Maximize the safety and efficacy of fertility preservation by random start/dual ovarian stimulation for early breast cancer patients

Abstract

Objective: What is the more efficient and safer protocol during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for early-stage breast cancer patients seeking emergency fertility preservation before adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy? Materials and methods: This retrospective, case-series study involved two early-stage (Ia) breast cancer patients that requested for fertility preservation within 3 weeks. Random start/dual stimulation protocols with aromatase inhibitor (AI) were used to maximize oocyte yield and suppress serum estradiol (E2) level. Results: E2 levels on trigger day during dual COH were between 112.0 and 407.0 pg/mL. Duration of COH could be shortened to only 17 days, and up to 41 oocytes were successfully retrieved with two retrievals. Conclusion: This remarkable efficient and safe protocol involves the combination of random start/dual stimulation with step-up AI dosage beforehand which not only maximize oocyte yield within the shortest possible timeframe, but also to maintain the low level of E2 to avoid over-stimulating estrogen-sensitive cancer cells and to decrease the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Keywords

• Aromatase inhibitors
• Breast cancer
• Estradiol
• Estrogen-sensitive
• Fertility preservation
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome