Infertility might no longer be inevitable for youth with cancer

Preventive removal of ovarian or testicular tissue are the techniques that allow patients to hope that one day they they can become parents. It is still necessary that doctors make it a priority!

Imagine being told you have cancer, and that by following the treatment you may become infertile. A degree of horror is added. Doctors do not always raise the issue of infertility with their young patients. If treatments against cancer such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can affect the reproductive function, there are several techniques now that allow preserving fertility.

The problem is that these techniques are rarely offered to cancer patients such as children and teenagers, since the priority of doctors is, above all, to eradicate the disease. However, today the rate of long-term survival rate of pediatric cancer patients is 75% as opposed to 20% in the early 60's.

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The issue is that no one is informing the child or the teenager, that he might have fertility issues in the future, and it’s only when he gets to the age of having babies that he discovers his infertility. The situation has changed since 2008: freezing of testicular and ovarian tissues has progressed in the context of a research protocol. But grafting techniques are still considered experimental due to the risk of reintroducing cancer cells during surgery.

Recently, a new drug called goserelin, was developed to protect the ovaries by shutting them down temporarily. In this clinical trial, women who were given goserelin injections along with the chemotherapy, had less ovarian failure and gave birth to more babies than the women receiving only chemotherapy.

Even if this treatment is not efficient enough, having secondary effects and not concerning the men yet, could lead to a solution in the future. The miracle solution does not yet exist but we must remain positive because research is rapidly advancing.

Since a real treatment does not yet exist, we can only recommend you to use Conceive Plus.

Check out other articles:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can cancer treatment affect my child's fertility in the future?

Yes, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery can potentially damage reproductive organs and affect future fertility. The extent of the impact depends on the type of treatment, dosage, and the child's age. It's important to discuss fertility preservation options with your oncology team before treatment begins, as the NHS and HFEA recognise this as an important consideration for young cancer patients.

Is fertility preservation available on the NHS for young cancer patients?

Yes, fertility preservation services are available on the NHS for cancer patients, including children and teenagers facing treatment that may affect their fertility. NICE guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals discuss fertility preservation with all patients of reproductive age before cancer treatment. However, availability and funding can vary between different Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), so it's worth asking your oncology team about local provisions.

What fertility preservation options are available for teenage boys with cancer in the UK?

For teenage boys who have gone through puberty, sperm freezing (cryopreservation) is the most established option and is widely available through the NHS. For younger boys who haven't reached puberty, testicular tissue freezing is available as part of research protocols at specialist centres. This tissue could potentially be used in the future as grafting techniques continue to develop, though this remains experimental.

Can ovarian tissue freezing help preserve fertility for girls with cancer?

Ovarian tissue freezing is an option for girls facing cancer treatment and is available at specialist UK centres, often as part of research protocols. The tissue can be reimplanted after treatment, though this technique is still c

What is goserelin and can it protect fertility during chemotherapy?

Goserelin is a medication that temporarily shuts down the ovaries during chemotherapy, which may help protect them from damage. Clinical trials have shown that women who received goserelin alongside chemotherapy experienced less ovarian failure and had higher birth rates afterwards. However, this treatment is not yet suitable for men and may have side effects, so it's important to discuss all options with your healthcare team.

Why wasn't I told about fertility preservation before my cancer treatment?

Unfortunately, fertility discussions aren't always prioritised when the immediate focus is on treating cancer, particularly for children and teenagers. However, NICE guidelines now recommend that all patients of reproductive age should be informed about fertility preservation options before treatment. If you've already completed treatment and are now trying to conceive, speak to your GP about an NHS referral to a fertility specialist, as 1 in 7 UK couples experience fertility issues and support is available.

How do I get a referral for fertility treatment after cancer on the NHS?

Start by speaking to your GP, who can refer you to a fertility specialist for assessment. NHS fertility treatment eligibility varies by ICB, but cancer survivors may be considered for funding even if they don't meet standard criteria. The HFEA website provides information about licensed clinics in your area, and your local ICB can clarify what funding is available for patients whose infertility resulted from cancer treatment.