Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone Analogues for Ovarian Function Preservation in Young Females Undergoing Chemotherapy

Anshuma Bansal,Bhavana Rai,Suresh Chand Sharma,Bhaswanth Dhanireddy,Firuza Darius Patel

doi:10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.5.2185

Abstract

Chemotherapy has significantly improved the prognosis of cancer patients with various malignancies. However, female patients, especially those whoich are premenopausal, suffer from significant chemotherapy induced ovarian function impairment, which decreases their quality of life. Many new techniques for ovarian preservation have been established in recent years. Although the use of gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) for this purpose is not a new concept, its effectiveness in protection of ovarian function is still debatable. This article deals with studies and metaanalyses which have been undertaken in the past, demonstrating the impact of GnRHa in ovarian function preservation, and whether their use can be implemented in routine practice.

Highlights

The introduction of newer drugs and sophisticated regimens has resulted in improved survival rates and an increase in the lifespan in many cancer patients
This article deals with studies and metaanalyses which have been undertaken in the past, demonstrating the impact of gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) in ovarian function preservation, and whether their use can be implemented in routine practice
The purpose of this article is to review the studies and metaanalysis published in literature so far, that have compared GnRHa co-therapy during chemotherapy, with chemotherapy alone to determine if GnRHa can improve ovarian preservation and maintain fertility

Summary

Introduction

The introduction of newer drugs and sophisticated regimens has resulted in improved survival rates and an increase in the lifespan in many cancer patients. Over the last 30 years, the 5-year survival rate for children with cancer has improved from 58% to approximately 80%; and for adults from 50% to almost 70% (Maltaris et al, 2007). The treatment related side effects and quality of life are being increasingly recognized and addressed. Ovarian failure following chemotherapy is an unfortunate but unavoidable consequence of potentially lifesaving chemotherapy. Up to two-thirds of adult female patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignancies eventually develop premature ovarian failure (POF) (Kreuser et al, 1990). Loss of ovarian function may have a significant impact on the social, emotional, physical and functional well being in young female patients

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion