Fertility Preservation

Cancer treatment can damage the ovaries, and many women have fertility challenges after treatment. Patients who would like to keep the option of childbearing after treatment should discuss their fertility preservation options before their treatment starts.

Samuel Kim, MD, of the Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine, is a world-renowned specialist in fertility and cancer. Dr. Kim offers groundbreaking technologies to increase fertility after cancer.

While there are options available for fertility preservation, many of them are experimental.

GnRH analog treatment
GnRH analog treatment involves medications such as Lupron, Zoladex and Ganirelix. These medications are designed to protect the ovaries from the effects of cancer therapy. Many studies have shown this treatment can protect immature eggs from chemotherapy, but the results are controversial. This treatment is not effective for patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Embryo freezing
Embryo freezing is a well-established technique. It is an option for patients who have a partner and can delay cancer treatment for more than two weeks. The technology of embryo freezing has improved over the last few years, and the live birth rate is more than 30 percent in some centers.

Egg freezing
Egg freezing has a lower success rate than that of embryo freezing. Egg freezing requires ovarian stimulation for two weeks, which can delay cancer treatment. The safety of ovarian stimulation with fertility medications has not been established for breast cancer patients with positive hormone receptors.

Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation is a new strategy that involves freezing ovarian tissue and transplanting it back after cancer treatment. This treatment depends on the type and stage of the patient’s cancer. It is not recommended for cancers that have spread.

Learn more about KU Medical Center’s Fertility Preservation Program, part of the Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine.

To make an appointment:

913.588.7715
800.332.6048 toll free

Referring physicians:

913.588.5862
877.588.5862 toll free

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