title: The effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on fertility in premenopausal women.
abstract: With the improved survival rate of childhood and young adult cancer patients, the long-term sequelae of the treatments used are increasingly important. In this review, current knowledge of the gonadotoxicity of commonly employed chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy regimens is examined. Differences between the effect of "high-risk" and "low-risk" agents are discussed. Tailoring treatment to suit the individual and counseling patients regarding reduced fertility have resulted in the best practice.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  After completing this CME activity, physicians should be better able to evaluate and use appropriate methods to estimate ovarian reserve, assess the risk of infertility caused by commonly used cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens and radiation, and counsel patients regarding the gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Level 5 Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia. roni.fleischer@southernhealth.org.au
authors.forename: Roni T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Fleischer
authors.forename: Beverley J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Vollenhoven
authors.forename: Gareth C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Weston
mesh_terms: D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D008594:Menopause, Premature / Q000187:drug effects; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents