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New Method Of Preserving Fertility In Young Women With Cancer

Date:
June 15, 2004
Source:
McGill University
Summary:
In a report recently published in the Lancet, physicians at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) have described a new way to preserve the fertility of women who must undergo chemotherapy. This method, which can be done quickly, does not involve surgery or hormonal stimulation of the ovaries.
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Montreal, June 14, 2004 – In a report recently published in the Lancet, physicians at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) have described a new way to preserve the fertility of women who must undergo chemotherapy. This method, which can be done quickly, does not involve surgery or hormonal stimulation of the ovaries.

"Our technique of removing immature eggs from the woman's ovaries, then maturing them by a technique called in-vitro maturation (IVM), has been successfully used for eight female cancer patients," says MUHC Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of the McGill University Reproductive Centre, Dr. Seang-Lin Tan. "We were able to immediately remove a number of healthy eggs without delaying chemotherapy."

The easiest technique of preserving fertility in young women with cancer is IVF and embryo freezing.

"However, this option is only available to adults with a partner," says Dr. Tan. "Additionally there is often inadequate time to undertake an IVF cycle before starting chemotherapy and the IVF fertility drugs should not be used for some cancers."

Another technique for preserving fertility involves removing a piece of the ovary, freezing and re-transplanting it after the patient finishes chemotherapy. However, this technique involves surgery and has not been very effective.

"Our technique does not involve hormone therapy or surgery. Women with cancer should be offered immature egg collection and egg or embryo freezing to preserve their fertility before they commence their cancer treatment," concludes Dr. Tan.


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Materials provided by McGill University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

McGill University. "New Method Of Preserving Fertility In Young Women With Cancer." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 15 June 2004. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/06/040615080909.htm>.
McGill University. (2004, June 15). New Method Of Preserving Fertility In Young Women With Cancer. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/06/040615080909.htm
McGill University. "New Method Of Preserving Fertility In Young Women With Cancer." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/06/040615080909.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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