Pregnancy After Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Conception and pregnancy among women with a live birth after breast cancer treatment: A survey study of young breast cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women of reproductive age. This study sought to explore the postcancer conception and pregnancy experience of young BC survivors to inform counseling.

METHODS

In the Young Women's Breast Cancer Study (NCT01468246), a multicenter, prospective cohort, participants diagnosed at age ≤40 years with stage 0-III BC who reported ≥1 postdiagnosis live birth were sent an investigator-developed survey.

RESULTS

Of 119 eligible women, 94 (79%) completed the survey. Median age at diagnosis was 32 years (range, 17-40) and at first postdiagnosis delivery was 38 years (range, 29-47). Most had stage I or II (77%) and HR+ (78%) BC; 51% were nulligravida at diagnosis. After BC treatment, most (62%) conceived naturally, though 38% used assisted reproductive technology, 74% of whom first attempted natural conception for a median of 9 months (range, 2-48). Among women with a known inherited pathogenic variant (n = 20), two underwent preimplantation genetic testing. Of 59 women on endocrine therapy before pregnancy, 26% did not resume treatment. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (20%) was the most common obstetrical condition. Nine percent of newborns required neonatal intensive care unit admission and 9% had low birth weight.

CONCLUSION

Among women with live births after BC treatment, most conceived naturally and having a history of BC did not appear to negatively impact pregnancy complications, though the high rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy warrants further investigation. The prolonged period of attempting natural conception for some survivors suggests the potential need for improved understanding and counseling surrounding family planning goals after BC.

Is controlled ovarian stimulation safe in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

INTRODUCTION

Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for oocyte/embryo cryopreservation is the method of choice for fertility preservation (FP) in young patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (eBC). Nevertheless, some challenges still question its role, particularly in the neoadjuvant setting, where concerns arise about potential delay in the onset of anticancer treatment, and in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) disease, as cancer cells may proliferate under the estrogenic peak associated with stimulation. Therefore, this review aims to examine the available evidence on the safety of COS in eBC patients eligible for neoadjuvant treatment (NAT), particularly in HR+ disease.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies evaluating the feasibility and safety of COS in eBC and including patients referred to NAT and/or with HR+ disease. Time to NAT and survival outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the three matched cohort studies assessing the impact of COS on time to start NAT, only one reported a significant small delay in the cohort undergoing COS compared with the control group, whereas the other studies found no difference. Regarding survival outcomes, overall, no increased risk of recurrence or death was found, either in patients undergoing COS in the neoadjuvant setting regardless of HR expression or in HR+ disease regardless of the timing of COS relative to surgery. However, there are no data on the safety of COS in the specific combined scenario of HR+ disease undergoing NAT.

CONCLUSION

Neither the indication to NAT nor the HR positivity constitutes per se an a priori contraindication to COS. Shared decision making between clinicians and patients is essential to carefully weigh the risks and benefits in each individual case. Prospective studies designed to specifically investigate this issue are warranted.

Risk of adverse birth outcomes after adolescent and young adult cancer

BACKGROUND

Many women diagnosed with cancer as adolescents and young adults (AYAs, age 15-39 years) want biological children after cancer but lack information on the potential impact of their cancer history on future reproductive outcomes. We investigated the risk of adverse birth outcomes among AYA cancer survivors.

METHODS

We identified insured women diagnosed with AYA breast cancer, thyroid cancer, gynecologic cancers, lymphoma, or melanoma from 2003 to 2016 in the state of North Carolina or the Kaiser Permanente health care systems in northern and southern California. Post-diagnosis births to cancer survivors were each matched with up to 5 births to women without cancer. Risk ratios for preterm birth (<37 completed weeks), very preterm birth (<34 completed weeks), low birth weight (<2500 g), and small for gestational age (SGA, <10th percentile of weight for gestational age) were estimated using modified Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Analyses included 1648 births to 1268 AYA cancer survivors and 7879 births to 6066 women without cancer. Overall, risk of preterm birth, very preterm birth, low birth weight, and SGA did not significantly differ between births to women with and without cancer. However, births to women with gynecologic cancers had a significantly increased risk of low birth weight (risk ratio = 1.82; 95% confidence interval: 1.03 to 3.21) and suggested increased risk of preterm birth (risk ratio = 1.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.99 to 2.54). Chemotherapy exposure was not associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with gynecologic cancers, but not other cancers, had an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes compared to women without cancer.

Pregnancy After Breast Cancer in Young BRCA Carriers: An International Hospital-Based Cohort Study

Importance

Young women with breast cancer who have germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2 face unique challenges regarding fertility. Previous studies demonstrating the feasibility and safety of pregnancy in breast cancer survivors included limited data regarding BRCA carriers.

Objective

To investigate cumulative incidence of pregnancy and disease-free survival in young women who are BRCA carriers.

Design, Setting, and Participants

International, multicenter, hospital-based, retrospective cohort study conducted at 78 participating centers worldwide. The study included female participants diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at age 40 years or younger between January 2000 and December 2020 carrying germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2. Last delivery was October 7, 2022; last follow-up was February 20, 2023.

Exposure

Pregnancy after breast cancer.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary end points were cumulative incidence of pregnancy after breast cancer and disease-free survival. Secondary end points were breast cancer-specific survival, overall survival, pregnancy, and fetal and obstetric outcomes.

Results

Of 4732 BRCA carriers included, 659 had at least 1 pregnancy after breast cancer and 4073 did not. Median age at diagnosis in the overall cohort was 35 years (IQR, 31-38 years). Cumulative incidence of pregnancy at 10 years was 22% (95% CI, 21%-24%), with a median time from breast cancer diagnosis to conception of 3.5 years (IQR, 2.2-5.3 years). Among the 659 patients who had a pregnancy, 45 (6.9%) and 63 (9.7%) had an induced abortion or a miscarriage, respectively. Of the 517 patients (79.7%) with a completed pregnancy, 406 (91.0%) delivered at term (≥37 weeks) and 54 (10.4%) had twins. Among the 470 infants born with known information on pregnancy complications, 4 (0.9%) had documented congenital anomalies. Median follow-up was 7.8 years (IQR, 4.5-12.6 years). No significant difference in disease-free survival was observed between patients with or without a pregnancy after breast cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.81-1.20). Patients who had a pregnancy had significantly better breast cancer-specific survival and overall survival.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this global study, 1 in 5 young BRCA carriers conceived within 10 years after breast cancer diagnosis. Pregnancy following breast cancer in BRCA carriers was not associated with decreased disease-free survival.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03673306.

Fertility preservation in patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments: a Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society clinical practice guideline

The management of young patients with cancer presents several unique challenges. In general, these patients are ill prepared for the diagnosis and the impact on their fertility. With the improved survival for all tumour types and stages, the need for adequate fertility counselling and a multidisciplinary approach in the reproductive care of these patients is paramount. Recent advances in cryopreservation techniques allow for the banking of spermatozoa, oocytes, embryos and ovarian tissue without compromising survival. This Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) guideline outlines the current understanding of social and medical issues associated with oncofertility, and the medical and surgical technologies available to optimize future fertility.

Safety of pregnancy after breast cancer in young women with hormone receptor-positive disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite increasing evidence on the safety of pregnancy after anticancer treatments in breast cancer survivors, many physicians and patients remain concerned about a potential risk of pregnancy specifically in the case of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane library with no language or date restriction up to 31 March 2023 was carried out. To be included, articles had to be retrospective and prospective case-control and cohort studies as well as clinical trials comparing survival outcomes of premenopausal women with or without a pregnancy after prior diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were the outcomes of interest. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (n. CRD42023394232).

