Reproductive possibilities for the child with cancer

Abstract 

As the population of childhood cancer survivors steadily increases, currently estimated at 26,000 in the UK, investigators are focusing on improving our understanding of the late side effects associated with successful cancer therapy. Long-term survivors are at risk of developing a number of late sequelae including impaired fertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes and health problems in the offspring. Although not the highest priority at diagnosis, loss of fertility is one of the most devastating consequences of cytotoxic therapy for the long-term survivors. In this article we consider the late reproductive sequelae following treatment for childhood cancer and discuss the options for fertility preservation.

Keywords: childhood cancer, female reproductive function, fertility, fertility preservation, male reproductive function, pregnancy