title: The impact of uterine radiation on subsequent fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
abstract: Future fertility is of paramount importance to younger cancer survivors. Advances in assisted reproductive technology mean that young women treated with radiation involving the uterus may require clinical guidance regarding whether to attempt a pregnancy themselves. We performed a review of the literature regarding radiation involving uterus (total body irradiation (TBI) and pelvic radiation), fertility, and pregnancy outcomes to come up with a recommendation for our patients. Limited evidence suggests lower fecundity and an increased incidence of pregnancy complications after uterine radiation. Higher radiation doses and direct uterine radiation both significantly increase the risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome. Uterine radiation doses of <4 Gy do not appear to impair uterine function. Adult TBI data (usually 12 Gy) suggest pregnancy is possible but with lower fecundity and more complications. Although there is no clear data indicating the dose of radiation to the uterus, above which a pregnancy would not be sustainable, we suggest patients receiving >45 Gy during adulthood and >25 Gy in childhood be counselled to avoid attempting pregnancy. There is preliminary evidence that menopausal hormone therapy and a combination of pentoxifylline and tocopherol may improve uterine function following irradiation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and the Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia ; Reproductive Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
authors.forename: Wan Tinn
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Teh
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia ; Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia.
authors.forename: Catharyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stern
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiation Oncology and Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarat
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chander
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and the Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hickey
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014599:Uterus / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation