Methods and conditions of fertility preservation in early-stage ovarian tumors

Abstract

The aim of this study is to review the literature of fertility-sparing techniques and their safety in early-stage malignant ovarian tumors, especially in epithelial ovarian cancer. Fertility preservation is widely accepted in early-stage borderline, germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors. Based on data from retrospective studies, fertility-sparing surgery in epithelial ovarian cancer can be recommended in stage IA, grade 1-2 and favorable hystologic type ovarian cancer. Above stage IA, or in grade 3, or in clear-cell tumors decision making process about fertility-sparing surgery should be individual. Correct surgical staging is mandatory and oncologic safety should be of primary importance. In the group of carefully selected patients oncological outcomes are identical to those of radical surgery. Spontaneous pregnancy rates vary, but they are generally high. Adequate counseling with patients, detailed documentation and careful follow-up is of outstanding importance. In order to improve the quality of fertility preservation techniques, establishment of treatment centers is recommended.