Infertility risk and teratogenicity of molecularly targeted anticancer therapy: A challenging issue.
The growing population of young cancer survivors and a trend toward postponing pregnancy until later in life are shifting areas of focus toward understanding treatment induced sequelae, particularly the effects of cancer and/or treatment on fertility. Whereas the fertility risk of cytotoxic agents for both men and women is well-recognized, the fertility risks and teratogenic potential associated with molecular targeted therapies are not established. We summarize available preclinical and clinical data on the impact of new molecular targeted agents on fertility in both sexes, and their potential teratogenic effects, providing recommendations for clinicians, where possible. Agents were categorized by class and the potential relevance of their target signaling pathways to gonadal maturation discussed.
Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano (Mi), Italy. Electronic address: elena.lorenzi@humanitas.it.
Elena
E
Lorenzi
Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano (Mi), Italy.
Matteo
M
Simonelli
Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano (Mi), Italy; Humanitas University, Rozzano Milan, Italy.
Armando
A
Santoro
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
Anticancer treatment; Cancer survivors; Cryopreservation; Fertility; Gonadotoxicity; Teratogenicity