Preserving fertility in female patients with hematological malignancies: a multidisciplinary oncofertility approach

Ann Oncol. 2019 Nov 1;30(11):1760-1775. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdz284.

Abstract

Oncofertility is a new interdisciplinary field at the intersection of oncology and reproductive medicine that expands fertility options for young cancer patients. The most common forms of hematological malignancies that occur in girls and young women and therefore necessitate oncofertility care are acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Aggressive gonadotoxic anticancer regimens including alkylating chemotherapy and total body irradiation are used often in treating girls and young women with hematological malignancies. The risks of gonadotoxicity and subsequent iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency and fertility loss depend mainly on the type and stage of the disease, dose of anticancer therapy as well as the age of the patient at the beginning of treatment. To avoid or at least mitigate the devastating complications of anticancer therapy-induced gonadotoxicity, effective and comprehensive strategies that integrate different options for preserving and restoring fertility ranging from established to experimental strategies should be offered before, during, and after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A multidisciplinary approach that involves strong coordination and collaboration between hemato-oncologists, gynecologists, reproductive biologists, research scientists, and patient navigators is essential to guarantee high standard of care.

Keywords: artificial ovary; fertility preservation; hematological malignancies; leukemia; lymphoma; oncofertility.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / adverse effects
  • Cancer Survivors
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Fertility / drug effects
  • Fertility / radiation effects
  • Fertility Preservation / methods*
  • Fertility Preservation / standards
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / mortality
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intersectoral Collaboration
  • Medical Oncology / methods*
  • Medical Oncology / organization & administration
  • Medical Oncology / standards
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration
  • Patient Care Team / standards
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / etiology*
  • Reproductive Medicine / methods*
  • Reproductive Medicine / organization & administration
  • Reproductive Medicine / standards
  • Standard of Care
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Whole-Body Irradiation / adverse effects
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating