Evidence of residual disease in cryopreserved ovarian cortex from female patients with leukemia.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically search for leukemic cells in cryopreserved ovarian cortex from Danish female patients with leukemia, who had ovarian cortex cryopreserved for fertility preservation before potentially sterilizing treatment.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of data in a clinical project.


METHODS
University hospital laboratories.


METHODS
In total, 26 patients diagnosed with leukemia, who had ovarian tissue cryopreserved before potentially sterilizing chemotherapy and conditioning.


METHODS
Ovarian cortex from each patient was examined with histology and immunohistochemistry. In addition, in eight cases a specific chromosomal abnormality could be used as a genetic marker for detection of malignant cells by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


METHODS
Evidence of malignant cells by immunohistochemistry or PCR.


RESULTS
Histology and immunohistochemistry did not reveal malignant cell infiltration in the ovarian cortex of any of the patients. In six of the eight patients (75%) with chromosomal abnormalities in the malignant cells, PCR showed evidence of leukemic cells in the ovarian tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
Immunohistochemistry was unable to locate leukemic cells in the ovarian cortex; however, PCR detected potentially malignant cells in the majority of cases. The viability and malignancy of these cells remains to be determined. At present, reimplantation of ovarian cortex to leukemia patients cannot be recommended.
Rosendahl
Mikkel
M
Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and The Fertility Clinic, Department of Clinical Genetics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. mikro@dadlnet.dk
Andersen
Morten Tolstrup
MT
Ralfkiær
Elisabeth
E
Kjeldsen
Lars
L
Andersen
Mette Klarskov
MK
Andersen
Claus Yding
CY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000517:prevention & control; D007938:Leukemia / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D010053:Ovary; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor