Proteogenomic insights into early-onset endometrioid endometrial carcinoma: predictors for fertility-sparing therapy response.

Endometrial carcinoma remains a public health concern with a growing incidence, particularly in younger women. Preserving fertility is a crucial consideration in the management of early-onset endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEEC), particularly in patients under 40 who maintain both reproductive desire and capacity. To illuminate the molecular characteristics of EEEC, we undertook a large-scale multi-omics study of 215 patients with endometrial carcinoma, including 81 with EEEC. We reveal an unexpected association between exposome-related mutational signature and EEEC, characterized by specific CTNNB1 and SIGLEC10 hotspot mutations and disruption of downstream pathways. Interestingly, SIGLEC10Q144K mutation in EEECs resulted in aberrant SIGLEC-10 protein expression and promoted progestin resistance by interacting with estrogen receptor alpha. We also identified potential protein biomarkers for progestin response in fertility-sparing treatment for EEEC. Collectively, our study establishes a proteogenomic resource of EEECs, uncovering the interactions between exposome and genomic susceptibilities that contribute to the development of primary prevention and early detection strategies for EEECs.

Advancements in fertility preservation strategies for pediatric male cancer patients: a review of cryopreservation and transplantation of immature testicular tissue.

Recently, there has been increasing emphasis on the gonadotoxic effects of cancer therapy in prepubertal boys. As advances in oncology treatments continue to enhance survival rates for prepubertal boys, the need for preserving their functional testicular tissue for future reproduction becomes increasingly vital. Therefore, we explore cutting-edge strategies in fertility preservation, focusing on the cryopreservation and transplantation of immature testicular tissue as a promising avenue. The evolution of cryopreservation techniques, from controlled slow freezing to more recent advancements in vitrification, with an assessment of their strengths and limitations was exhibited. Detailed analysis of cryoprotectants, exposure times, and protocols underscores their impact on immature testicular tissue viability. In transplantation strategy, studies have revealed that the scrotal site may be the preferred location for immature testicular tissue grafting in both autotransplantation and xenotransplantation scenarios. Moreover, the use of biomaterial scaffolds during graft transplantation has shown promise in enhancing graft survival and stimulating spermatogenesis in immature testicular tissue over time. This comprehensive review provides a holistic approach to optimize the preservation strategy of human immature testicular tissue in the future.

Outcomes after fertility-sparing surgery of early-stage ovarian cancer: A nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) is an alternative choice of young patients who have not completed their family planning and still have fertility needs. The aims of this study were to compare the outcomes of early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients undergoing FSS and radical comprehensive staging surgery (RCS), and the suitability of FSS. METHODS: A total of 1297 patients aged between 20 and 44 years with newly diagnosed early-stage EOC were recruited from the Taiwan Cancer Registry database between 2009 and 2017. Site-specific surgery codes were used to distinguish patients in FSS group or RCS group. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test and Cox regression model. RESULTS: There were 401 and 896 patients in FSS and RCS group. Patients in FSS group were with younger age and mostly had Stage I disease. In contrast, patients in RCS group were older. There were more Stage II, high-grade (Grade 3) disease, and adjuvant chemotherapy in RCS group. Stage and tumor grade were two independent factors correlating with CSS and the type of surgery showed no effect on CSS (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.66-1.77, p = 0.73) in multivariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, the clear cell carcinoma group who underwent FSS demonstrated better CSS compared to those in the RCS group (HR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.06-0.82, p = 0.04). A total of 17 women who underwent FSS developed second malignancies of the uterine corpus or contralateral ovary. CONCLUSION: FSS can be a safe alternative procedure in selected young patients of Stage I EOC who have fertility desire. Endometrial biopsy before or during FSS and regular surveillance to detect recurrence are mandatory for ovarian cancer patients undergoing FSS.

Successful ovarian tissue cryopreservation with transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: A case report.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause gonadal dysfunction in women of reproductive age. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is performed to restore fertility by allowing transplantation of the patient's frozen-thawed ovarian tissue or through future in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization of frozen-thawed oocytes. Herein, we describe our initial experience with vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for ovarian tissue preservation in a young woman with malignant tumor. A 23-year-old woman with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive malignant lymphoma was scheduled for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after experiencing relapse following R-cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone therapy. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation was selected as only MII2 oocytes were collected. Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery was performed to excise the left ovary. Ovarian tissues were frozen using the vitrification method. The operative time was 37 min, and blood loss was minimal. Pathological examination revealed no metastatic findings of malignant lymphoma and no thermal damage to the ovarian tissue due to bipolar disorder. The patient was discharged on the first day postoperatively, and her postoperative course was uneventful. The vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery technique can provide a safe and effective alternative to laparoscopy or laparotomy for the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in young patients with cancer. We believe this method has potential application in sexually mature female cancer survivors.

