title: Retrieval of immature oocytes from unstimulated ovaries followed by in vitro maturation and vitrification: A novel strategy of fertility preservation for breast cancer patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We report a novel fertility preservation strategy that may be useful for young breast cancer patients who present with time constraints or concerns about the effect of ovarian stimulation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The protocol involves retrieval of immature oocyte from unstimulated ovaries followed by in vitro maturation (IVM), and vitrification of oocytes or embryos.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-eight patients (age 24-45 years) underwent vitrification of oocytes (n = 18) or embryos (n = 20). The mean ages were 33.1 +/- 5.0 years and 34.7 +/- 4.8 years, respectively. The mean days required to complete the egg collection was 13 days. The median numbers of vitrified oocytes and embryos per retrieval were 7 (range 1-22) and 4 (range 1-13), respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The strategy of immature oocyte retrieval without ovarian stimulation followed by IVM and oocyte or embryo vitrification, which does not increase the serum estradiol level and delay cancer treatment, represents an attractive option of fertility preservation for many breast cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Jack Yu Jen
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Ri-Cheng
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Chian
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fleiszer
authors.forename: Hananel
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Holzer
authors.forename: Ezgi
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dermitas
authors.forename: Shai Elazar
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Elizur
authors.forename: Yariv
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gidoni
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: Weon-Young
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Son
authors.forename: Seang Lin
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000254:growth & development*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D055815:Young Adult