RESULTS

Out of 7796 screened studies, 8 were eligible to be included in the final analysis. A total of 3805 patients with hormone receptor-positive invasive early breast cancer were included in these studies, of whom 1285 had a pregnancy after breast cancer diagnosis. Median follow-up time ranged from 3.8 to 15.8 years and was similar in the pregnancy and non-pregnancy cohorts. In three studies (n = 987 patients) reporting on DFS, no difference was observed between patients with and those without a subsequent pregnancy (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.75-1.24, P = 0.781). In the six studies (n = 3504 patients) reporting on OS, patients with a pregnancy after breast cancer had a statistically significant better OS than those without a pregnancy (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.77, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis of retrospective cohort studies provides updated evidence that having a pregnancy in patients with prior history of hormone receptor-positive invasive early breast cancer appears safe without detrimental effect on prognosis.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant patients with colorectal cancer: a population-based study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant patients with CRC using a large population-based database.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2009 to 2019. Pregnant patients with and without CRC were compared for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, maternal and perinatal outcomes, and hospital burden.

RESULTS

The study included 306 pregnancies with CRC and 40,887,353 pregnancies without CRC. Pregnant patients with CRC were older and more likely to be White. A significant association was observed between CRC and a history of inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of gastrointestinal cancer. Pregnant patients with CRC had higher odds of maternal death (AOR 260.99, 95% CI 33.36-2041.64), cardiac arrhythmia (AOR 13.73, 95% CI 4.21-44.76), acute kidney injury (AOR 32.6, 95% CI 5.29-200.77), severe sepsis (AOR 163.98, 95% CI 22.05-1219.65), and respiratory failure (AOR 31.67, 95% CI 4.11-243.98). Furthermore, the CRC group experienced higher odds of cesarean section (AOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.05-3.03), preterm birth (AOR 4.16, 95% CI 2.05-8.47), and intrauterine death (AOR 13.18, 95% CI 3.33-52.16). Distinct differences in maternal and perinatal outcomes were observed based on the location of CRC. Pregnant patients with CRC faced higher hospital charges and had longer hospital stays during delivery hospitalization compared to those without CRC.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant patients with CRC are at increased risk for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early detection, timely intervention, and comprehensive management during pregnancy.

Fertility and Sexual Health in Young Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Fertility and sexual health may be impaired by early breast cancer treatment in young women, and these issues should be addressed at diagnosis and through survivorship. Future fertility interest and risk should be considered and communicated, and early referral made to an infertility specialist for those interested. Data regarding safety of fertility preservation options as well as pregnancy after breast cancer are overall reassuring. Patients should be counseled about the impact of systemic therapies and breast surgeries on sexual health outcomes and educated about and referred as needed for available strategies for prevention and management of impairment.

Pregnancy rate, maternal and neonatal outcomes among breast cancer survivors: A systematic review

AIM

This study investigated the pregnancy rate, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and breast cancer (BC) recurrence status after pregnancy among BC survivors.

DESIGN

A systematic review.

METHODS

Electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science [WOS], Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scientific Information Database were systematically searched. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Observational studies reported the pregnancy rate, maternal and neonatal outcomes among reproductive-aged BC survivors, and the recurrence status of BC after pregnancy were eligible to include in this study.

RESULTS

Of the 29 included studies, 13 studies were prospective cohorts or prospective multicenter or population-based cohorts, 14 studies were retrospective cohort or retrospective population-based cohort studies, and two studies were cross-sectional retrospective surveys or population-based descriptive studies. This systematic review showed that the pregnancy rate was estimated at 3.1%-48.5% among BC survivors who attempted to conceive. The most prevalent maternal outcomes of pregnancy were miscarriage (1.8%-33.3%) and induced abortion (5.0%-44%) as well as preterm birth (PTB) or very PTB (1.2%-21.1%), and twin birth (1.1%-38.8%) were the most prevalent neonatal outcomes occurring among BC survivors, respectively. In addition, most of the included studies indicated that pregnancy had no adverse effect on the status of BC recurrence among survivors. Surviving women can be encouraged and receive a carefully multidisciplinary approach regarding healthy pregnancy. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Ovarian stimulation and oocyte cryopreservation in females with cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We reviewed the most recent developments including the safety and effectiveness data and success rates in individualized ovarian stimulation protocols for adult and postpubertal females with cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

In women with breast cancer, aromatase inhibitor- and tamoxifen-supplemented stimulation protocols increase the margin of safety by limiting estrogen exposure. The outcomes of ovarian stimulation appear similar between cancer and noncancer populations, even with the recently developed random-start protocols, which allow initiation of ovarian stimulation anytime during the menstrual cycle. Based on lower anti-Mullerian hormone levels and primordial follicle density, carriers of BRCA pathogenic variants ( BRCApv ) have decreased ovarian reserve in comparison to women without those variants and may lose larger portion of their ovarian reserve post chemotherapy. Oocyte cryopreservation is also emerging as a suitable fertility preservation approach for selected postpubertal girls as young as 12 years of age.

SUMMARY

Individualized ovarian stimulation approaches combined with improvements in cryopreservation techniques increased the success and safety margin to preserve fertility with oocyte freezing. Women with BRCApv , on the other hand, may be at disadvantage as they have lower ovarian reserve and may lose larger portion of their ovarian reserve post chemotherapy compared to women who do not carry these variants.

The lived experiences of pregnancy planning after breast cancer in women of childbearing age: A phenomenological study

Objective

This phenomenological study aimed to explore the lived experiences of planning for pregnancy after breast cancer in women of childbearing age.

Methods

The study comprised 15 women with breast cancer who were considering pregnancy and childbirth. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted between November 2022 and March 2023, and the verbatim transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method.

Results

Four theme clusters emerged: (1) deepening desires amidst hardships, (2) endless worries about an uncertain future, (3) unveiling the meaning of having a child, and (4) perpetual deliberations regarding unresolved dilemmas. Over time, the participants' longing for children intensified, despite the contradiction of their reduced fertility. They expressed concerns about the potential risks and challenges of pregnancy in breast cancer patients, but they attributed value to having a child as a means to restoring their health, reclaiming their ordinary lives, and providing motivation for a healthier future. The participants found making decisions regarding pregnancy to be difficult and were often influenced by others.

Conclusions

This study underscores the unique challenges faced by women with breast cancer who are making fertility-related decisions. The findings contribute to a better understanding of these challenges and offer valuable insights for the development of decision aids that support shared decision-making for pregnancy after breast cancer.

Revision and psychometric evaluation of a fertility intention scale for young women with breast cancer in Chinese Mainland

Objective

Neglected fertility intentions affect the quality of life of young women with breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to revise the Taiwanese version of the Fertility Intention Scale and validate its psychometric properties among young women with breast cancer in Chinese Mainland.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional survey with young women with breast cancer at a Chinese cancer hospital to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Revised Fertility Intention Scale. A two-phase study was conducted: (1) revision of the scale and (2) evaluation of the scale's reliability and validity.

Results

Six new items and one new dimension were added to the original 15 items and four dimensions, reliability and validity of the 21-item Revised Fertility Intention Scale were verified in a sample of 436 women in Chineses Mainland with breast cancer who were aged 18-40 years. The content validity index, results of factor analysis, convergent validity, and known-groups validity were acceptable, and the Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients supported the revised scale.

