Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation: a review

Abstract

The review covers current options for ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation and provides a systematic review of the existing literature from the last 10 years, taking into account all previously published reviews on the subject. The different cryopreservation options available for fertility preservation in cancer patients are embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The choice depends on various parameters: the type and timing of chemotherapy, the type of cancer, the patient's age and the partner status. The different options and their results are discussed, as well as their putative indications and efficacy. The review concludes that advances in reproductive technology have made fertility preservation techniques a real possibility for patients whose gonadal function is threatened by premature menopause, or by treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgical castration.

Is transplantation of a few leukemic cells inside an artificial ovary able to induce leukemia in an experimental model?

“…For these young patients, recovery of ovarian function and reproductive potential after treatment have become important quality-of-life issues. Various chemotherapeutic agents, particularly alkylating agents, have been identified as gonadotoxic, and pelvic or total body irradiation (TBI) can cause irreversible gonadal damage [3][4][5], potentially leading to infertility problems and premature ovarian failure (POF) [3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. This risk depends on the patient's age and follicle reserve, as well as the type and dose of drug received, and is not always easy to predict.…”

Is transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue from patients with advanced-stage breast cancer safe? A pilot study

“…For these young women, who have not had the chance to bear a child but require gonadotoxic treatment such as chemo-and/or radiotherapy, fertility preservation is often of paramount importance. To preserve fertility, three options can be proposed: in vitro fertilization (IVF) with embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation [17]. IVF with embryo cryopreservation or oocyte cryopreservation are potential options for breast cancer patients if stimulation can be done between surgery and the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy [32].…”

Beneficial effect of desialylated erythropoietin administration on the frozen-thawed canine ovarian xenotransplantation

“…Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood, adolescent and adult cancer have greatly increased the life expectancy of premenopausal women with cancer, but have also resulted in a growing population of adolescent and adult long-term survivors of malignancies [1] with infertility problems due to induced premature ovarian failure [2]. Several options are currently available to preserve fertility in cancer patients and provide the opportunity for mothering when they have overcome their disease: embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation or ovarian tissue cryopreservation [2].…”

“…Several options are currently available to preserve fertility in cancer patients and provide the opportunity for mothering when they have overcome their disease: embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation or ovarian tissue cryopreservation [2]. Among these, cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is the only option available for prepubertal girls and woman in need of immediate chemotherapy [3][4][5][6][7][8].…”