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Oocyte cryopreservation: a feasible fertility preservation option for reproductive age cancer survivors

  • fertility preservation
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Abstract

Purpose

To compare oocyte cryopreservation cycles performed in cancer patients to those of infertile women.

Methods

Cancer patients referred for fertility preservation underwent counseling in compliance with the ASRM; those electing oocyte cryopreservation were included. Ovarian stimulation was achieved with injectable gonadotropins and freezing was performed using slow-cooling and vitrification methods.

Results

Fifty cancer patients (mean age 31 y) underwent oocyte cryopreservation; adequate ovarian stimulation was achieved in 10 ± 0.3 days. The outcome from these cycles included a mean peak estradiol of 2,376 pg/ml and an average of 19 oocytes retrieved (15 mature oocytes were cryopreserved/cycle). All patients tolerated ovarian hyperstimulation. There were no significant differences noted between cryopreservation cycles performed in cancer patients and in women without malignancy.

Conclusions

Oocyte cryopreservation appears to be a feasible fertility preservation method for reproductive-age women diagnosed with cancer. This modality is not only effective but also, providing a multidiscipline effort, can be completed in timely fashion.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the entire IVF team at the NYUFC for their efforts and participation in the oocyte cryopreservation program and all the oncologists who referred patients for fertility preservation treatment. Dr. Noyes would also like to thank Dr. Eleonora Porcu of Bologna, Italy for introducing her to oocyte cryopreservation technology and its application as a fertility preservation measure in cancer patients.

Financial Support

Schering Plough provided fertility medication for some of the non-cancer patients.

Conflicts of Interest

None.

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Correspondence to Nicole Noyes.

Additional information

Capsule Oocyte cryopreservation has become increasingly successful, offering female cancer patients a viable means to preserve their fertility.

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Noyes, N., Labella, P.A., Grifo, J. et al. Oocyte cryopreservation: a feasible fertility preservation option for reproductive age cancer survivors. J Assist Reprod Genet 27, 495–499 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9434-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9434-3

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