The future of fertility preservation for women treated with chemotherapy

Abstract

Cytotoxic chemotherapies have been a mainstay of cancer treatment but are associated with numerous systemic adverse effects, including impacts on fertility and endocrine health. Irreversible ovarian damage and follicle depletion are the side effects of chemotherapy that can lead to infertility and premature menopause, both being major concerns of young cancer patients. Notably, many women will proceed with fertility preservation, but unfortunately existing strategies do not entirely solve the problem. Most significantly, oocyte and embryo freezing do not prevent cancer treatment-induced ovarian damage from occurring, which may result in the impairment of long-term hormone production. Unfortunately, loss of endogenous endocrine function is not fully restored by hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, while GnRH agonists are standard care for patients receiving alkylating chemotherapy to lessen the risk of premature menopause, their efficacy is incomplete. The lack of more broadly effective options stems, in part, from our poor understanding of how different treatments damage the ovary. Here, we summarise the impacts of two commonly utilised chemotherapies – cyclophosphamide and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) – on ovarian function and fertility and discuss the mechanisms underpinning this damage. Additionally, we critically analyse current research avenues in the development of novel fertility preservation strategies, with a focus on ferto-protective agents.

Keywords

• cancer
• chemotherapy
• fertility preservation
• oncofertility
• ovary
• oocyte