Infertility in Female Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Although most ultimately achieved pregnancy, cancer survivors with clinical infertility were less likely than their infertile sisters to receive fertility drugs.

Cancer treatment in childhood is associated with premature ovarian failure and lower pregnancy rates. However, risk for infertility, need for infertility treatment, and time to pregnancy have not been well described in survivors of childhood cancer. In a cohort study, researchers assessed reproductive outcomes in 3531 women who were 5-year cancer survivors (age range at entry, 18–39; cancer diagnoses before age 21) and in 1366 of their female siblings. Women with known ovarian failure were excluded.

Compared with their sisters, cancer survivors had higher risk for clinical infertility (adjusted relative risk, 1.5; P <0.0001). Although the likelihood of seeking care for infertility did not differ, survivors were significantly less likely than…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Infertility in Female Survivors of Childhood Cancer

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Reviewing Author