Impact of chemotherapy on ovarian function of patients with malignant tumor

Abstract

Objective To explore the impact of chemotherapy on ovarian function of patients with malignant tumor. Methods The clinical data of 34 malignant tumor survivors ( case group) and 34 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles (control group ) were collected. The malignant tumor types and menstrual cycle after treatment in the ease group were investigated. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in two gnupe were compared. Results In the ease group including 34 patients, 23 ( 67.6% ) experienced amenorrhea, 7 ( 20. 6% ) irregular menstruation and 4 ( 11.8% ) regular menstruation. Serum FSH and LH levels were ( 50. 88 ±27. 12) U/L,(36.87±27.86) U/L respectively in the case group, while those were (5.94 ± 1.46) U/L and (4.13 ± 1.78) U/L in the control group. There were significant differences between two groups (all P= 0. 000). The serum level of AMH in the case group was significant lower than that in the control group [(0.412 ±0. 183 ) μg/L vs (1.770 ±0.941) μg/L, P =0.000]. Serum AMH level in patients with regular menstrations and those with serum FSH < 10 U/L in the case group were significantly lower than those in the control group [ ( 0. 811 ± 0. 155 )μg/L vs ( 1. 770 ± 0. 941 ) μg/L, (0. 581 ± 0. 225 ) μg,/L vs (1.770±0.941) μg/L, all P=0.000]. Cunclusions Chemotherapy may lead to the damage of ovarian function. The serum levels of AMH may be more sensitive than FSH to predict the descent of ovarian reserve in malignant tumor survivors. Key words: Chemotherapy; Ovary; Malignant tumor; Anti-Mullerian hormone; Ovarian function; Menstruation