Retrieval of immature oocytes from unstimulated ovaries followed by in vitro maturation and vitrification: A novel strategy of fertility preservation for breast cancer patients.
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.
Huang
Jack Yu Jen
JY
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Chian
Ri-Cheng
RC
Gilbert
Lucy
L
Fleiszer
David
D
Holzer
Hananel
H
Dermitas
Ezgi
E
Elizur
Shai Elazar
SE
Gidoni
Yariv
Y
Levin
Dan
D
Son
Weon-Young
WY
Tan
Seang Lin
SL
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