Oncofertility: Fertility preservation in cancer

Abstract

The number of cancer patients in young age has increased in the recent years, which is coupled with late marriages and family planning. This makes an important place for a new and emerging field of cryo-preservation of gametes for cancer patients. A significant proportion of oncological treatments utilize chemotherapy or radiation exposure, both of which are detrimental to spermatogenesis. In post-cancer treatment period, fertility may resume in some but not all patients. Therefore, these patients need to be counselled about the methods of fertility preservation before commencing anti-cancer therapy. The present chapter brings a comprehensive overview of the fertility preservation options for cancer patients and the techniques used in this process.