In Vitro Growth of Human Ovarian Follicles for Fertility Preservation

Abstract

Young female cancer survival rates significantly increased due to the great progress of cancer therapy. In fact, cryostorage and transplantation of ovarian tissue have already resulted in the birth of healthy babies. Follicle in vitro growth (IVG) has the great potential of restoring fertility by achieving functional oocytes from the most immature stages to maturation. This is suitable for a wide range of patients, from pubertal to perimenopause women. Notable achievements have been achieved in human follicle IVG in the past decade. Mature oocytes have been successfully collected from long-term sequential follicle IVG. However, it is still a major challenge to establish a stable and efficient follicle IVG system able to generate mature and competent oocytes. Hereby, we review the approaches being taken so far using ovarian tissue to support follicle growth at different stages in vitro.