This E-Learning module represents a further commitment of the joint ESMO/SIOPE Working Group on Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults to educate oncology professionals on different aspects related to cancers in this patient population and building a repository of teaching modules covering a range of different cancer types and cancer-related issues in this setting.
Cancer treatment has a major impact on the reproductive potential and fertility preservation procedures should be carried out prior to starting treatment. However, there is a lack of implementation in this field.
Fertility preservation is an increasingly important topic in order to improve the quality of life in cancer survivors. There is a need for a multidisciplinary collaboration between oncologists and reproductive specialists to improve both awareness and availability of fertility preservation techniques.
A number of techniques are now available for fertility preservation. In this E-Learning module, the author provides expertise from his long-term commitment devoted to accurate, patient-specific risk assessment and fertility preservation in girls and women with cancer. The author underlines the need for development of evidence-based algorithms to enable a truly informed patient choice.
In the module, the author advises that oocyte and embryo vitrification are established techniques for postpubertal women. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation remains experimental, especially in girls. Ovarian protection provides limited evidence of efficacy.
This module provides an excellent summary of the clinical application of available techniques and reviews their advantages, but also limitations, in terms of fertility preservation in girls and women with cancer.