Conclusions

The 21-item Revised Fertility Intention Scale has satisfactory reliability and validity for assessing fertility intentions among young women with breast cancer in Chinese Mainland. In clinical practice, nurses can use the scale to identify fertility intentions and associated factors in young women with breast cancer and develop feasible and effective oncofertility care measures.

[Fertility preservation in female cancer patients.]

In Hungary, an average of 2066 women under the age of 40 are diagnosed with cancer each year according to data from the National Cancer Registry. Approximately two-thirds of these patients require gonadotoxic treatment for their disease, which could potentially reduce their chances of future conception and childbirth. Currently, there are no professional guidelines on fertility preservation in Hungary, however, it is important to inform patients about their options. In our previous paper, we presented the gonadotoxic effects of oncotherapies and the currently available fertility preservation techniques. This second paper provides current treatment methods and recommends fertility preservation techniques in different cancer types. The success of an oncofertility program relies heavily on the effective communication and collaboration between oncologists and reproductive specialists involved in fertility preservation. This paper may be the first step in elaborating a guideline towards improving access to oncofertility services and ultimately improving the quality of life for young cancer survivors in Hungary. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(29): 1134-1145.

Immune plasticity in pregnancy-associated breast cancer tumorigenesis

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PrBC) is a rare tumor that requires complex management. The coexistence of cancer and pregnancy involves several proliferative, invasive, and immune tolerance mechanisms that are shared between the two conditions. In normal pregnancy, successful fetal development is achieved through suppression of the maternal immune response toward the fetus. Similar immunosuppressive patterns during the malignant transformation supporting tumor growth, progression, and metastasis are also exhibited by tumors. An improved understanding of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and pathways underlying the immunological synergy in PrBC could lead to the identification of novel biomarkers that potentially improve patients' clinical management. In this review article, we outline some of the paramount features of immune plasticity during pregnancy, discussing the similarities shared between normal pregnancy and breast cancer in terms of immune suppression mechanisms. Emphasis is also placed on how the current knowledge of the immune milieu of these conditions may be translated into consequent therapeutic opportunities.

Characterization of the immune environment in pregnancy-associated breast cancer

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PrBC) is a rare and clinically challenging condition. Specific immune mechanisms and pathways are involved in maternal-fetal tolerance and tumor-host immunoediting. The comprehension of the molecular processes underpinning this immune synergy in PrBC is needed to improve patients' clinical management. Only a few studies focused on the immune biology of PrBC and attempted to identify bona fide biomarkers. Therefore, clinically actionable information remains extremely puzzling for these patients. In this review article, we discuss the current knowledge on the immune environment of PrBC, in comparison with pregnancy-unrelated breast cancer and in the context of maternal immune changes during pregnancy. A particular emphasis is given to the actual role of potential immune-related biomarkers for PrBC clinical management.

Fertility Preservation in Young Women With Breast Cancer: A Review

Fertility preservation is a major concern in young patients diagnosed with breast cancer and planning to receive multimodality treatment, including gonadotoxic chemotherapy with or without age-related decline through long-term endocrine therapy. Most breast cancer patients undergo multimodality treatments; many short-term and long-term side effects arise during these therapies. One of the most detrimental side effects is reduced fertility due to gonadotoxic treatments with resultant psychosocial stress. Cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos, and ovarian tissue are currently available fertility preservation methods for these patients. As an adjunct to these methods, in vitro maturation or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist could also be considered. It is also essential to communicate well with patients in the decision-making process on fertility preservation. It is essential to refer patients diagnosed with breast cancer on time to fertility specialists for individualized treatment, which may lead to desirable outcomes. To do so, a multimodal team-based approach and in-depth discussion on the treatment of breast cancer and fertility preservation is crucial. This review aims to summarize infertility risk related to currently available breast cancer treatment, options for fertility preservation and its details, barriers to oncofertility counseling, and psychosocial issues.

The Late Effects of Cancer Treatment on Female Fertility and the Current Status of Fertility Preservation-A Narrative Review

Fertility counseling should be offered to all individuals of young reproductive age early in the patient's trajectory following a cancer diagnosis. Systemic cancer treatment and radiotherapy often have an inherent gonadotoxic effect with the potential to induce permanent infertility and premature ovarian failure. For the best chances to preserve a patient's fertility potential and to improve future quality of life, fertility preservation methods should be applied before cancer treatment initiation, thus multidisciplinary team-work and timely referral to reproductive medicine centers specialized in fertility preservation is recommended. We aim to review the current clinical possibilities for fertility preservation and summarize how infertility, as a late effect of gonadotoxic treatment, affects the growing population of young female cancer survivors.

Interrupting Endocrine Therapy to Attempt Pregnancy after Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Prospective data on the risk of recurrence among women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer who temporarily discontinue endocrine therapy to attempt pregnancy are lacking.

METHODS

We conducted a single-group trial in which we evaluated the temporary interruption of adjuvant endocrine therapy to attempt pregnancy in young women with previous breast cancer. Eligible women were 42 years of age or younger; had had stage I, II, or III disease; had received adjuvant endocrine therapy for 18 to 30 months; and desired pregnancy. The primary end point was the number of breast cancer events (defined as local, regional, or distant recurrence of invasive breast cancer or new contralateral invasive breast cancer) during follow-up. The primary analysis was planned to be performed after 1600 patient-years of follow-up. The prespecified safety threshold was the occurrence of 46 breast cancer events during this period. Breast cancer outcomes in this treatment-interruption group were compared with those in an external control cohort consisting of women who would have met the entry criteria for the current trial.

RESULTS

Among 516 women, the median age was 37 years, the median time from breast cancer diagnosis to enrollment was 29 months, and 93.4% had stage I or II disease. Among 497 women who were followed for pregnancy status, 368 (74.0%) had at least one pregnancy and 317 (63.8%) had at least one live birth. In total, 365 babies were born. At 1638 patient-years of follow-up (median follow-up, 41 months), 44 patients had a breast cancer event, a result that did not exceed the safety threshold. The 3-year incidence of breast cancer events was 8.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3 to 11.6) in the treatment-interruption group and 9.2% (95% CI, 7.6 to 10.8) in the control cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Among select women with previous hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer, temporary interruption of endocrine therapy to attempt pregnancy did not confer a greater short-term risk of breast cancer events, including distant recurrence, than that in the external control cohort. Further follow-up is critical to inform longer-term safety. (Funded by ETOP IBCSG Partners Foundation and others; POSITIVE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02308085.).

Advances in the Management of Menopausal Symptoms, Fertility Preservation, and Bone Health for Women With Breast Cancer on Endocrine Therapy

In patients with hormone receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer, adjuvant endocrine treatment administered for up to 5-10 years after diagnosis significantly reduces the risk of recurrence and death. However, this benefit comes with the cost of short- and long-term side effects that may negatively affect patients' quality of life (QoL) and treatment adherence. Among them, the prolonged estrogen suppression associated with the use of adjuvant endocrine therapy in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women can induce life-altering menopausal symptoms, including sexual dysfunction. Moreover, a decrease in bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures should be carefully considered and prevented whenever indicated. For young women diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer with unfulfilled childbearing plans, several challenges should be addressed to manage their fertility and pregnancy-related concerns. Proper counseling and proactive management of these issues are critical components of survivorship and should be pursued from diagnosis through the breast cancer care continuum. This study aims to provide an updated overview of the available approaches for improving the QoL of patients with breast cancer receiving estrogen deprivation therapy, focusing on advances in the management of menopausal symptoms, including sexual dysfunction, fertility preservation, and bone health.

