Fertility preservation in patients with gynecological cancer - is it possible?

The aim of this review article is to present current options for fertility preservation in young women with gynecological tumors (ovarian, endometrial or cervical cancer). An early pretreatment referral to multidisciplinary team which consists of general gynecologists, gynecologic oncologists, embryologists, radiologists, pathologists, and reproductive endocrinologists should be suggested to young women with gynecologic cancer, concerning the risks and benefits of fertility preservation options. Only a small percentage of patients with ovarian cancer and borderline ovarian tumors, are appropriate candidates for fertility preservation (FIGO stage IA and IC epithelial ovarian cancer). Following oophorectomy, ovarian tissue or oocytes are removed from the ovary for the use of cryopreservation; after completion of oncological treatment patient undergoes orthotopic retransplantation of ovarian tissue whereas oocytes may be used for in vitro fertilization. Live birth rates up to 53.8% have been reported after fertility preservation treatment in selected patients. In patients with endometrial cancer fertility preservation treatment means conserving of the uterus. Appropriate candidates for fertility preservation are younger women with well differentiated endometrial cancer, which does not invade the myometrium. Fertility preservation treatment in endometrial cancer is hormonal, based on progestins. After completion of fertility preservation treatment, frequent follow-ups are necessary, with tissue sampling (via curettage or endometrial biopsy) remaining standard approach in follow- up. Live birth rates after progestin therapy are around 60%, or even higher with the help of assisted reproductive procedures. In cervical cancer, fertility preservation treatment can be considered in women with early-stage disease (FIGO IA1, IA2, or IB1). Cone biopsy or conization followed by laparoscopic lymphadenectomy has been described as an appropriate procedure, with conception rates up to 47%.