Table 1 Experimental level, advantages, disadvantages and contraindications of FP options used in oncofertility around the world
FP option | Experimental level | Advantages | Disadvantages | Contraindication to FP technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Embryo banking after puncture of mature oocytes | Standard method | Mature technology | Delay cancer treatment by 2-3 weeks Ethical and legal requirements Need for a partner with whom they wish to have a child | Presence of a CI to hormonal stimulation* |
Embryo banking after puncture of immature oocytes | Experimental methods | Allows immediate cancer treatment | Ethical and legal requirements Need for a partner with whom they wish to have a child | |
Mature oocyte cryopreservation | Experimental method Alternative to embryo cryopreservation for women who do not have a partner or do not want to use donated sperm | Legal property of the woman Better outcomes compared to IVM of cryopreserved immature oocytes | Delays cancer treatment by 2-3 weeks | Presence of a CI to hormonal stimulation * |
Immature oocyte cryopreservation | Experimental method Women without partner or who do not want to use donated sperm | Allows immediate cancer treatment Legal property of the woman Less damage is caused by cryopreservation of immature oocytes than mature oocytes | Data on efficacy in cancer patients are not available | |
Ovarian tissue transplantation | Highly experimental | Restoration of endocrine function | Invasive procedure Risk of reintroduction of aggressive cancer cells in some type of cancer ** | Women older than 39 years |
In vitro follicle maturation (IVM) | Highly experimental Alternative to tissue transplantation | Minimal risk for ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome | Technical difficulties | |
Oophoropexy or Ovarian transposition | Experimental methods | Can be used for therapies requiring pelvic irradiation Ovarian protection Possible spontaneous pregnancy | No protection against chemotherapy or whole-body irradiation Carcinogenic risk |