Fertility preservation in the pediatric cancer patient

This article reviews the current literature on fertility preservation in adolescents, young adults, and prepubertal patients. Recent findings Sperm banking remains the gold standard for fertility preservation in adolescents and young adults. Testicular sperm extraction and electroejaculation may also be utilized in patients that are unable to produce a semen sample. Fertility preservation options for prepubertal patients remain experimental but recent data illustrate the potential to restore spermatogenesis using spermatogonial stem cells. Summary Fertility risk and fertility preservation options for pediatric patients should be routinely discussed at the time of cancer diagnosis. Sperm preservation should be routinely offered to adolescents and young adults at risk for infertility from cancer treatment. Preservation of prepubertal spermatogonial stem cells can be offered as an experimental option.
Source: Current Opinion in Urology - Category: Urology & Nephrology Tags: PAEDIATRIC URO-ONCOLOGY: Edited by Manuela P. Hiess Source Type: research