best transplantation site, a randomized study is required. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST This study was in part funded from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (# DI 1525) and the Wilhelm Sander Foundation (2012.127.1) and did not receive any funding from a commercial company. No competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER None.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Van der Ven
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - J Liebenthron
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - M Beckmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - B Toth
- Department of Gynaecologic Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Medical University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Korell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Johanna Etienne Hospital of Neuss, Neuss, Germany
| | - J Krüssel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - T Frambach
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Joseph-Stift Hospital, Bremen, Germany
| | - M Kupka
- IVF Centre, Altonaer Strasse, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M K Hohl
- Baden Infertility Centre, Baden-Dättwil, Switzerland
| | - K Winkler-Crepaz
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - S Seitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Caritas Hospital St. Josef, Regensburg, Germany
| | - A Dogan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - G Griesinger
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schleswig-Holstein University Hospital, Lübeck, Germany
| | - F Häberlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kantonspital, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - M Henes
- Division of Gynaecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - R Schwab
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M Sütterlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mannheim University Hospital, Mannheim, Germany
| | - M von Wolff
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital/Bern University Hospital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Linkeviciute A, Peccatori FA, Sanchini V, Boniolo G. Oocyte cryopreservation beyond cancer: tools for ethical reflection. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1211-20. [PMID: 26139157 PMCID: PMC4554370 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0524-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This article offers physicians a tool for structured ethical reflection on challenging situations surrounding oocyte cryopreservation in young healthy women. METHODS A systematic literature review offers a comprehensive overview of the ethical debate surrounding the practice. Ethical Counseling Methodology (ECM) offers a practical approach for addressing ethical uncertainties. ECM consists of seven steps: (i) case presentation; (ii) analysis of possible implications; (iii) presentation of ethical question(s); (iv) explanation of ethical terms; (v) presentation of the ethical arguments in favor of and against the procedure; (vi) examination of the individual patient's beliefs and wishes; and (vii) conclusive summary. RESULTS The most problematic aspects in the ethical debate include the distinction between medical and non-medical use of oocyte cryopreservation, safety and efficiency of the procedure, and marketing practices aimed at healthy women. Female empowerment and enhanced reproductive choices (granted oocyte cryopreservation is a safe and efficient technique) are presented as ethical arguments supporting the practice, while ethical reservations towards oocyte cryopreservation are based on concerns about maternal and fetal safety and wider societal implications. CONCLUSIONS Oocyte cryopreservation is gaining popularity among healthy reproductive age women. However, despite promised benefits it also involves risks that are not always properly communicated in commercialized settings. ECM offers clinicians a tool for structured ethical analysis taking into consideration a wide range of implications, various ethical standpoints, and patients' perceptions and beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Linkeviciute
- />Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, University of Milano, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- />Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Fedro A. Peccatori
- />Fertility and Procreation Unit, Gynaecologic Oncology Department, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Sanchini
- />Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, University of Milano, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- />Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Boniolo
- />Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, University of Milano, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- />Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
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Hens K, Dondorp W, de Wert G. A leap of faith? An interview study with professionals on the use of mitochondrial replacement to avoid transfer of mitochondrial diseases. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1256-62. [PMID: 25790821 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the opinions of professionals in the field of genetics, reproductive science and metabolic diseases on the development of mitochondrial replacement technologies to be used in the context of medically assisted reproduction? SUMMARY ANSWER Although concerns regarding safety remain, interviewees supported the development of nuclear transfer techniques to help women who are at risk of transferring a mitochondrial DNA disease to their offspring conceive a genetically related child. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Technological developments in the field of nuclear transfer have sparked new interest in the debate on the acceptability of the use of donor oocytes to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases. For example, in the UK, extensive public consultations have been done to investigate whether such techniques would allow the passing of a law that involves making changes to a human oocyte or embryo before transfer to a woman's body. Until now, continental European countries seem to await the outcome of the British debate before themselves considering the arguments for and against this technology. