9.1 Introduction Recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the impact of cytotoxic drugs on the ovary have opened up new directions for the protection of ovarian function from chemotherapy-induced damage. Studies are providing greater detail as to…
8.1 Introduction Cancer is not uncommon and no longer considered as an incurable disease among reproductive-age women. Indeed, cancer is estimated to occur in approximately 2% of women under the age 40. Over the past decades, there has been a…
7.1 Overview The survival rate among the ~2% of women of reproductive age who have suffered from invasive cancer has substantially increased. Unfortunately, the necessary chemo- and radiotherapy carry the risk of unwanted side effects such as permanent infertility, jeopardizing…
6.1 Introduction Investigating the precise effect of chemotherapy on female fertility is a key research aspect underpinning fertility-preservation work. Protecting the ovarian follicle pool will require detailed understanding of precisely how the different chemotherapy drugs damage the ovary: whether chemotherapy…
5.1 Introduction The success of cancer treatment creates a growing population of female cancer survivors who wrestle with long-term side effects of chemotherapy, including primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). This growing survivorship presents researchers and clinicians with the challenging mandate to…
4.1 Introduction Chemotherapy has considerably improved survival of many cancer types; however, a patient’s quality of life is influenced by long-term complications of chemotherapeutic regimens. These complications include cardiac abnormalities, secondary malignancies, renal and hepatic impairment, and gonadal dysfunction. Gonadal…
3.1 Introduction Assessment of ovarian toxicity in the clinical setting is important in determining the effects of exposures on individual women and to compare different exposures in groups of women, for example those on different chemotherapy regimens. Such knowledge can…
2.1 Introduction More than 75% of children treated for malignant disease will be alive 10 years following initial diagnosis in the UK. In addition, many women of reproductive age will undergo curative treatment for malignant disease. An understanding of the…
1.1 Overview of Ovarian Function The ovary serves two roles – the production of hormones necessary to support the endocrine health of the individual and the generation of mature oocytes that are able to be fertilized and contribute half of…