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation with vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgeryChemotherapy and radiotherapy can affect a woman's ability to have children by reducing ovarian function. This can make it hard to conceive even with fertility treatments. Freezing healthy ovaries before these treatments can help restore fertility. This can be done by freezing and later transplanting ovarian tissue or by fertilizing frozen eggs in a lab. Traditional surgery to remove ovaries can cause cosmetic issues and pain. But now, a new method called vaginal spontaneous opening transperitoneal endoscopic surgery is becoming more common. This surgery is less invasive, quicker, and causes less bleeding. We recently used this method to preserve ovarian tissue in young women with cancer. The surgery was successful with minimal complications. This new approach could offer a safer option for preserving fertility in female cancer survivors.

Conceptos de criobiología y fisiología ovárica en la preservación de la fertilidad / Concepts of cryobiology and ovarian physiology in fertility preservation

La criobiología se enfoca en entender cómo reaccionan los materiales biológicos a temperaturas muy bajas. Este campo ha experimentado avances significativos, particularmente en el ámbito de la reproducción asistida, donde se han desarrollado programas para preservar la fertilidad. Estos desarrollos revisten importancia crítica para quienes exploran alternativas en materia de fertilidad y preservación de gametos. Por otro lado, la preservación de la fertilidad tiene como objetivo proteger la capacidad reproductiva de una persona por diferentes condiciones de salud, tratamientos médicos o razones sociales que la puedan comprometer. Las técnicas aceptadas para la preservación de fertilidad en humanos son la criopreservación de gametos y de embriones. Existe evidencia prometedora creciente sobre distintas técnicas experimentales dentro de este campo, como la crioconservación del tejido gonadal, o estrategias de maduración in vitro, así como nuevas metodologías en los protocolos criogénicos que supondrán una optimización de los resultados y un punto de inflexión dentro del campo de la reproducción asistida. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo explorar el estado del arte de las estrategias actuales ofrecidas a las mujeres en el contexto de preservación de la fertilidad, revisar los avances en criobiología y su papel en la evolución de este ámbito.(AU)

Cryobiology focuses on understanding how biological materials react to very low temperatures. This field has experienced significant advances, particularly in the field of assisted reproduction, where programs have been developed to preserve fertility. These developments are of critical importance for those exploring alternatives in fertility and gamete preservation. Fertility preservation aims to protect a person's reproductive capacity under various health conditions, medical treatments, and social reasons that may compromise it. Accepted techniques for human fertility preservation include the cryopreservation of gametes and embryos. There is growing promising evidence on different experimental techniques within this field, such as cryopreservation of gonadal tissue or in vitro maturation strategies, as well as new methodologies in cryogenic protocols that will optimize results and mark a turning point in the field of assisted reproduction. This work aims to explore the current state-of-the-art strategies offered to women in the context of fertility preservation, review advances in cryobiology, and its role in the evolution of this area.(AU)

Preservación de la fertilidad en el tumor ovárico borderline / Fertility preservation in borderline ovarian tumors

Los tumores ováricos borderline (TOBL) son definidos como «tumores de bajo potencial maligno». Se trata de neoplasias epiteliales que debutan principalmente en mujeres jóvenes, siendo habitualmente diagnosticados en estadios iniciales de la enfermedad. La clave principal de su tratamiento es la cirugía, viéndose así comprometida la fertilidad de la paciente que no ha cumplido su deseo genésico. En general, la elección de la cirugía para los TOBL debe considerar las características del tumor, los deseos de fertilidad de la paciente y la extensión de la enfermedad. Las decisiones tomadas al respecto deben ser individualizadas y asesoradas por un equipo multidisciplinar. La preservación de la fertilidad (PF) juega un papel importante en el manejo de estas pacientes, existiendo distintas estrategias para mejorar y mantener su calidad de vida. El asesoramiento reproductivo debería ser una parte integral del manejo clínico, debiendo considerarse cuidadosamente los riesgos y beneficios. Dada su baja incidencia existe poca literatura al respecto, necesitándose estudios prospectivos bien diseñados para abordar los problemas específicos de fertilidad tanto en el diagnóstico inicial como en las recurrencias de los pacientes con TOBL.(AU)

