Treatments for cancer and sickle cell disease deplete germ cells in young boys

(European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) Scientists have discovered that some treatments for cancer and sickle cell disease can destroy the germ cells that go on to develop into sperm in the testes of young boys. In some pre-pubescent boys, the treatment for sickle cell disease results in complete destruction of all their germ cells, which are called spermatogonia. The study is published in Human Reproduction and is the first to describe the effects of these treatments on spermatogonial quantity
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news