Assessing gaps in motherhood after cancer: development and psychometric testing of the Survivorship Oncofertility Barriers Scale

OBJECTIVE

With a growing population of young cancer survivors, there is an increasing need to address the gaps in evidence regarding cancer survivors' obstetric outcomes, fertility care access, and experiences. As part of a large research program, this study engaged survivors and experts in co-developing and testing the validity, reliability, acceptability, and feasibility of a scale to assess survivor-reported barriers to motherhood after cancer.

METHODS

Scale items were developed based on literature and expert review of 226 reproductive health items, and six experience and focus groups with 26 survivors of breast and gynecological cancers. We then invited 128 survivors to complete the scale twice, 48 hours apart, and assessed the scale's psychometric properties using exploratory factor analyses including reliability, known-group validity, and convergent validity.

RESULTS

Item development identified three primary themes: multifaceted barriers for cancer survivors; challenging decisions about whether and how to pursue motherhood; and a timely need for evidence about obstetric outcomes. Retained items were developed into a 24-item prototype scale with four subscales. Prototype testing showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.71) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.70). Known-group validity was supported; the scale discriminated between groups by age (x=70.0 for patients ≥35 years old vs 54.5 for patients <35 years old, p=0.02) and years since diagnosis (x=71.5 for ≥6 years vs 54.3 for<6 years, p=0.01). The financial subscale was correlated with the Economic StraiN and Resilience in Cancer measure of financial toxicity (ρ=0.39, p<0.001). The scale was acceptable and feasibly delivered online. The final 22-item scale is organized in four subscales: personal, medical, relational, and financial barriers to motherhood.

CONCLUSION

The Survivorship Oncofertility Barriers Scale demonstrated validity, reliability, and was acceptable and feasible when delivered online. Implementing the scale can gather the data needed to inform shared decision making and to address disparities in fertility care for survivors.

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among women with early-onset colorectal cancer: a nationwide case-control study

Background

Early-onset colorectal cancer has risen worldwide, leaving more women with colorectal cancer at reproductive ages. We aimed to investigate the risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among women with early-onset colorectal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide, matched case-control study of maternal/pregnancy outcomes including pre-eclampsia and Cesarean delivery (C-section) as well as neonatal outcomes including preterm birth among 207 births in women with early-onset colorectal cancer (ages 18-49) and 1019 births in women without colorectal cancer in Sweden (1992-2019). Early-onset colorectal cancer cases were identified through the Cancer Register, and outcome data were retrieved through linkage to Medical Birth Register and National Patient Register. Using conditional logistic regression, we estimated multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Findings

Between Jan 1, 1992, and Dec 31, 2019, women with early-onset colorectal cancer who gave birth had increased odds of pre-eclampsia (7.2% vs 3.2%; OR = 2.52, 95%CI = 1.25-5.08), any C-section (24.6% vs 19.4%; OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.00-2.06), particularly emergency C-section (17.4% vs 10.5%; OR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.17-2.75), after adjustment for maternal education level, country of birth, body mass index and smoking in early pregnancy, and comorbidities. Maternal history of early-onset colorectal cancer was also associated with offspring preterm birth (12.1% vs 5.2%; OR = 2.31, 95%CI = 1.34-3.99), delineated as spontaneous (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 0.47-2.39) or medically-indicated preterm birth (OR = 4.48, 95%CI = 2.05-9.79). There was no increased risk of congenital malformation or small for gestational age birth.

Interpretation

In this population-based study, maternal history of early-onset colorectal cancer was associated with risk of both adverse pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, C-section) and neonatal outcomes (preterm birth).

Funding

US National Institutes of Health, Swedish Society of Medicine, Swedish Cancer Foundation.

The Future of Breast Cancer Research in the Survivorship Field

Prevalence of survivors of breast cancer has been steadily increasing in the last 20 years. Currently, more than 90% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer are expected to be alive at 5 years from diagnosis thanks to early detection and breakthrough innovations in multimodal treatment strategies. Alongside this advancement in clinical outcomes, survivors of breast cancer might experience several specific challenges and present with unique needs. Survivorship trajectories after diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be significantly impacted by long-lasting and severe treatment-related side effects, including physical problems, psychological distress, fertility issues in young women, and impaired social and work reintegration, which add up to patients' individual risk of cancer recurrence and second primary malignancies. Alongside cancer-specific sequelae, survivors still present with general health needs, including management of chronic preexisting or ensuing conditions. Survivorship care should implement high-quality, evidence-based strategies to promptly screen, identify, and address survivors' needs in a comprehensive way and minimize the impact of severe treatment sequelae, preexisting comorbidities, unhealthy lifestyles, and risk of recurrence on quality of life. This narrative review focuses on core areas of survivorship care and discuss the state of the art and future research perspectives in key domains including selected long-term side effects, surveillance for recurrences and second cancers, well-being promotion, and specific survivors' needs.

Fertility Preferences and Practices Among Young Women With Breast Cancer: Germline Genetic Carriers Versus Noncarriers

BACKGROUND

Young women with breast cancer who carry germline genetic pathogenic variants may face distinct fertility concerns, yet limited data exist comparing fertility preferences and practices between carriers and noncarriers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Participants in the Young Women's Breast Cancer Study (NCT01468246), a prospective cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer at ≤40 years, who completed a modified Fertility Issues Survey were included in this analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1052 eligible participants, 118 (11%) tested positive for a pathogenic variant. Similar proportions (P = .23) of carriers (46%, [54/118]) and noncarriers (37%, [346/934]) desired more biologic children prediagnosis, and desire decreased similarly postdiagnosis (carriers, 30% [35/118] vs. noncarriers, 26% [244/934], P = .35). Among those desiring children postdiagnosis (n = 279), concern about cancer risk heritability was more common among carriers (74% [26/35] vs. noncarriers, 36% [88/244], P < .01). Carriers were more likely to report that concern about cancer risk heritability contributed to a lack of certainty or interest in future pregnancies (20% [16/81] vs. noncarriers, 7% [49/674], P = .001). Similar proportions (P = .65) of carriers (36% [43/118]) and noncarriers (38% [351/934]) were somewhat or very concerned about infertility post-treatment; utilization of fertility preservation strategies was also similar (carriers, 14% [17/118] vs. noncarriers, 12% [113/934], P = .78).

CONCLUSION

Carriers were similarly concerned about future fertility and as likely to pursue fertility preservation as noncarriers. Concern about cancer risk heritability was more frequent among carriers and impacted decisions not to pursue future pregnancies for some, underscoring the importance of counseling regarding strategies to prevent transmission to offspring, including preimplantation genetic testing.

