Pilot initiative in India to explore the gonadal function and fertility outcomes of a cohort of childhood cancer survivors (original) (raw)

Gonadal function recovery in very long-term male survivors of childhood cancer

European Journal of Cancer, 2013

Background: Although gonadal toxicity has been reported, no data are available on recovery of gonadal function in very long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Inhibin B is a novel reliable serum marker which has been shown to be of value in childhood cancer survivor studies to identify risk groups for impaired gonadal function, but consecutive long-term follow-up studies using serum inhibin B as a marker are not available. Objective: To evaluate possible recovery of gonadal dysfunction over time in adult male survivors of childhood cancer. Methods: In this retrospective study, adult male long-term childhood cancer survivors (n = 201) who visited our outpatient late effects clinic were included and we used inhibin B as a surrogate marker for gonadal function. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 5.9 years (range 0.0-17.5) and discontinuation of treatment was reached at a median age of 8.2 years (range 0.0-20.8). Inhibin B levels were first 0959-8049/$ -see front matter Ó

Fertility in Female Childhood Cancer Survivors

Endocrine Development, 2009

Advances in childhood cancer treatment over the past decades have significantly improved survival, resulting in a rapidly enlarging group of childhood cancer survivors. There is much concern, however, about the effects of treatment on reproductive potential. In women there is evidence that both chemotherapy and radiotherapy may have an adverse effect on ovarian function, ovarian reserve and uterine function, clinically leading to sub-fertility, infertility, premature menopause and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here we will first address normal female fertility and methods to detect decreased fertility. Hence we will focus on direct effects as well as late fertility-related adverse effects caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and we will conclude with a summary of current options for fertility preservation in female childhood cancer survivors.

Genetic variation in gonadal impairment in female survivors of childhood cancer: a PanCareLIFE study protocol

BMC cancer, 2018

Improved risk stratification, more effective therapy and better supportive care have resulted in survival rates after childhood cancer of around 80% in developed countries. Treatment however can be harsh, and three in every four childhood cancer survivors (CCS) develop at least one late effect, such as gonadal impairment. Gonadal impairment can cause involuntary childlessness, with serious consequences for the well-being of CCS. In addition, early menopause increases the risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Inter-individual variability in susceptibility to therapy related gonadal impairment suggests a role for genetic variation. Currently, only one candidate gene study investigated genetic determinants in relation to gonadal impairment in female CCS; it yielded one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that was previously linked with the predicted age at menopause in the general population of women, now associated with gonadal impairment in CCS. Addi...

Gonadal function, fertility, and reproductive medicine in childhood and adolescent cancer patients: a national survey of Japanese pediatric endocrinologists

Clinical Pediatric Endocrinology, 2016

An increasing number of pediatric cancer patients survive, and treatment-related infertility represents one of the most important issues for these patients. While official guidelines in Japan recommend long-term follow-up of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs), their gonadal function and fertility have not been clarified. To address this issue, we organized a working panel to compile evidence from long-term survivors who received treatments for cancer during childhood or adolescence. In collaboration with members of the CCS Committee of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology (JSPE), we conducted a questionnaire survey regarding reproductive function in pediatric cancer patients. A cross-sectional survey was sent to 178 JSPE-certified councilors who were asked to self-evaluate the medical examinations they had performed. A total of 151 responses were obtained, revealing that 143 endocrinologists were involved in the care of CCSs. A quarter of the respondents reported having experienced issues during gonadal or reproductive examinations. Several survivors did not remember or fully understand the explanation regarding gonadal damage, and faced physical and psychological distress when discussing the risk of becoming infertile. Pediatric endocrinologists had anxieties regarding their patients' infertility and the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and delivery problems. Only a limited number of endocrinologists had experience with managing childbirth and fertility preservation. Many councilors mentioned the necessity for inter-disciplinary communication among healthcare providers. Both endocrinologists and oncologists should set and follow a uniform clinical guideline that includes management of fertility of CCSs.

Dissociation of Pubertal Development Abnormality and Gonadal Dysfunction in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

Purpose: To determine the relationship between pubertal development and postpubertal gonadal function in childhood cancer survivors. Methods: Childhood cancer survivors (q10 years of age) who received follow-up care in a pediatric oncology group in an academic medical center during the period from January 1, 1985, to July 1, 2010 were included in this case series. Their pubertal development and gonadal function were evaluated. Results: The cohort consists of 39 males (age 10-21 years) and 35 females (age 10-29 years) with a variety of cancer diagnosis and treatments. The average age at diagnosis was *7.5 years. The average age at the time of the study was 16 and 16.7 years in males and females, respectively, representing a mean follow-up interval of *9 years. Despite the fact that 60% of survivors received cyclophosphamide equivalents and 16.2% received cranial radiation or brain tumor resection, the majority of survivors (68%) presented with both normal puberty and normal gonadal functions at the time of follow-up. In 27% of survivors, puberty development did not predict gonadal function in early adulthood: 20% of survivors had normal puberty, but abnormal gonadal function; 7% of survivors had abnormal puberty, but gonadal function remained normal as young adults. Conclusions: Most childhood cancer survivors had normal puberty and gonadal function despite a variety of cancer treatment modalities. However, normal puberty did not predict normal gonadal function later in life in many survivors. Therefore, close follow-up with gonadal function in adolescent and early adulthood years is essential.

Reproductive Function and Outcomes in Female Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer: A Review

Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2018

Some survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer are at increased risk of gonadal dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We reviewed currently available literature that evaluated reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes of female cancer survivors diagnosed before the age of 25 years. High-dose alkylating agent chemotherapy and abdominal/pelvic radiotherapy adversely affect gonadal function in a dose-related fashion, with older age at exposure conferring greater risk as a result of the age-related decline in ovarian reserve. Gonadal injury clinically manifests as ovarian hormone insufficiency (delayed or arrested puberty, premature ovarian insufficiency, or premature menopause) and infertility. The effect of molecular-targeted agents on ovarian function has not been established. For female cancer survivors who maintain fertility, overall pregnancy (relative risk, 0.67 to 0.81) and live birth rates (hazard ratio, 0.79 to 0.82) are lower than those in the genera...

Fertility Among Female Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer: Protocol for Two Pan-European Studies (PanCareLIFE)

JMIR research protocols, 2018

Despite a significant number of studies on female fertility following childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer, studies establishing precise (dose-related) estimates of treatment-related risks are still scarce. Previous studies have been underpowered, did not include detailed treatment information, or were based on self-report only without any hormonal assessments. More precise assessments of who is at risk for sub- or infertility are needed. The objective of our study is to describe the design and methods of 2 studies on female fertility (a cohort study and a nested case-control study) among female survivors of CAYA cancer performed within the European PanCareLIFE project. For the cohort study, which aims to evaluate the overall risk of fertility impairment, as well as the risk for specific subgroups of female CAYA cancer survivors, 13 institutions from 9 countries provide data on fertility impairment. Survivors are defined as being fertility impaired if they meet at le...