Setting Up an Oncofertility Program

Abstract

Oncofertility programs provide both providers and patients timely and comprehensive fertility preservation information about fertility preservation options and coordinate the care of cancer patients across medical specialties of oncology and reproductive endocrinology. A successful fertility preservation program requires the close communication and collaboration of an interdisciplinary team, including medical specialists (e.g., oncologists, hematologists, rheumatologists, reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and pathologists) and their staff, genetic counselors, mental health counselors, the embryology lab team, and the scientific team. To facilitate optimal timing of fertility preservation procedures and cancer treatment and to assist patients and providers, a dedicated oncofertility patient navigator is an invaluable part of the oncofertility team. Equally important to the success of an oncofertility program is the establishment of effective communication—through multiple channels—with both providers and patients.