[Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue].
BACKGROUND
Unfertilized oocytes, embryos and ovarian issue can be cryopreserved before cancer treatment of post-pubertal women. Fertility may be restored by retransplantation in women who are pronounced healthy.


METHODS
The article is based on relevant literature and our own clinical experience since 2004, when the procedure was first allowed in Norway.


CONCLUSIONS
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is an established procedure in Norway. As of January 2007, ovarian tissue from 22 women, aged 14-35 years, has been cryopreserved at Rikshospitalet. There is an upper age limit of 35 years because of age-related follicular loss. The treating oncologist and a gynaecologist should be responsible for informing patients about the possibility of preserving fertility by ovarian cryopreservation before chemo- and/or radiation therapy. The patient should, at the same time, be told about the limited world-wide experience with this procedure.
Storeng
Ritsa
R
Kvinneklinikken og Kvinnehelsesenteret, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet, 0027 Oslo. ritsa.storeng@rikshospitalet.no
Abyholm
Thomas
T
Tanbo
Tom
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000637:transplantation; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016042:Transplantation, Heterotopic
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents