Question 1

What is the Meaning of Oncofertility?

Accepted Answer

Oncofertility is a specialized medical field integrating oncology and reproductive endocrinology. It addresses fertility concerns in cancer patients, aiming to preserve reproductive potential before, during, or after cancer treatment, considering therapies' impact on gonadal function.

Question 2

What is the Context of Oncofertility?

Accepted Answer

This field operates at the intersection of cancer care and reproductive health, directly impacting the endocrine system, particularly gonadal function. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often compromise ovarian and testicular function, leading to premature gonadal insufficiency. Oncofertility applies knowledge from oncology, endocrinology, and assisted reproductive technologies to mitigate these adverse effects.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Oncofertility?

Accepted Answer

Oncofertility holds substantial clinical importance, offering cancer patients the opportunity to maintain reproductive options, improving quality of life post-treatment. It directly influences treatment planning, enabling proactive discussions about fertility preservation strategies before cytotoxic therapies. Addressing fertility concerns is crucial for survivors' holistic well-being, impacting psychological adjustment and future family planning.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Oncofertility?

Accepted Answer

Mechanisms mitigate direct cytotoxic effects of cancer treatments on germ cells and gonadal somatic cells. Chemotherapy and radiation induce DNA damage and apoptosis in oocytes and spermatogonia, causing follicular depletion or germ cell arrest. Preservation strategies involve physically removing gonadal tissue, such as ovarian tissue cryopreservation, or pharmacologically protecting gonads via GnRH agonists for temporary ovarian suppression, reducing damage.

Question 5

What is the Application of Oncofertility?

Accepted Answer

Oncofertility is applied through various clinical protocols: sperm, oocyte, embryo, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. For pediatric patients or those needing immediate treatment, ovarian tissue freezing is a viable option. Prior to cancer therapy, patients receive counseling on fertility risks and preservation methods, tailoring the approach to their diagnosis, age, and treatment plan.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Oncofertility?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring cancer treatment's fertility impact involves assessing reproductive hormone levels: AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol, or testosterone. Semen analysis evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology. For females, ovarian reserve assessments, including antral follicle count via ultrasound, indicate ovarian function. Long-term follow-up tracks menstrual regularity and evaluates for premature ovarian insufficiency.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Oncofertility?

Accepted Answer

Risks associated with oncofertility interventions include potential delays in cancer treatment, surgical complications from tissue retrieval, and financial burden. Hormonal stimulation protocols for oocyte retrieval carry risks like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. A theoretical risk exists of reintroducing malignant cells with ovarian tissue transplantation, though this is low and mitigated by careful screening. Patients must understand these considerations.

Oncofertility

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

What Are the Specific Clinical Criteria for Gonadorelin Use in Fertility Preservation?

What Are the Regulatory Considerations for Gonadorelin as a Fertility Preservation Agent?