Development of a Pediatric Fertility Preservation Program: A Report From the Pediatric Initiative Network of the Oncofertility Consortium

Abstract

Implications and Contribution: Evidence from this literature review provides guidance from the Pediatric Initiative Network of the Oncofertility Consortium for health care providers establishing a pediatric fertility preservation program.

A prospective study on the long‐term outcome of prepubertal and pubertal boys undergoing testicular biopsy for fertility preservation prior to hematologic stem cell transplantation

“…Unfortunately, we did not keep a record of reasons why healthcare professionals did not approach boys and their families to join our study; nevertheless, the abundant literature identifies common barriers in discussing fertility issues with children with cancer. [24][25][26] A number of boys also did not fulfill the inclusion criteria of having a high (>80%) risk for future infertility or they were too sick when they arrived to our unit for the extra planning needed.…”

“…Several centers have reported early experiences with testicular biopsies for boys before gonadotoxic treatment aiming at FP, 12,[27][28][29][30] as well as a similar high interest from patients and families for participation. [24][25][26] Gupta et al 28 showed that participants considered a potential 25-30% risk for infertility as sufficient reason to undergo testicular biopsy. Our experience indicates that the patients and families considered the potential risks and benefits and generally wished to undergo an experimental procedure, despite the lack of methods to produce mature spermatozoa from prepubertal testicular tissue.…”

Impact of legislation and public funding on oncofertility: a survey of Canadian, French and Moroccan pediatric hematologists/oncologists

“…An institutional program would facilitate this requirements and collaboration between the different professionals to achieve a best process of fertility preservation. Over the past few years, several programs were developed to improve fertility preservation care that had positive effects in patients [49][50][51]. The development of such programs could promote oncofertility services in countries where offer is currently insufficient, such as Morocco and Canada [46].…”

Possible use of spermatogonial stem cells in the treatment of male infertility

“…Предпринимаются определенные усилия по созданию многопрофильных общественных групп для оказания помощи в разработке исследований по сохранению фертильности у детей, оценке соответствующих этических вопросов и необходимых материальных затрат. В частности, создан консорциум «Онкофертильность», целью которого является оказание помощи медицинским работникам в разработке соответствующих программ в учреждениях, не имеющих службы, занимающейся вопросами сохранения фертильности у детей [54].…”