Ovarian tissue cryopreservation

Abstract

In recent years, cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in humans has emerged as a promising technique for fertility preservation in premenarchal children and adolescents, as well as an alternative in adult women prior to starting gonadotoxic chemo/radiotherapy. The prognosis and the survival rates of cancer patients have improved tremendously as a result of recent advances in cancer treatment - particularly in childhood cancers - and therefore attention is now being directed towards quality of life issues and the long-term gonadotoxic side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The incidence of ovarian failure is dependent on the agents used, the dose, and the age of the patient.