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, AND DURATION We interviewed 12 professionals from Belgium and The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, AND METHODS We conducted 12 interviews with fertility specialists, scientists, clinical geneticists, a pediatrician specialized in metabolic diseases and a specialist in metabolic diseases. The profiles of the interviewees varied but all had experience with mitochondrial diseases, either in treating patients or in providing counseling to patients or to prospective parents. The interviews were conducted face-to-face and took 30-45 min. The language of the interviews was Dutch. We analyzed the transcript of these interviews using QSR NVIVO 10 software to extract themes and categories. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE This study has shown that, although amongst the professionals we interviewed there was support for the development and deployment of nuclear transfer, this support does not necessarily correspond to uniform opinions about the importance of having a genetically own child or the contribution of mitochondrial DNA to essential characteristics of an individual. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In translating the quotes from Dutch to English some of the linguistic nuances may have been lost. We only interviewed 12 individuals, in two countries, whose view may not be representative of existing values and opinions that may be held by professionals worldwide on this matter. To further explore the issue at hand, a subsequent investigation of the opinions of people affected by mitochondrial diseases and of the general public is necessary. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS With this study we have demonstrated there is in principle support for the nuclear transfer technique from Dutch and Belgian professionals. Further research, both scientific and ethical, is needed to define the modalities of its possible introduction in the fertility clinic. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This research was funded by GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, The Netherlands. The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristien Hens
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 Box 7001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wybo Dondorp
- Health, Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences & GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Guido de Wert
- Health, Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences & GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Hendriks S, Dondorp W, de Wert G, Hamer G, Repping S, Dancet EAF. Potential consequences of clinical application of artificial gametes: a systematic review of stakeholder views. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:297-309. [PMID: 25609402 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent progress in the formation of artificial gametes, i.e. gametes generated from progenitors or somatic cells, has led to scientific and societal discussion about their use in medically assisted reproduction. In animals, live births have already been achieved using artificial gametes of varying (cell type) sources and biological research seems to be progressing steadily toward clinical application in humans. Artificial gametes could potentially help not only infertile heterosexual couples of reproductive age of which one or both partners lacks functional gametes, but also post-menopausal women and same-sex couples, to conceive a child who will be genetically related to them. But as clinical application of these new technologies may have wider societal consequences, a proactive consideration of the possible impact seems timely and important. This review aims to contribute to this by providing a systematic overview of the potential consequences of clinical application of artificial gametes anticipated by different stakeholders. METHODS The electronic database 'Medline/Pubmed' was systematically searched with medical subject heading terms (MesH) for articles published in English between January 1970 and December 2013. Articles were selected based on eligibility and reference lists of eligible studies were hand searched. The reported potential consequences of clinical application of artificial gametes were extracted from the articles and were grouped into categories by content analysis. Per category, we noted which stakeholders referred to which potential consequences, based on author affiliations and, if applicable, study participants. RESULTS The systematic search yielded 2424 articles, and 84 studies were included after screening. Nine positive consequences, 21 specific consequences requiring consideration and 22 recommendations referring to clinical application of artificial gametes were documented. All positive consequences, consequences requiring consideration and recommendations could be categorized under the following eight objectives to be safeguarded during clinical application of artificial gametes: (i) timing the implementation of new treatments correctly, (ii) meeting 'plausible demands of patients', (iii) improving and safeguarding public health, (iv) promoting the progress of medical science in the interest of future patients, (v) providing treatments that are morally acceptable for the general public, (vi) controlling medical practice, (vii) offering treatments that allow acquisition of informed consent and (viii) funding treatments fairly. Professionals specialized in biomedical science, science journalists and professionals specialized in ethics all addressed these eight objectives on artificial gametes, whereas professionals specialized in law or political science addressed seven objectives. Although one study reported on the perspective of parents of under-aged patients on three objectives, the perspectives of patients themselves were not reported by the reviewed literature. CONCLUSION Of course, clinical introduction of artificial gametes should only be considered on the basis of reassuring outcomes of appropriate preclinical effectiveness and safety studies. In addition, potential users' views on the desirability and acceptability of artificial gametes should be studied before clinical introduction. A societal debate including all stakeholders is needed to determine the relative importance of all arguments in favor of and against the introduction of artificial gametes into clinical practice. More broadly, establishing pre-implementation processes for new medical techniques is relevant for all fields of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Hendriks
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wybo Dondorp
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Research Schools GROW and CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Research Schools GROW and CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline A F Dancet
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Leuven University Fertility Centre, Leuven University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium
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