Aim: This study analyzes our single-center, retrospective experience on 63 premenopausal breast cancer patients treated with monthly triptorelin and concomitant chemotherapy.
Patients & methods: Concomitant chemotherapy and triptorelin were adopted as part of premature ovarian failure prevention strategy.
Results: Age at diagnosis was the main factor influencing fertility preservation (p = 0.002). Compared with patients aged 41-45 years, the probability of menses resumption was almost threefold than for women aged 35-40 years, and significantly higher for women aged <35 years (hazard ratio: 9.0; p = 0.0001). The cumulative proportion among patients who resumed menses was 33.3% at 6 months, 75% at 12 months and 87.5% at 24 months. Seven patients attempted pregnancy, and five (71%) obtained healthy deliveries.
Conclusion: We observed an acceptable rate of fertility preservation. Age at diagnosis influences fertility preservation.
Keywords: GnRH analogs; adjuvant treatment; breast cancer; concomitant chemotherapy; fertility preservation; premature ovarian failure; triptorelin.