Preserving fertility in female cancer patients: A snapshot of the options

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Key points

• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are toxic to the ovaries, although the damage can be attenuated in some cases.

• The standard option for preserving fertility has been oocyte retrieval after controlled ovarian stimulation, followed by in vitro fertilization and subsequent cryopreservation of the resulting embryos.

• Unfortunately, controlled ovarian stimulation takes time, may delay needed cancer therapy, and may worsen estrogen-dependent cancers. Alternatives are being explored.

• Cryopreservation of unfertilized oocytes is an option for women who do not have a partner, although oocytes are more susceptible to damage during freezing than embryos are.