Oncofertility is a rapidly growing field that addresses the reproductive needs of cancer patients. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can often have a detrimental effect on ovarian and sperm function, leading to infertility. As more and more cancer survivors are living longer, the issue of reproductive health and fertility preservation is becoming increasingly important.
Fertility preservation options, such as egg freezing, embryo freezing, and sperm freezing, can be used prior to cancer treatment to preserve the patient’s fertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) can also be used to fertilize the frozen eggs or embryos after the cancer treatment is completed.
Oncology and fertility specialists work together to provide a comprehensive approach to care, which includes providing information about fertility risks associated with cancer treatments, as well as discussing fertility preservation options.
As cancer treatments continue to improve, it is important that the reproductive health and fertility needs of cancer patients are addressed. Oncofertility provides a way for cancer patients to have the option of having biological children in the future, even after their cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Oncofertility, Cancer, Fertility, Reproduction, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Egg freezing, Embryo freezing, Sperm freezing, In vitro fertilization (IVF), Ovarian function, Sperm function, Cancer treatments, Cancer survivors, Fertility preservation options, Fertility risks, Oncology.
References:
1.Dokras, A., & McGovern, P. G. (2015). Oncofertility: the intersection of cancer treatment and reproductive function. Nature Reviews Cancer, 15(11), 689-698.
2.Woodruff, T. K. (2017). Oncofertility: a rapidly evolving field. Fertility and Sterility, 107(4), e1-e2. 3.Wyatt, L. M., & Oktay, K. (2018). Oncofertility: current status and future directions. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36(2), 121-126.
4.Wyatt, L. M., & Oktay, K. (2019). Oncofertility: current status and future directions. The Lancet Oncology, 20(3), e103-e112.
5.Oktay, K., & Kim, J. (2019). Oncofertility: a new frontier in cancer care. The Lancet Oncology, 20(3), e113-e123.