Approaches to Fertility Preservation for Young Women With Breast Cancer

In patients with early breast cancer, the combination of different systemic treatment strategies, including chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, and more recently also immunotherapy has demonstrated to significantly improve their survival outcomes. However, this gain is often obtained at the cost of higher toxicity calling for the need of increased attention toward survivorship-related issues, including fertility preservation in young women. According to available guidelines, health care providers should offer oncofertility counseling to all patients with cancer diagnosed at reproductive age. Counselling should focus on the risk of gonadotoxicity of anticancer treatments and on the access to fertility preservation techniques. However, several surveys have demonstrated suboptimal implementation of these recommendations. This review aims at summarizing the available evidence on oncofertility to guide health care providers involved in the management of young women with breast cancer. Available and effective options for fertility preservation include oocyte/embryo cryopreservation or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Patient, disease, and treatment characteristics should be carefully considered when offering these strategies. Ovarian function preservation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists during chemotherapy should be discussed and offered to every premenopausal woman concerned about developing premature ovarian insufficiency and independently of her wish to preserve fertility. Current available data confirm that pregnancy occurring after proper treatment for breast cancer is safe, both in terms of long-term clinical outcomes and for the babies. Fertility preservation and pregnancy desire should be pivotal components of the multimodal management of breast cancer in young women, and require a multidisciplinary approach based on close collaborations between oncologists and fertility specialists.

Reproductive outcomes of women with moderate to severe intrauterine adhesions after transcervical resection of adhesion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine adhesions (IUA) refers to the adhesion of the inner wall of the uterus, resulting in complete or partial occlusion of the uterine cavity, which causes a series of symptoms. Transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA) is the standard surgical method for patients with IUA. However, the recurrence rate of women with moderate to severe IUA is high and it has raised a big concern about the reproductive outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review by using 4 databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and web of science, to retrieve relevant literature from September 1, 2001, to February 1, 2023, and to explore the reproductive outcomes in women with moderate to severe IUA after TCRA treatment. Following defined guidelines, data extraction was carried out by 2 researchers, and the findings were examined by 2 senior academics. The papers were evaluated by 2 reviewers using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using a form developed especially for this study, pertinent information was retrieved, including the first author, research design, study duration, age, intervention measurement, pregnancy rate, techniques of conception, and live birth rate. Two researchers conducted a quality assessment to determine any potential bias using the Cochrane technique and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RevMan 5.4.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration, London, United Kingdom) was used for data analysis, while I2 was used to evaluate heterogeneity.

RESULTS

In total, this study included 2099 participants. After a detailed systematic review and meta-analyses, the results showed that pregnancy and live birth rates were increased significantly after TCRA, and the risk difference of the pregnancy rate was 1.75 [1.17, 2.62]. Besides, in 2 retrospective studies, the risk difference of live birth rate was 2.26, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.99 to 2.58. Moreover, the menstrual status of women also was improved, and the risk difference of hypermenorrhoea and amenorrhea were -0.28 [-0.37, -0.19] and -0.06 [0.26, 0.13], respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, TCRA is the useful strategy for the treatment of moderate to severe IUA to enhance the reproductive outcomes in women.

Breastfeeding and the patient's perspective

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to summarize available data on breastfeeding in patients with a cancer diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of available literature in the MEDLINE database was performed and the data summarized. In addition, two patient interviews were conducted to gain insight into the patient perspective.

RESULTS

Breastmilk is the nutritional standard for human infants and understanding the implications of a cancer diagnosis on lactation is important in optimizing maternal and infant outcomes. Though limited, available data suggest that breastfeeding may be a safe and appropriate option for some patients undergoing treatment of a malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient experiences with breastfeeding in the setting of a cancer diagnosis vary widely, and depend on the type of malignancy, the timing of the diagnosis, and the indicated treatment. Breastfeeding may be an appropriate option for certain patients after multidisciplinary counseling. Alternatives to breastfeeding exist for patients who are unable to or do not desire to breastfeed.

Outcomes after assisted reproductive technology in women with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY QUESTION

What are the associations between a history of cancer and outcomes after ART?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Compared to women without cancer, on average, women with cancer had a lower return for embryo transfer and a lower likelihood of clinical pregnancy and live birth after ART.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Small, single-institution studies have suggested that cancer and its treatment may negatively affect ART outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies comparing ART outcomes between women with and without cancer. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched for original, English-language studies published up to June 2021.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Inclusion criteria required reporting of ART outcomes after controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) among women with a history of cancer compared to women without cancer who used ART for any indication. Outcomes of interest ranged from duration of COS to likelihood of live birth after embryo transfer. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate mean differences and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs and 95% prediction intervals (PIs). We assessed heterogeneity by age-adjustment, referent group indication for ART, study location and among women with breast cancer and women who initiated ART before cancer treatment. We used visual inspection, Egger's test and the trim-and-fill method to assess funnel plot asymmetry.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Of 6094 unique records identified, 42 studies met inclusion criteria, representing a median per study of 58 women with cancer (interquartile range (IQR) = 159) and 114 women without cancer (IQR = 348). Compared to women without cancer, on average, women with cancer had a lower return for embryo transfer (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.74; 95% PI: 0.00, 64.98); lower likelihood of clinical pregnancy (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.73; 95% PI: 0.19, 1.35); and lower likelihood of live birth (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.83; 95% PI: 0.19, 1.69). Substantial among-study heterogeneity was observed for COS duration, gonadotropin dose, cycle cancellation, total oocytes and mature oocytes. Fertilization percentage showed less heterogeneity, but study-specific estimates were imprecise. Similarly, number of embryos showed less heterogeneity, and most studies estimated minimal differences by cancer history. Funnel plot asymmetry was observed for estradiol peak and oocyte maturation percentage.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Appreciable confounding is possible in 11 studies that lacked adequate control for group differences in age, and among-study heterogeneity was observed for most outcomes. Lack of data limited our ability to assess how cancer clinical factors (e.g. cancers other than breast, cancer stage and treatment) and ART cycle characteristics (e.g. fresh versus frozen embryo transfers and use of gestational carriers) may affect outcomes.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Women with cancer may be less likely to achieve pregnancy and live birth after embryo transfer. Further examination of reproductive outcomes and sources of heterogeneity among studies is warranted to improve evidence of the expected success of ART after a cancer diagnosis.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This research was supported in part by R01 CA211093 and P30 ES010126. C.M. was supported by the University of North Carolina Lineberger Cancer Control Education Program (T32 CA057726) and the National Cancer Institute (F31 CA260787). J.A.R.-H. was supported by the National Cancer Institute (K08 CA234333, P30 CA016672). J.A.R.-H. reports receiving consulting fees from Schlesinger Group and Guidepoint. The remaining authors declare no competing interests.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Prognostic effect of subsequent childbirth after the diagnosis of breast cancer using propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Among younger patients, one of the important concerns is whether they can give birth safely. Although previous studies have investigated this topic, many aspects remain unclear owing to potential biases. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic effect of subsequent childbirth after the diagnosis using propensity score matching.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted. This study included patients aged ≤ 45 years, diagnosed with breast cancer between 2005 and 2014. Patients with and without subsequent childbirth were assigned to the childbirth and non-childbirth cohorts, respectively. Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of the childbirth cohort were compared with those of the non-childbirth cohort. The covariates in the propensity score model included age, tumor size, node status, number of preceding childbirths before the diagnosis, estrogen receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status.

RESULTS

104 patients with childbirth and 2250 without childbirth were assigned to the respective cohorts. At a median follow-up of 82 months, the childbirth cohort showed a significantly longer RFS than the non-childbirth cohort (HR = 0.469 [0.221-0.992]; p = 0.047). There was no significant difference in the OS (HR = 0.208 [0.029-1.494]; p = 0.119). After matching, subsequent childbirth was not significantly associated with RFS (HR = 0.436 [0.163-1.164], p = 0.098) and OS (HR = 0.372 [0.033-4.134], p = 0.402).