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) are defined as “tumors of low malignant potential”. These are epithelial neoplasms that debut mainly in young women, and are usually diagnosed in the initial stages of the disease. The main key to its treatment is surgery, thus compromising the fertility of the patient who has not fulfilled her reproductive desire. In general, the choice of surgery for BOTs should consider the characteristics of the tumor, the patient's fertility desires, and the extent of the disease. The decisions made in this regard must be individualized and advised by a multidisciplinary team. Fertility preservation (FP) plays an important role in the management of these patients, and there are different strategies to improve and maintain their quality of life. Reproductive counseling should be an integral part of clinical management, with risks and benefits carefully considered. Given its low incidence, there is little literature on the matter, requiring well-designed prospective studies to address specific fertility problems both in the initial diagnosis and in recurrences of patients with BOTs.(AU)

Preservación de la fertilidad en personas transgénero del espectro masculino. Revisión narrativa de la literatura / Fertility preservation in transmasculine people: Narrative review

La terapia hormonal de afirmación de género con testosterona (GAHT, por sus siglas en inglés) permite, a las personas transgénero del espectro masculino, modificar las características sexuales secundarias del sexo asignado al nacer, aliviando así los síntomas de la disforia de género durante el proceso denominado transición. Sin embargo, se debe tener presente que se desconoce, en la actualidad, el efecto de la GAHT sobre la fertilidad a largo plazo, y el potencial efecto gonadotóxico de la misma. La demanda de un correcto asesoramiento reproductivo y la opción de realizar técnicas de preservación de la fertilidad (PF) han aumentado de forma exponencial en los últimos años, comportando cambios profundos en el manejo clínico de estas personas. En este artículo se realiza una revisión bibliográfica sobre el efecto de la GAHT a nivel reproductivo y en la fertilidad, junto con las técnicas de PF disponibles en este colectivo, principalmente la vitrificación de ovocitos. Además, realizamos un análisis de los resultados reproductivos publicados hasta la fecha tras el uso de técnicas de preservación, y exponemos los últimos avances de laboratorio en relación con la criopreservación de tejido ovárico y la maduración in vitro de ovocitos, junto con las opciones de futuro en población transgénero del espectro masculino.(AU)

Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in transmasculine people (individuals who identify as men or on the masculine spectrum and were assigned female sex at birth) makes it possible to modify the secondary sexual characteristics of the sex assigned at birth, thus alleviating the symptoms of gender dysphoria, during the process called transition. However, it is necessary to highlight that the effect of GAHT on long-term fertility and its potential gonadotoxic effects are currently unknown. Knowledge of the effects of testosterone on fertility and reproduction has increased recently, whilst the request for comprehensive reproductive counselling and the option of performing fertility preservation (FP) techniques have increased exponentially in recent years, leading to profound changes in the clinical management of this population. In this review, we analyzed all the information published regarding the effect of GAHT on reproduction and the FP techniques available in this group, mainly oocyte vitrification. In addition, we carry out an exhaustive analysis of the reproductive results published to date after the use of preservation techniques and present the latest laboratory advances concerning ovarian tissue cryopreservation and in vitro oocyte maturation, together with future options in the transmasculine people.(AU)

Fertility preservation in endometriosis: Review of current evidence and best practices / Preservación de la fertilidad en la endometriosis: revisión de la evidencia actual

In recent decades, the field of female fertility preservation has experienced substantial growth. Reliable techniques such as cryopreservation of oocytes and ovarian tissue have emerged, along with more established methods such as embryo freezing. Among the group of patients who can benefit from these new techniques are patients with endometriosis, a common disease capable of compromising ovarian reserve and fertility prospects. Unfortunately, comprehensive recommendations for fertility preservation in patients with endometriosis are still lacking. This narrative review comprehensively explores fertility preservation in patients with endometriosis, using a range of relevant literature, including available national and international guidelines. Additionally, it explains the weight of several factors that contribute to the decision-making process for fertility preservation, including age, severity of endometriosis, ovarian reserve, and previous or future surgery. This manuscript summarizes available recommendations that provide guidance for this vital but challenging aspect of reproductive medicine. Underlines the need for personalized care for patients with an early diagnosis of endometriosis and initial medical treatment to try to reduce the deterioration of ovarian reserve and emphasizes the importance of research to refine fertility preservation strategies in people with endometriosis.(AU)

