Fertility preservation in women with cancer: importance of a multidisciplinary approach

Womens Health (Lond). 2011 Sep;7(5):537-43. doi: 10.2217/whe.11.40.

Abstract

For all patients affected by a disease that could impair fertility before or during the reproductive lifespan, strategies to preserve their fertility and the ability to bear their own children is likely to be of utmost importance. While fertility preservation is a promising option, most of the technologies currently used are far from being well-established or are still experimental. Patients should be aware that no method guarantees success. Psychological and ethical impacts of fertility preservation are major concerns and should be included in the multidisciplinary approach to the patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / adverse effects
  • Cryopreservation / ethics
  • Cryopreservation / methods*
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects
  • Decision Making
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation / ethics
  • Fertility Preservation / methods*
  • Fertility Preservation / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / psychology
  • Neoplasms* / radiotherapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Cyclophosphamide