Ways to preserve fertility in children and adolescents with oncological diseases
In prepubertal girls and boys
Ovarian tissue freezing
In prepubertal girls, the method is still considered experimental, although more than 300 children have been born after it; however it is the only option, which is why it is a good alternative in cases with upcoming high dose gonadotoxic therapy.
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Testicular tissue freezing
The freezing of testicular tissue is also a method posing as the only option for prepubertal boys who are about to undergo highly gonadotoxic treatment. The method is similar to the freezing of ovarian tissue.
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Egg freezing
Stimulation, aspiration and freezing of eggs is the most commonly used strategy. It is applicable in girls who will soon enter puberty or are already teenagers. It involves "waking up" the ovary with the help of hormones that will stimulate eggs maturation inside the ovary.
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Ovarian tissue freezing
Freezing ovarian tissue is a fertility preservation option for postpubertal girls, when the cancer requires immediate initiation of treatment, and we cannot afford the time required for stimulation, but this is a less successful approach.
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Sperm freezing
This is the most used, non-invasive and successful fertility sparing method for boys who can ejaculate sperm. Sperm are frozen and can be stored for decades without losing their quality.
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Other methods
Fertility preservation in case of imminent radiotherapy on the ovaries or testicles is possible through two main approaches: Transposition of the ovaries in girls and covering the reproductive organs by shields during radiation in both sexes.
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