Current Status of Ovarian Tissue Vitrification as a Fertility Preservation for the Young Cancer Patients

Abstract

In young female patients, treatment of cancer can cause gonadal dysfunction, loss of fertility, and premature menopause. Cryopreservation of gametes and/or embryos and displacement or shielding of the ovaries during radiation therapy are standard methods for preserving the fertility of young female cancer patients. In 2004, Donnez et al. reported the first live birth after ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. Subsequently, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation have been applied clinically as a new approach to fertility preservation, and a new field named oncofertility has been established in Europe and the United States. It is 13 years since the first live birth was reported after ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation, and this technique has now become an option that should be offered to all young female cancer patients. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue makes it possible to preserve a larger number of primordial follicles. In addition, transplanted ovarian tissue can secrete estrogen. Therefore, this technique not only preserves fertility but may also improve symptoms of ovarian failure, prevent cardiovascular disorders related to estrogen deficiency, and lessen the decline of bone density. Currently, slow freezing is the standard method of ovarian tissue cryopreservation, while vitrification is commonly used for cryopreservation of embryos, blastocysts, oocytes, and semen. In recent years, attention has focused on use of vitrification for preservation of ovarian tissue. However, further research is needed to develop the optimum method of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. This article reviews recent findings related to ovarian tissue vitrification.