Assisted reproduction and fertility preservation techniques in cancer patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This study aims to review the current state of different fertility preservation options in patients facing the risk of gonadal failure. RECENT FINDINGS: Various malignant and nonmalignant diseases have been successfully treated with high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Even though many young patients receiving these treatments are at risk of developing reproductive failure, a number of fertility preservation options ranging from embryo cryopreservation to ovarian tissue cryopreservation are now available. SUMMARY: Embryo cryopreservation is a well established technique to preserve fertility. The success rate with oocyte cryopreservation has been on the rise. Both oocyte and embryo freezing require ovarian stimulation and novel ovarian stimulation regimens utilizing aromatase inhibitors which have been developed for ovarian stimulation in women with estrogen sensitive cancer. Even though ovarian tissue cryopreservation is a novel technology, it is the only fertility preservation option for children and the only treatment strategy that can restore ovarian function. In-vitro maturation is a promising technology and can be applied in combination with ovarian tissue cryopreservation.