Evaluation and preservation of fertility in adolescent and young adult patients with testicular cancer

Abstract

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting young adult males. With survival rates in the range of 70%-99% depending on stage, it is critical to address the long-term consequences of diagnosis and treatment. Maintaining the ability to have biologic children has been identified as an area of importance for long-term survivors of testicular cancer. Yet many males will face a risk of infertility as a consequence of the surgical, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic treatments used to cure them of their cancer. Attention to fertility preservation in the form of sperm banking prior to the start of therapy in those individuals able to produce sperm is a vital intervention in this population. For those individuals who are not able to produce sperm, knowledge and access to alternative methods of fertility preservation and parenthood is necessary to provide comprehensive care. This review summarizes the issues regarding fertility evaluation and preservation in adolescents and young adults with testicular cancer.