En las últimas décadas, el campo de la preservación de la fertilidad femenina ha experimentado un crecimiento sustancial. Han surgido técnicas fiables, como la criopreservación de ovocitos y tejido ovárico, junto con algunas más establecidas como la congelación de embriones. Entre el grupo de pacientes que se pueden beneficiar de estos nuevos métodos, están aquellas con endometriosis, una enfermedad frecuente y capaz de comprometer la reserva ovárica y las perspectivas de fertilidad. Desafortunadamente, todavía faltan recomendaciones integrales para la preservación de esta en pacientes con endometriosis. Esta revisión narrativa explora exhaustivamente la conservación de la fertilidad en pacientes con endometriosis, utilizando una variedad de literatura pertinente, incluidas las pautas nacionales e internacionales disponibles. Además, explica el peso de varios factores que contribuyen al proceso de toma de decisiones para conservar la fertilidad, incluida la edad, la gravedad de la endometriosis, la reserva ovárica y la cirugía previa o futura. Este manuscrito, resume las recomendaciones disponibles que brindan orientación para este aspecto vital pero desafiante de la medicina reproductiva. Subraya la necesidad de una atención personalizada a la paciente con un diagnóstico de endometriosis precoz y un tratamiento inicial médico para intentar disminuir el deterioro de la reserva ovárica y enfatiza la importancia de la investigación para refinar las estrategias de preservación de la fertilidad en las personas que presentan endometriosis.(AU)

Advances in Treating Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Clinical Outcomes, and Fertility Preservation.

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare but potentially dangerous condition that occurs when an embryo implants and develops within the scar tissue from a previous cesarean section. Treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy depends on several factors, including the gestational age of the pregnancy, the presence of complications, and the individual patient's circumstances. We performed a systematic review of the published literature on management of cesarean scar pregnancy and the outcomes, complications, and effects on fertility. A systematic review of recent scientific literature published up to April 2023 in the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. We used the search keywords "cesarean scar pregnancy," "methotrexate," "systemic," "chemoembolization," and "uterine artery embolization." The baseline search resulted in 413 articles. After the exclusion of 342 irrelevant articles, the abstracts and titles of the remaining 71 articles were read for potential inclusion, resulting in exclusion of a further 16 articles. Therefore, the full texts of 55 articles were investigated. Finally, 42 papers were included in the study. The main finding was that chemoembolization is more successful than systemic methotrexate therapy, and is associated with less blood loss and shorter hospital stay. Transarterial chemoembolization appears to be safe and effective method of treatment in patients with CSP and should thus be considered during multidisciplinary evaluation of these patients.

[The long-term efficacy of metformin in megestrol acetate-based fertility-sparing treatment for patients with endometrial atypical hyperplasia and endometrioid endometrial cancer].

Objective: To assess the long-term efficacy of metformin in megestrol acetate (MA)-based fertility-sparing treatment for patients with endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) and endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). Methods: The randomized controlled trail study was conducted from October 2013 to October 2017 in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Patients with EAH or EEC were firstly stratified according to pathology, and randomized to receive MA (160 mg orally, daily) plus metformin (500 mg orally, three times a day) or MA (160 mg orally, daily). Baseline data between two groups of patients were compared. Estimates of time to complete remission (CR) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of related factors for recurrence-free survival. Quantitative data were represented by M (Q1, Q3). Results: A total of 150 patients were included, and 76 patients were allocated to receive MA plus metformin with the age of 32.5 (28.0, 36.0), while 74 patients received MA alone with the age of 32.0 (28.0, 36.0). By the end of follow-up period, 96.7% (n=145) of patients achieved complete remission, with a median follow-up time of 57.7 (26.7, 70.5) months. The median CR time for the MA plus metformin group and the MA alone group were 6.3 (3.5, 8.3) months and 6.8 (4.0, 9.3) months, respectively (P=0.193), with 2-year cumulative CR rate of 98.6% and 98.5%, respectively (P=0.879). The median time of RFS was 28.1 (12.5, 57.3) months for the MA plus metformin group and 33.3 (14.1, 62.5) months for the MA alone group (P=0.213), with a cumulative RFS rate of 61.9% and 65.8%, respectively (P=0.560). In the subgroup of non-obese (body mass index<28 kg/m2) patients with EAH, the median RFS times were 25.7 (7.6, 60.3) months and 47.3 (17.5, 64.8) months for the MA plus metformin group and the MA alone group, respectively (P=0.033), with a cumulative RFS rate of 57.5% and 80.6%, respectively (P=0.029). According to Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, undergoing assisted reproductive treatment (HR=2.358, 95%CI: 1.069-5.204, P=0.034) was identified as an independent risk factor for recurrence-free survival after complete remission of endometrial lesions. Conclusion: The long-term follow-up outcome indicates that there is no significant difference in CR time and RFS time between MA plus metformin therapy and MA alone therapy for patients with EAH or EEC.

