Cancer and fecundity issues mandate a multidisciplinary approach.
OBJECTIVE
To review the existing options for preserving fecundity in young cancer patients, outlining the differences that exist in each individual cancer situation and how these affect our choice of fecundity-preserving measures.


METHODS
Review the pathophysiology data on ovarian function that serve for outlining the advantages and/or drawbacks of certain fecundity-preserving measures such as ovarian freezing and emergency IVF. Provide support arguments for outlining the need for setting locally rooted cancer and fecundity task forces that throw the bases for a multidisciplinary approach in this field.


METHODS
Review of literature data.


METHODS
Women of reproductive age affected with different types of cancer.


METHODS
Outcome of selected emergency fertility preserving measures such as ovarian tissue freezing followed by grafting or emergency IVF.


RESULTS
When performed in the 30s-the typical age for breast cancer, the most frequently encountered cancer in women of reproductive age, ovarian freezing hampers ovarian recovery and the chances for spontaneous pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on a review of the different situations encountered, we recommend that fecundity-preserving measures offered to young cancer patients, including ovarian freezing and emergency IVF, emanate from multidisciplinary approaches.
de Ziegler
Dominique
D
Université Paris Descartes, Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique II et Médecine de la Reproduction, Paris, France. ddeziegler@orange.fr
Streuli
Isabelle
I
Vasilopoulos
Ioannis
I
Decanter
Christine
C
This
Pascale
P
Chapron
Charles
C
D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014021:Tissue Preservation