CONCLUSIONS

Subsequent childbirth was not associated with an increased risk of relapse and mortality. It is important to make younger patients aware of these novel findings and aid them in their decision-making.

Impact of Anti-HER2 Therapy Alone and With Weekly Paclitaxel on the Ovarian Reserve of Young Women With HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

The potential gonadotoxicity of anti-HER2 agents remains largely unknown, and limited, conflicting evidence exists for taxanes. Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) is an established biomarker of ovarian reserve that may aid in quantifying anticancer treatment-induced gonadotoxicity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present biomarker analysis of the randomized phase III neoadjuvant NeoALTTO trial included premenopausal women aged ≤45 years at diagnosis of HER2-positive early breast cancer with available frozen serum samples at baseline (ie, before anticancer treatments), at week 2 (ie, the "biological window" of anti-HER2 therapy alone), and/or at the time of surgery (ie, after completing paclitaxel + anti-HER2 therapy, before starting adjuvant chemotherapy).

RESULTS

The present analysis included 130 patients with a median age of 38 years (interquartile ratio [IQR], age 33-42 years). AMH values at the 3 time points differed significantly (P<.001). At baseline, median AMH levels were 1.29 ng/mL (IQR, 0.56-2.62 ng/mL). At week 2, a small but significant reduction in AMH levels was observed (median, 1.10 ng/mL; IQR, 0.45-2.09 ng/mL; P<.001). At surgery, a larger significant decline in AMH levels was observed (median, 0.01 ng/mL; IQR, 0.01-0.03 ng/mL; P<.001). Although the type of anti-HER2 treatment (trastuzumab and/or lapatinib) did not seem to impact the results, age and pretreatment ovarian reserve had a major influence on treatment-induced gonadotoxicity risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This NeoALTTO biomarker analysis showed that anti-HER2 therapies alone had limited gonadotoxicity but that the addition of weekly paclitaxel resulted in marked AMH decline with possible negative implications for subsequent ovarian function and fertility.

Stillbirth After Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment may increase risk of adverse birth outcomes in adolescent and young adult (AYA, aged 15-39 years) women diagnosed with cancer. We estimated risk of stillbirth (fetal death of gestational age ≥20 weeks or weighing ≥350 grams) in a population-based sample of AYA women.

METHODS

AYA women diagnosed with cancer between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2015, were identified using the Texas Cancer Registry and linked to live birth and fetal death certificates through December 31, 2016. Among AYA women, cumulative incidence of stillbirth was estimated by gestational age, and Poisson regression models identified factors associated with stillbirth. Standardized fetal mortality ratios (SMR) compared the observed fetal mortality rate in AYA women with the expected fetal mortality rate in the general population.

RESULTS

A total of 11 628 live births and 68 stillbirths occurred to 8402 AYA women after diagnosis. Cumulative incidence of stillbirth in AYA women was 0.70% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.51% to 0.96%) at 40 weeks of gestation. Risk of stillbirth was higher among Hispanic (risk ratio [RR] = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.29 to 5.41) and non-Hispanic Black (RR = 4.13, 95% CI = 1.68 to 10.16) women compared with non-Hispanic White women; there was no association with receipt of chemotherapy or time since diagnosis. Age- and race and ethnicity-adjusted fetal mortality rate in AYA women was similar to the general population (SMR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.77 to 1.26).

CONCLUSIONS

AYA women may be counseled that overall risk of stillbirth is low, and for most, cancer does not appear to confer additional risk.

Long-Term Effects of Breast Cancer Therapy and Care: Calm after the Storm?

Breast cancer is still a lethal disease and the leading cause of death in women, undermining patients' survival and quality of life. Modern techniques of surgery and radiotherapy allow for the obtaining of good results in terms of survival, however they cause long-term side effects that persist over time, such as lymphedema and neuropathy. Similarly, the advent of new therapies such as endocrine therapy revolutionized breast cancer outcomes, but side effects are still present even in years of follow-up after cure. Besides the side effects of medical and surgical therapy, breast cancer is a real disruption in patients' lives considering quality of life-related aspects such as the distortion of body image, the psychological consequences of the diagnosis, and the impact on family dynamics. Therefore, the doctor-patient relationship is central to providing the best support both during treatment and afterwards. The aim of this review is to summarize the consequences of medical and surgical treatment on breast cancer patients and to emphasize the importance of early prevention of side effects to improve patients' quality of life.

Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes 1 or More Years After a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate obstetric and neonatal outcomes of the first live birth conceived 1 or more years after breast cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

We performed a population-based study to compare live births between women with a history of breast cancer (case group) and matched women with no cancer history (control group). Individuals in the case and control groups were identified using linked data from the California Cancer Registry and California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development data sets. Individuals in the case group were diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer at age 18-45 years between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012, and conceived 12 or more months after breast cancer diagnosis. Individuals in the control group were covariate-matched women without a history of breast cancer who delivered during 2000-2012. The primary outcome was preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes were preterm birth at less than 32 weeks of gestation, small for gestational age (SGA), cesarean delivery, severe maternal morbidity, and neonatal morbidity. Subgroup analyses were used to assess the effect of time from initial treatment to fertilization and receipt of additional adjuvant therapy before pregnancy on outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

Of 30,021 women aged 18-45 years diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer during 2000-2012, 553 met the study inclusion criteria. Those with a history of breast cancer and matched women in the control group had similar odds of preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% CI 0.95-1.74), preterm birth at less than 32 weeks of gestation (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.34-1.79), delivering an SGA neonate (less than the 5th percentile: OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.35-1.03; less than the 10th percentile: OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.68-1.30), and experiencing severe maternal morbidity (OR 1.61; 95% CI 0.74-3.50). Patients with a history of breast cancer had higher odds of undergoing cesarean delivery (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.03-1.53); however, their offspring did not have increased odds of neonatal morbidity compared with women in the control group (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.81-1.62).

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer 1 or more years before fertilization was not strongly associated with obstetric and neonatal complications.

Reproductive Outcomes in Young Breast Cancer Survivors Treated (15-39) in Ontario, Canada

We conducted a population-based, retrospective, matched-cohort study to examine the impact of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on fertility outcomes. Relative risks of infertility, childbirth, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI; age < 40) and early menopause (age < 45) were calculated using modified Poisson regression. Our primary cohort included young women (15-39) with early stage BC diagnosed 1995-2014. Five cancer-free patients were matched to each BC patient by birth year and census subdivision. The BC cohort was further divided by treatment with chemotherapy vs. no chemotherapy treatment. 3903 BC patients and 19,515 cancer-free women. BC patients treated with chemotherapy were at increased risk of infertility (RR 1.81; 95% CI 1.60-2.04), and POI (RR 6.25; 95% CI 5.15-7.58) and decreased childbirth (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.75-0.96), compared to women without cancer. BC patients who did not receive chemotherapy were also at increased risk of infertility (RR 1.80 95% CI 1.48-2.18) and POI (RR 2.12 95% CI 1.37-3.28). All young BC survivors face an increased risk of diagnosed infertility and POI relative to women without cancer, independent of chemotherapy. These results emphasize the importance of pre-treatment fertility counselling for young women diagnosed with BC.