Ethical, legal, social, and policy issues of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in prepubertal girls: a critical interpretive review.

PURPOSE: Despite the increasing number of childhood cancer survivors, significant advances in ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) technique and medical societies' recommendations, fertility preservation (FP) and FP discussions are not always offered as a standard of care in the pediatric context. The aim of this literature review is to understand what ethical, legal, social, and policy issues may influence the provision of FP by OTC in prepubertal girls with cancer. METHODS: A critical interpretive review of peer-reviewed papers published between 2000 and January 2023 was conducted, guided by the McDougall's version of the critical interpretive synthesis (Dixon-Woods), to capture recurring concepts, principles, and arguments regarding FP by OTC for prepubertal girls. RESULTS: Of 931 potentially relevant papers, 162 were included in our analysis. Data were grouped into seven thematic categories: (1) risks of the procedure, (2) unique decision-making issues in pediatric oncofertility, (3) counseling, (4) cultural and cost issues, and (5) disposition of cryopreserved reproductive tissue. CONCLUSION: This first literature review focusing on ethical, legal, social, and policy issues surrounding OTC in prepubertal girls highlights concerns in the oncofertility debate. Although OTC is no longer experimental as of December 2019, these issues could limit its availability and the child's future reproductive autonomy. This review concludes that specific actions must be provided to enable the offer of FP, such as supporting families' decision-making in this unique and complex context, and providing pediatric patients universal and full access to free or highly subsidized OTC.

Fertility and reproductive concerns related to the new generation of cancer drugs and the clinical implication for young individuals undergoing treatments for solid tumors.

The treatment landscape of solid tumors has changed markedly in the last years. Molecularly targeted treatments and immunotherapies have been implemented and have, in many cancers, lowered the risk of relapse and prolonged survival. Patients with tumors harboring specific targetable molecular alterations or mutations are often of a younger age, and hence future fertility and family building can be important concerns in this group. However, there are great uncertainties regarding the effect of the new drugs on reproductive functions, including fertility, pregnancy and lactation and how young patients with cancers, both women and men should be advised. The goal with this review is to gather the current knowledge regarding oncofertility and the different novel therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, small molecules and monoclonal antibody targeted therapies. The specific circumstances and reproductive concerns in different patient groups where novel treatments have been broadly introduced are also discussed, including those with melanoma, lung, breast, colorectal and gynecological cancers. It is clear, that more awareness is needed regarding potential drug toxicity on reproductive tissues, and it is of essence that individuals are informed based on current expertise and on available fertility preservation methods.

Planned oocyte cryopreservation to preserve future reproductive potential: an Ethics Committee opinion.

Planned oocyte cryopreservation is an ethically permissible procedure that may help individuals avoid future infertility. Because planned oocyte cryopreservation is new and evolving, it is essential that those considering using it be informed about the uncertainties regarding its efficacy and long-term effects. This replaces the document of the same name, last published in 2017.

[Righteous fertility care for transgender persons]. / Rechtvaardige fertiliteitszorg voor transgender personen.

Medically assisted reproduction for transgender individuals has been a subject of discussion and debate. While the primary focus used to be whether transgender individuals should have access to assisted reproduction at all, the question has now shifted to what constitutes just access to assisted reproduction for transgender people. It is instructive to compare their access to this care with that of cisgender heterosexual individuals and to critically reflect on the cis- and heteronormative context in which this care takes place. To establish just fertility care for transgender individuals, it is essential to dismantle the barriers imposed by these norms.

In Vitro Effects of Charged and Zwitterionic Liposomes on Human Spermatozoa and Supplementation with Liposomes and Chlorogenic Acid during Sperm Freezing.

