Reduced male fertility in childhood cancer survivors
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Authors
Lee, Sun Hee
Shin, Choong Ho
Issue Date
2013-12-31
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Radiotherapy , Male Fertility , Cancer Survivors
Alternative Title
Abstract
With advances in cancer treatment, more pediatric cancer patients have increased their life expectancy. Because cancer-related therapy causes various physical and psychological problems, many male survivors experience later problems with thyroid and sexual functions, and with growth. As outcomes have improved, more survivors need to maintain their reproductive function to maximize their long-term quality of life. Cancer and cancer-related treatment can impair fertility by damage to the testes, to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, or to the genitourinary organs. Prior radiation therapy to the testes, the use of alkylating agents, and central hypogonadism further impair fertility in male survivors of childhood cancer. Following any course of chemotherapy, peripubertal maturation, any testicular volume changes, and symptoms of androgen deficiency should be monitored systematically. If patients request fertility testing, spermatogenesis status can be evaluated either directly by semen analysis or indirectly by determination of the levels of testosterone/gonadotropins and by monitoring any changes in testicular volume. According to the patient's condition, semen cryopreservation, hormonal therapy, or assisted reproduction technologies should be provided.
Description
Citation
Lee, S. H., & Shin, C. H. (2013). Reduced male fertility in childhood cancer survivors. Annals of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism, 18(4), 168–172. https://doi.org/10.6065/apem.2013.18.4.168
Publisher
Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism