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Ovarian stimulation protocols for onco-fertilty patients

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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To review options for ovarian stimulation before oocyte collection for fertility preservation for women with cancer or related diseases who require potentially sterilizing chemo- or radiotherapy.

Methods

Narrative review of current practice.

Results

Vitrification of oocytes and embryos has improved chances of pregnancy for this group of patients in recent years, increasing the uptake of fertility preservation before cancer treatment substantially. Strategies for ovarian stimulation for such patients should optimize oocyte yield whilst avoiding risk of ovarian hyperstimulation.

Conclusions

Best practice in ovarian stimulation can deliver good numbers of oocytes or embryos for cryopreservation with minimal risk of ovarian hyperstimulation for women under 36 years of age. Results are less encouraging for older patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, Sydney, Australia, NSW, 2031

    Juliette Koch & William Ledger

Authors
  1. Juliette Koch
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  2. William Ledger
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to William Ledger.

Additional information

Capsule

Specific patient groups have higher risk of complications of superovulation, including possibility of stimulation of tumor growth for women with ER+ breast cancers and pelvic haematoma for thrombocytopaenic patients with haematological disorders.

Guest Editors: Ri-Cheng Chian & Jia-Yin Liu; Editor-in-Chief: David F. Albertini

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Koch, J., Ledger, W. Ovarian stimulation protocols for onco-fertilty patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 30, 203–206 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-9947-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-9947-7

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