Pregnancy After Breast Cancer - Prognostic Safety and Pregnancy Outcomes According to Oestrogen Receptor Status: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Breast cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related death in women. Women diagnosed with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer have prolonged treatment durations. Owing to the paucity of research and lack of consensus regarding conception planning and pregnancy for patients with ER-positive breast cancer, we aimed to assess pregnancy and survival outcomes in women with ER-positive breast cancer during and after treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the available studies on pregnancy after ER-positive breast cancer. The assessed outcomes included overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), hormonal therapy duration, and pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 2,669 patients from five studies were included in this study. When all breast cancer receptor subtypes were included in the analysis, pregnancy after breast cancer was associated with a time-dependent protective effect on both DFS and OS. This protective effect was not evident when examining ER-positive patients with subsequent pregnancies, and no significant differences in DFS were observed. ER-positive patients who became pregnant received significantly lower rates of hormonal therapy. Hormonal treatment at the time of pregnancy was correlated with increased rates of termination owing to concerns about teratogenic effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy after breast cancer did not significantly affect DFS in ER-positive patients over a follow-up period of 5-10 years from diagnosis, although did significantly affect hormonal treatment duration in the reviewed studies. Further analysis and in-depth studies are required to assess the effects of altered hormonal treatment times, as well as patient management related to pregnancy planning after breast cancer.

Contraceptive Use in Premenopausal Women With Early Breast Cancer

IMPORTANCE

As life span has increased among patients with cancer, survivorship has become an important component of breast cancer care. Among survivorship concerns, adequate contraceptive counseling is needed for premenopausal patients who are not seeking to become pregnant.

OBJECTIVE

To examine contraceptive use and chosen methods and to assess factors associated with contraceptive use over time in patients with early breast cancer.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Cancer Toxicity (CANTO) study was a multicenter nationwide prospective cohort study that enrolled women diagnosed with stage I to stage III breast cancer in France between March 2012 and December 2017. This analysis included 2900 premenopausal women who were 50 years of age or younger at diagnosis. Data were analyzed from July 2020 to July 2022.

EXPOSURES

Contraceptive use and method at diagnosis, shortly after the end of primary treatment (year 1), and during follow-up (year 2).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Contraceptive use and methods were longitudinally evaluated at diagnosis, year 1, and year 2 after breast cancer diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of clinical, socioeconomic, treatment, adverse effect, and patient-reported outcome variables with contraceptive use after diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 2900 patients (mean [SD] age, 43.1 [5.6] years) were included in the analysis; 2050 of 2894 women (70.8%) received chemotherapy, and 2305 of 2880 women (80.0%) received endocrine therapy. After diagnosis, 1182 of 2625 patients (45.0%) at year 1 and 1553 of 2363 patients (65.7%) at year 2 reported consulting with a gynecologist in the previous year. At diagnosis, 1487 of 2744 patients (54.2%) reported contraceptive use, with most patients (921 of 1470 women [62.7%]) using hormonal methods. The use of contraception significantly decreased after diagnosis (911 of 2342 patients [38.9%] at year 1 and 808 of 1961 patients [41.2%] at year 2; P < .001 for trend), when most patients (848 of 900 women [94.2%] at year 1 and 767 of 805 women [95.3%] at year 2) reported use of nonhormonal methods; these methods were primarily reversible mechanical approaches (copper intrauterine devices: 656 of 848 patients [77.4%] at year 1 and 577 of 767 patients [75.2%] at year 2; male condoms: 115 of 848 patients [13.6%] at year 1 and 110 of 767 patients [14.3%] at year 2). In the multivariable model, factors significantly associated with contraceptive use at year 1 included using contraception at diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.02; 95% CI, 3.15-5.14), being younger (aOR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.07-1.13 per decreasing year), having better sexual function (aOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07-1.19 per 10-point increment), having children (aOR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.80-9.86), reporting the presence of leukorrhea (aOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.03-1.70), receiving tamoxifen treatment alone (aOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.01-1.92), and consulting with a gynecologist in the previous year (aOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02-1.63). Similar factors were associated with contraceptive use at year 2, with the addition of partnered status (aOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.07-2.44).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Findings from this study support the importance of raising awareness and improving targeted contraceptive counseling for premenopausal women with early breast cancer.

Survival after breast cancer in women with a subsequent live birth: Influence of age at diagnosis and interval to subsequent pregnancy

BACKGROUND

There remains a considerable concern among both patients and oncologists that having a live birth (LB) after breast cancer might adversely impact survival.

METHODS

analysis of survival in a national cohort of women with breast cancer diagnosed at age 20-39 years between 1981 and 2017 (n = 5181), and subsequent LB using Scottish Cancer Registry and national maternity records. Cases had at least one subsequent LB, each was matched with up to six unexposed cases without subsequent LB, accounting for guaranteed time bias.

RESULTS

In 290 women with a LB after diagnosis, overall survival was increased compared to those who did not have a subsequent LB, HR 0.65 (95%CI 0.50-0.85). Women with subsequent LB who had not had a pregnancy before breast cancer showed increased survival (HR 0.56, 0.38-0.82). There was a progressively greater interaction of subsequent LB with survival with younger age, thus for women aged 20-25 years, HR 0.30 (0.12-0.74) vs. those aged 36-39, HR 0.89 (0.42-1.87). In women with LB within five years of diagnosis, survival was also increased (HR 0.66; 0.49-0.89). Survival following LB was similar to unexposed women by ER status (both positive and negative) and in those known to have been exposed to chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis provides further evidence that for the growing number of women who wish to have children after breast cancer, LB does not have a negative impact on overall survival. This finding was confirmed within subgroups, including the youngest women and those not previously pregnant.

Survival outcomes following pregnancy or assisted reproductive technologies after breast cancer: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

This study sought to determine the impact of pregnancy or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) on breast-cancer-specific survival among breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

The authors performed a cohort study using a novel data linkage from the California Cancer Registry, the California birth cohort, and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System data sets. They performed risk-set matching in women with stages I-III breast cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. For each pregnant woman, comparable women who were not pregnant at that point but were otherwise similar based on observed characteristics were matched at the time of pregnancy. After matching, Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of pregnancy with breast-cancer-specific survival. We repeated these analyses for women who received ART.

RESULTS

Among 30,021 women with breast cancer, 553 had a pregnancy and 189 attempted at least one cycle of ART. In Cox proportional hazards modeling, the pregnancy group had a higher 5-year disease-specific survival rate; 95.6% in the pregnancy group and 90.6% in the nonpregnant group (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24-0.77). In women with hormone receptor-positive cancer, we found similar results (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.2-0.91). In the ART analysis, there was no difference in survival between groups; the 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 96.9% in the ART group and 94.1% in the non-ART group (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.17-1.13).

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy and ART are not associated with worse survival in women with breast cancer.

LAY SUMMARY

We sought to determine the impact of pregnancy or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) among breast cancer survivors. We performed a study of 30,021 women by linking available data from California and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System. For each pregnant woman, we matched at the time of pregnancy comparable women who were not pregnant at that point but were otherwise similar based on observed characteristics. We repeated these analyses for women who received ART. We found that pregnancy and ART were not associated with worse survival.

