Fertility preservation parameters in patients with haematologic malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Patients with haematologic malignancies represent one of the most common groups referred for fertility preservation before gonadotoxic oncological treatment. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of haematologic cancer on ovarian reserve and response to ovarian stimulation compared with healthy controls. A total of eight observative studies were included in the final quantitative analysis. Despite a younger age (mean difference –4.17, 95% CI –6.20 to –2.14; P < 0.0001), patients with haematologic malignancy had lower serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels compared with the control group (MD –1.04, 95% CI –1.80 to –0.29; P = 0.007). The marginally higher total recombinant FSH dose (MD 632.32, 95% CI –187.60 to 1452.24; P = 0.13) and significantly lower peak oestradiol serum level (MD –994.05, 95% CI –1962.09 to –26.02; P = 0.04) were demonstrated in the study group compared with the healthy controls. A similar number of retrieved oocytes were achieved in both groups (MD 0.20, 95% CI –0.80 to 1.20; P = 0.69). In conclusion, haematologic malignancies may detrimentally affect ovarian function manifesting in decreased AMH serum levels despite a younger age compared with healthy controls. This effect can be overcome by the application of relevant IVF protocols and stimulation doses to achieve an adequate oocyte yield.