Fertility treatments that are preserving hope for cancer patients

With the development of technology, cancer has become increasingly treatable, providing patients with the chance at a normal life. However, cancer treatment can have a significant impact on a patient’s fertility and can be a real cause of concern for those wanting to have children. Thanks to the research pursued by the medical community and the introduction of fertility preservation options, patients can now preserve hope of building their own family.

We spoke to two reproductive endocrinology and fertility specialists from HealthPlus Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi, to learn more about the options that cancer patients have and how each method is best suited for certain patient needs.

“Cancer treatments can significantly impact a patient’s fertility in a number of ways. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgeries can potentially cause harm to reproductive organs and minimize chances of having biological children,” says Dr. Ripal Madnani, a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist at HealthPlus Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi.

“However, with the fertility preservation options that we have today, we are able to take action to help prevent the loss of fertility and ensure that cancer patients have a good chance of being able to start their own family, either after treatment or later in life when it aligns with their life plans,” continues Dr. Madnani.

Fertility preservation options should not only be considered for adults, says Dr. Sumi Thomas, also a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist at HealthPlus Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi. “For children and adolescents being diagnosed with cancer, they are often referred to us to consider fertility preservation options in order to be cognizant of their future choices to build a family. We want to make sure that we are giving these patients the option to have children in the future if they wish to do so,” she says.

“We first educate the parents and patients on the full scope of the treatment, then we are able to start the procedure by removing and preserving samples needed for successful reproduction at a later stage. We also work with oncologists to suggest ways in which patients can consider boosting their fertility once they complete their cancer treatment.”

While there are multiple fertility preservation treatments, here are the most popular:

• Egg and sperm freezing: As one of the most common and popular ways to preserve fertility, egg and sperm freezing offer patients with cancer a safety net, since it preserves their reproductive potential. The procedure itself is often carried out within a day, where sperm and egg samples are collected and stored in a cryogenic unit for future use. When the patient is ready to access their samples and start a family, they can consider in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Ovarian tissue cryopreservation: As an effective way to restore the function of female reproductive organs, ovarian tissue cryopreservation provides patients with the chance to normalize hormone secretion in the future to support reproductive abilities. Once samples of ovarian tissue are removed, they can be implanted back in the patient to help resume function.
• Gonadal shielding: When undergoing cancer treatment, patients have their reproductive organs shielded, this process is called gonadal shielding, which reduces the risk of damage to ovaries and testes. This option is for patients who have already undergone other fertility options to ensure that they have samples of healthy reproductive tissue to use when needed.

“We have come a long way. As physicians, our message to patients is to seek care from a fertility expert as soon as possible, and prior to starting treatment. As a M42 company, HealthPlus Fertility Center has invested in bringing to market innovative techniques to help meet patients' fertility needs. These methods are data-backed and have been proven to be effective forms of treatment that will help with patient’s future plans,” stresses Dr. Madnani.

“We are always here to support our patients to make informed decisions about their current and future reproductive health. While there is a lot of psychological stress that they may be undergoing, which is important not to downplay, it is essential to consider fertility treatment options as it empowers patients to lead the life they dream of for themselves,” said Dr. Thomas.

A cancer diagnosis can be extremely stressful, but it does not prevent a patient from being a parent in the future. With modern medical techniques, which are advancing rapidly on a daily basis, there is hope for those wishing to have their own family in the future and to experience the joy of parenthood.