Overview of fertility preservation

Jeffrey KH IP; Pak-Yiu LIAO; Jacqueline PW CHUNG

doi:10.12809/hkjgom.21.2.06

Authors

Jeffrey KH IP
Pak-Yiu LIAO
Jacqueline PW CHUNG

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12809/hkjgom.21.2.06

Keywords:

Cryopreservation, Fertility Preservation, Infertility, Neoplasms, Quality of life

Abstract

Preserving fertility from damage by medical conditions or their treatments is increasingly popular. With the extended progression-free survival among young cancer survivors, oncofertility is an important subfield about preserving gonadal function and fertility among oncological patients. In this review, we discuss the gonadotoxicity of various anti-cancer treatments including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We describe the current fertility preservation strategies including fertility-sparing surgery, radiation techniques, gonadal transposition, and assisted reproductive technology. We also discuss future trends including gonadal tissue cryopreservation and the current situation in Hong Kong. This review aims to promote the awareness, knowledge, and utilisation of fertility preservation so that more patients can benefit from it.

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