Impact of oncostatic treatments for childhood malignancies (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) on uterine competence to pregnancy.
Fertility preservation in young girls affected by malignancies has got growing relevance in the last decade due to the improved survival chance of these patients after oncostatic treatments. Most studies have focused on preserving ovarian follicles and avoiding premature ovarian failure, whereas only a few have evaluated the effects exerted by radiotherapy and chemotherapy on the uterus. It is self-evident that fertility preservation after oncostatic therapies must include the maintenance of a functional uterus, and a certain degree of uterine damage must be considered when estimating reproductive prognosis in previously treated, childhood cancer survivors.


BACKGROUND
Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.


OBJECTIVE
After completion of this article, the reader should be able to recall the growing number of children who survive oncostatic treatments, explain the possible effects on future reproductive endeavors, and summarize the possible ways to preserve fertility.
Revelli
Alberto
A
Reproductive Medicine and IVF Unit, Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences, University of Turin, S. Anna Hospital, Turin, Italy. fertisave@yahoo.com
Rovei
Valentina
V
Racca
Cinzia
C
Gianetti
Andrea
A
Massobrio
Marco
M
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications; D017741:Survivors; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects