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Experiences in fertility preservation: lessons learned to ensure that fertility and reproductive autonomy remain options for cancer survivors

  • Fertility Preservation
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Assess fertility preservation (FP) measures chosen by patients newly diagnosed with malignancy and their outcomes.

Methods

Reproductive-age patients referred for FP underwent counseling and elected cryopreservation vs. no treatment. Outcome measures included ovarian stimulation, FP choice, oocytes/zygotes retrieved/cryopreserved and pregnancy outcome.

Results

From 2005 to 2012, 136 patients were counseled with 124 electing treatment: 83 oocyte-only, 21 oocyte + zygote and 20 zygote-only cryopreservation. Age, partnership and financial status factored into FP choice. Treatment was completed in 12 ± 2 days with 14 ± 11 metaphase-II oocytes harvested and cryopreserved/cycle. Eight patients returned to attempt pregnancy; three succeeded.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that oocyte and/or zygote banking are feasible FP options for women with malignancy; given the choice, the majority elected oocyte cryopreservation, highlighting desire for reproductive autonomy. Continued growth and research, combined with interdisciplinary communication, will ensure that appropriate candidates are offered FP and the potential for future parenthood, an important quality-of-life marker for survivors.

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Acknowledgments

Dr. Noyes would like to acknowledge Dr. Eleonora Porcu of Bologna, Italy for introducing her to oocyte cryopreservation technology and its application as a fertility preservation measure for cancer patients. She also wishes to thank all the oncologists who entrusted her with the FP care of their patients as well as the entire IVF team at the NYULFC, especially Dr. James Grifo and Patti Labella for their efforts in making the oocyte cryopreservation program a success.

Conflicts of interest

None of the authors has a conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fertility Center at NYU Langone Medical Center, NYU School of Medicine, 660 First Avenue, Fifth Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    Nicole Noyes, Katherine Melzer, M. Elizabeth Fino & Jaime M. Knopman

  2. NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    Sarah Druckenmiller & Meghan Smith

Authors
  1. Nicole Noyes
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  2. Katherine Melzer
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  3. Sarah Druckenmiller
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  4. M. Elizabeth Fino
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  5. Meghan Smith
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  6. Jaime M. Knopman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nicole Noyes.

Additional information

Capsule While undergoing cancer treatment, females considering fertility preservation can often complete these processes concomitantly. Oocyte cryopreservation was most popular, highlighting patient desire for reproductive autonomy.

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Noyes, N., Melzer, K., Druckenmiller, S. et al. Experiences in fertility preservation: lessons learned to ensure that fertility and reproductive autonomy remain options for cancer survivors. J Assist Reprod Genet 30, 1263–1270 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-0066-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-0066-2

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