Semen handling and cryopreservation induce oxidative stress that should be minimized. In this study, human semen was supplemented during cryopreservation with formulations of handmade liposomes and chlorogenic acid (CGA), an antioxidant compound. Zwitterionic (ZL), anionic (AL), and cationic (CL) liposomes were synthesized and characterized. Three aliquots of swim-up-selected sperm were incubated with ZL, AL, and CL (1:10,000), respectively. The percentages of sperm with progressive motility, high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; JC-1), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA acridine orange), and acrosome integrity (Pisum sativum agglutinin) were assessed. Then, human semen was frozen using both 1:10,000 ZL and CGA as follows: freezing medium/empty ZL (EL), freezing medium/empty ZL/CGA in the medium (CGA + EL), freezing medium/CGA loaded ZL (CGA), freezing medium (CTR). The same sperm endpoints were evaluated. ZL were the most tolerated and used for semen cryopreservation protocols. All the supplemented samples showed better endpoints versus CTR (p < 0.001). In particular, spermatozoa from the CGA and CGA + EL A samples showed increased motility, dsDNA, and acrosome integrity versus CTR and EL (p < 0.001; motility EL vs. CGA + EL p < 0.05). ZL and CGA can improve post-thaw sperm quality, acting on both cold shock effect management and oxidative stress. These findings open new perspectives on human and animal reproduction.

Fertility preservation in pediatric solid tumors: A report from the Children's Oncology Group.

Treatment for childhood solid tumors may lead to an increased risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility. Discussion of risk should occur at diagnosis, any changes in therapy, and during survivorship. Gonadotoxic therapies were abstracted from 32 Children's Oncology Group (COG) phase III, frontline solid tumor protocols, in use from 2000 to 2022. Risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility was assessed based on gonadotoxic therapies, sex, and pubertal status and assigned as minimal, significant, and high following the Oncofertility Consortium Pediatric Initiative Network (PIN) risk stratification. Most protocols (65.6%, 21/32) contained at least one therapeutic arm with a high level of increased risk. Solid tumor therapies present challenges in risk stratification due to response-adjusted therapy and the need to account for radiation field in the risk assessment. This guide hopes to serve as a tool to assist in standardizing gonadotoxic risk assessments across disciplines and improve referral for fertility services and reproductive health counseling for patients receiving COG-based solid tumor therapy. Internationally, many solid tumor therapies follow similar paradigms to COG studies, and risk stratifications may be generalizable to similar styles of therapy. In addition, this model may be applied to other international groups with the goal of standardizing fertility assessments.

Ovarian tissue transplantation: 10 years of experience at the Bologna University.

Objective: The efficiency of ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) was established in terms of ovarian function recovery (95% of cases), number of live births (over 200 worldwide to date) and induction of puberty. Unfortunately, the lack of international registries and the fact that many centers have not yet reported their outcomes, lead to poor knowledge of the exact fertility data. The aim of the study is to describe our experience with OTT to restore ovarian function and fertility. Methods: This study was designed as a single-center, observational, retrospective, cohort study that includes women who underwent OTT between December 2012 and June 2023 at our center. After approval by the oncologist/hematologist, a small fragment of ovarian tissue was thawed and analyzed to detect the presence of micrometastases before OTT. Thawed ovarian tissue was grafted laparoscopically at multiple sites, including the remaining ovary and pelvic side wall (orthotopic transplantation) and/or abdominal wall (heterotopic transplantation). After OTT, ovarian function was monitored by hormonal assay, ultrasound and color Doppler at approximately 4-week intervals. Results: Between December 2012 and June 2023, 30 women performed OTT. Prior to OTT, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses revealed no micrometastases in all thawed ovarian tissue samples. In our series of 30 women, 20 of women were on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and the remaining ten cases still had oligomenorrhea and difficulty getting pregnant. Among the women with POI before OTT and at least 6 months follow-up, recovery of endocrine function was observed in all but one woman who underwent orthotopic transplantation (13 of 14 cases), in one out of two women who underwent both orthotopic and heterotopic transplantation (1 of 2 cases) and in all women who underwent heterotopic transplantation (4 of 4 cases). Women who underwent OTT to enhance fertility had no alterations in menstrual cycle and hormonal levels. In total, ten pregnancies were obtained in 25 women, resulting in four live births, two ongoing pregnancies and four spontaneous abortions. Conclusion: Our data can help patients and physicians in their discussions and decisions about the need and possibilities of preserving fertility.

