Abstract
PurposeSperm cryopreservation is fundamental in the management of patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments. Concerns have risen in relation to SARS-CoV-2 and its potential for testicular involvement, since SARS-CoV-2-positive cryopreserved samples may have unknown effects on fertilization and embryo safety. This study therefore aimed to analyze the safety of sperm cryopreservation for cancer patients after the onset of the pandemic in Italy, through assessment of the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and viral RNA testing of semen samples.MethodsWe recruited 10 cancer patients (mean age 30.5 ± 9.6 years) referred to our Sperm Bank during the Italian lockdown (from March 11th to May 4th 2020) who had not undergone a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 testing. Patients were administered a questionnaire on their exposure to COVID-19, and semen samples were taken. Before cryopreservation, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was extracted from a 150 µl aliquot of seminal fluid in toto using QIAamp viral RNA kit (Qiagen) and amplified by a real time RT PCR system (RealStar SARS-CoV2 RT PCR, Altona Diagnostics) targeting the E and S genes.ResultsThe questionnaire and medical interview revealed that all patients were asymptomatic and had had no previous contact with COVID-19 infected patients. All semen samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.ConclusionThis preliminary assessment suggests that a thorough evaluation (especially in the setting of a multidisciplinary team) and molecular confirmation of the absence of SARS-CoV-2 in seminal fluid from asymptomatic cancer patients may assist in ensuring the safety of sperm cryopreservation.
Highlights
Materials and methodsSperm cryopreservation has become a mainstay in the management of cancer patients undergoing genotoxic treatments capable of inducing transient or permanent sterility [1, 2]
The swift spread of SARS-CoV-2, and the uncertainty caused by the paucity of data on female and male fertility in patients with COVID-19, has pushed assisted reproduction centers to seek common guidelines for both assisted reproduction techniques and gamete cryopreservation
This study aimed to evaluate the safety of sperm cryopreservation of cancer patients referred to our sperm bank after the onset of the pandemic in Italy through the assessment of the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and, in selected volunteers, viral RNA testing of semen samples
Summary
Sperm cryopreservation has become a mainstay in the management of cancer patients undergoing genotoxic treatments capable of inducing transient or permanent sterility [1, 2]. Literature studies have reported that viruses stored in liquid nitrogen may maintain their pathogenic properties [6] This means that sperm cryopreservation might preserve any viral species contaminating the semen sample. It might be important to identify SARS-CoV-2-positive patients before cryopreservation procedures for the duration of the pandemic [12], given that SARS-CoV-2 may be present in semen samples and in liquid nitrogen in sperm banks across the world [13]. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of sperm cryopreservation of cancer patients referred to our sperm bank after the onset of the pandemic in Italy through the assessment of the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and, in selected volunteers, viral RNA testing of semen samples. Student 3 pts (30%) Office worker 2 pts (20%) Computer programmer 1 pt (10%) Engineer 1 pt (10%) Factory worker 1 pt (10%) Sanitation worker 1 pt (10%) Unemployed 1 pt (10%)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