Fertility Counseling in BRCA1/2-Mutated Women with Breast Cancer and Healthy Individuals

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the fifth leading cause of cancer death. In 2020, there were 2.3 million new cases, and 685,000 women died from it. Breast cancer among young women under 40 years of age accounts for 5% to 10% of all cases of this cancer. The greater availability of multi-gene sequence analysis by next-generation sequencing has improved diagnosis and, consequently, the possibility of using appropriate therapeutic approaches in BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers. Treatment of young breast cancer patients affects their reproductive potential by reducing ovarian reserve. It can lead to reversible or permanent premature menopause, decreased libido, and other symptoms of sex hormone deficiency. This requires that, in addition to oncological treatment, patients are offered genetic counseling, oncofertility, psychological assistance, and sexological counseling. Given the number of BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers among young breast cancer patients, but also thanks to growing public awareness, among their healthy family members planning offspring, the possibility of benefiting from preimplantation testing and performing cancer-risk-reduction procedures: RRM (risk-reducing mastectomy) and RRSO (risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy) significantly increase the chance of a genetically burdened person living a healthy life and giving birth to a child not burdened by the parent's germline mutation. The goal of this paper is to show methods and examples of fertility counselling for BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers, including both patients already affected by cancer and healthy individuals.

Prognosis of pregnancy after breast cancer diagnosis according to the type of treatment: A population-based study in Korea by the SMARTSHIP group

Backgrounds

In this study, we evaluated the incidence and outcomes of pregnancy after breast cancer was diagnosed in women of childbearing age. Additionally, we evaluated the prognosis of patients who became pregnant after breast cancer, according to the treatment.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of women aged 20–45 years who were surgically treated for breast cancer between 2004 and 2014 using the Korean National Health Insurance database. The patients were classified into six groups according to the treatment. Propensity score matching was applied to the cohort to analyze the risk of breast cancer-associated mortality after pregnancy and childbirth.

Results

Of the 45,765 patients who had been newly diagnosed with breast cancer, 1826 (4%) became pregnant after breast cancer diagnosis. Among the pregnant group, the HR of the risk of death was 0.15 (95% CI, 0.06 to 0.36) for patients who became pregnant ≥49 months after the diagnosis. In patients who received endocrine therapy and chemotherapy, the pregnant group had better prognosis than the non-pregnant group. There was no significant difference between the pregnant group and the non-pregnant group in patients who received chemotherapy and trastuzumab with or without endocrine therapy.

Conclusion

The risk of death was low in women who became pregnant ≥49 months after the diagnosis of breast cancer. The prognosis of pregnant women was non-inferior to that of non-pregnant women, even in women who received trastuzumab. These findings provide reassurance to patients with HER2-positive cancer who are considering future pregnancy.

•

The risk of death was low in women who became pregnant ≥49 months after the diagnosis of breast cancer.

•

In patients who received endocrine therapy and chemotherapy, the pregnant group had better prognosis than the non-pregnant group.

•

The prognosis of pregnant women was non-inferior to that of non-pregnant women, even in women who received trastuzumab.

Treatment of Breast Cancer in Young Adults

Although breast cancer is rare and understudied in adults age 40 and younger, recent epidemiologic data show an increasing incidence of breast cancer among young women in the United States and ongoing inferior long-term outcomes. Given breast cancers arising at a young age are more likely to present at advanced stages and to have aggressive biology, multimodal treatments are often indicated. Elevated local recurrence risks and greater propensity for germline cancer predisposition mutations can impact local therapy choices. Recently, escalated systemic therapy regimens for triple-negative breast cancer incorporating immunotherapy, de-escalated anti-HER2 therapy, and emerging targeted agents, including CDK4/6 inhibitors and PARP inhibitors, for early-stage disease may be employed in younger and older patients alike, with some special considerations. Prognostic genomic signatures can spare low-risk young women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer adjuvant chemotherapy, but management of intermediate-risk patients remains controversial. Ovarian function suppression and extended endocrine therapy are improving outcomes in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, but treatment adherence is a particular problem for young patients. Young women may also face greater challenges in long-term survivorship, including impaired fertility, difficulties in psychosocial adjustment, and other treatment-related comorbidities. Consideration of these age-specific issues through dedicated multidisciplinary strategies is necessary for optimal care of young women with breast cancer.

Update on Pregnancy Following Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

ABSTRACT

Survivorship has become a crucial component in breast cancer care. For women who have not completed their family planning, conceiving at the end of anticancer treatments should not be discouraged but might be challenging. Oncofertility counseling should be offered at the time of diagnosis to all patients, in order to inform them about the potential treatment-induced gonadotoxicity as well as the available strategies for fertility preservation, thus allowing to increase the chances of a future pregnancy. This article reports an updated overview on the current state of the art on pregnancy in women with prior breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, with a main focus on the issues faced by patients with history of hormone receptor-positive disease and BRCA carriers.

Oncobiology and treatment of breast cancer in young women

Female breast cancer emerged as the leading cancer type in terms of incidence globally in 2020. Although mortality due to breast cancer has improved during the past three decades in many countries, this trend has reversed in women less than 40 years since the past decade. From the biological standpoint, there is consensus among experts regarding the clinically relevant definition of breast cancer in young women (BCYW), with an age cut-off of 40 years. The idea that breast cancer is an aging disease has apparently broken in the case of BCYW due to the young onset and an overall poor outcome of BCYW patients. In general, younger patients exhibit a worse prognosis than older pre- and postmenopausal patients due to the aggressive nature of cancer subtypes, a high percentage of cases with advanced stages at diagnosis, and a high risk of relapse and death in younger patients. Because of clinically and biologically unique features of BCYW, it is suspected to represent a distinct biologic entity. It is unclear why BCYW is more aggressive and has an inferior prognosis with factors that contribute to increased incidence. However, unique developmental features, adiposity and immune components of the mammary gland, hormonal interplay and crosstalk with growth factors, and a host of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors and cellular regulatory interactions are considered to be the major contributing factors. In the present article, we discuss the status of BCYW oncobiology, therapeutic interventions and considerations, current limitations in fully understanding the basis and underlying cause(s) of BCYW, understudied areas of BCYW research, and postulated advances in the coming years for the field.

Family size and duration of fertility in female cancer survivors: a population-based analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess family size and timescale for achieving pregnancy in women who remain fertile after cancer.

DESIGN

Population-based analysis.

SETTING

National databases.

PATIENT(S)

All women diagnosed with cancer before the age of 40 years in Scotland, 1981-2012 (n = 10,267) with no previous pregnancy; each was matched with 3 population controls.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The number and timing of pregnancy and live birth after cancer diagnosis, to 2018.

RESULT(S)

In 10,267 cancer survivors, the hazard ratio for a subsequent live birth was 0.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.53-0.58) overall. In women who achieved a subsequent pregnancy, age at live birth increased (mean ± SD, 31.2 ± 5.5 vs. 29.7 ± 6.1 in controls), and the family size was lower (2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 2.3 ± 1.1 live births). These findings were consistent across several diagnoses. The interval from diagnosis to last pregnancy was similar to that of controls (10.7 ± 6.4 vs. 10.9 ± 7.3 years) or significantly increased, for example, after breast cancer (6.2 ± 2.8 vs. 5.3 ± 3.3 years) and Hodgkin lymphoma (11.1 ± 5.1 vs. 10.1 ± 5.8 years).

CONCLUSION(S)

These data quantify the reduced chance of live birth after cancer. Women who subsequently conceived achieved a smaller family size than matched controls, but the period of time after cancer diagnosis across which pregnancies occurred was similar or, indeed, increased. Thus, we did not find evidence that women who were able to achieve a pregnancy after cancer had a shorter timescale over which they have pregnancies.