'It's about time': policymakers' and health practitioners' perspectives on implementing fertility care in the Gambian health system.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a major health issue worldwide, yet very few examples of interventions addressing infertility in the Global South have been documented to date. In The Gambia, West Africa, infertility is recognised as a burden and the health authorities have included it in several health policies and the new National Reproductive Health Strategy however, a detailed operationalisation plan for fertility care has not yet been established. Here, we aim to understand and document the factors that influence the implementation of fertility care in The Gambia. METHODS: We conducted 46 semi-structured interviews with policymakers, implementers, and health practitioners in both the public and private sectors from July to November 2021. The interviews were transcribed, anonymised and analysed with NVivo Pro version 1.6.1. The analysis was initially inductive, with themes arising from the coding categorised according to the WHO health systems building blocks framework. RESULTS: This study identified several barriers to a successful implementation of fertility care in The Gambia, including (i) a lack of routinely collected infertility data; (ii) an absence of financial protection mechanisms for patients, and/or a specific budget for infertility; (iii) limited cooperation between the public and private sectors in the provision of fertility care; and (iv) gaps in fertility care training among health practitioners. Conversely, enablers included: (i) strong national infertility leadership; and (ii) the integration of infertility care within public reproductive health services. CONCLUSION: The Gambian health system is not yet in the position to support a comprehensive fertility care package in its public health facilities. Several aspects of the implementation of fertility care must be considered in operationalising the health strategy including the systematic collection of infertility data, fertility awareness, and the provision of specialised fertility care training. Furthermore, a stronger partnership between the public and private sectors must be developed. Given the increasing availability of assisted reproductive technologies in the sub-Saharan Africa region, and the tendency to locate these technologies in the private sector, further research is needed to understand and identify the processes underlying the implementation of fertility care and to foster better integration with the existing health system.

Reproductive outcomes in women opting for fertility preservation after fertility-sparing surgery for borderline ovarian tumors.

PURPOSE: What are the reproductive outcomes of women who had fertility preservation (FP) using either oocyte or embryo vitrification after fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) for a borderline ovarian tumor (BOT)? METHODS: A retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted between January 2013 and December 2021. Patients with BOT who resorted to FP by vitrifying oocytes or embryos were included. Both clinical and reproductive parameters were reviewed. The primary outcome was live birth. RESULTS: In total, thirteen patients who performed 31 FP cycles were included. Of those, six patients achieved eight live births after a mean follow-up period of 79 months. Three further pregnancies are still ongoing. All pregnancies/live births were obtained without using their cryopreserved oocytes or embryos. CONCLUSION: Women who had FSS for BOT have favorable prospects of live offspring, even without the need to use their cryopreserved material. Fertility preservation in patients with BOT has to be considered as a tool to mitigate the risk of infertility that may arise in case of BOT recurrence requiring castrating surgery.

Uterine transposition for fertility preservation in pelvic cancers.

OBJECTIVE: To review rates of uterine preservation and gonadal function, surgical outcomes, and pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing surgical uterine transposition. METHODS: A structured search and analysis of the published literature on uterine transposition was conducted. Information on study type, sample size, patient characteristics, clinical indications, details of the surgical technique, trans-operative and post-operative results, success rates in preserving reproductive organ function and fertility were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 18 cases were reported to date. Patients' median age was 29 (range 3-38) years. Rectal cancers accounted for 9 (50%) cases of published cases of uterine transposition, followed by 6 (33%) cervical squamous cell carcinomas, 1 (6%) vaginal squamous cell carcinoma, 1 (6%) sacral yolk sac tumor, and 1 (6%) pelvic liposarcoma. The median time for uterine transposition to the upper abdomen was 150 (range 80-360) min, and 90 (range 80-310) min for organ reimplantation in the pelvis. Cervical ischemia occurred in 5 (27.8%) cases, being the most commonly reported complication. The median follow-up time was 25 months, and three patients achieved spontaneous pregnancies resulting in successful gestations, out of five patients who were reported as having tried. One patient experienced recurrence and succumbed to the tumor during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine transposition is a feasible and safe surgical approach that offers patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy an option to preserve gonadal and uterine function, with the potential for spontaneous pregnancy.