Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Paediatric Cancer

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Fertility Preservation in Oncological and Non-Oncological Diseases

  • 325 Accesses

Abstract

This chapter describes prevalence and risk factors for fertility impairment and adequate fertility preservation in children and adolescents with cancer. As an increasing number of childhood cancer patients survive their disease, treatment-related late effects become more relevant. One-third of girls and boys diagnosed with cancer will suffer from infertility in adulthood. This number dramatically increases following intensified chemotherapy or total body irradiation, with two-thirds and more being affected by fertility disorders. Due to the type of cancers and the urgency of cancer treatment in the majority of children and adolescents with newly diagnosed cancers, fertility preservation is additionally challenging and needs to be discussed in an interdisciplinary team to best organize procedures—always taking patients and families’ needs into account.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Deutsches Kinderkrebsregister. Jahresbericht 2017. (2017). http://www.kinderkrebsregister.de/typo3temp/secure_downloads/22605/0/bd894cced68c7950a69875dc2588a29281fd6fbc/jb2017_s.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  2. von Wolff M, Dittrich R, Liebenthron J, Nawroth F, Schüring AN, Bruckner T, Germeyer A. Fertility-preservation counselling and treatment for medical reasons: data from a multinational network of over 5000 women. Reprod Biomed Online. 2015;31:605–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.07.013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Green DM, Kawashima T, Stovall M, Leisenring W, Sklar CA, Mertens AC, Donaldson SS, Byrne J, Robison LL. Fertility of female survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the childhood cancer survivor study. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27:2677–85. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2008.20.1541.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Rendtorff R, Hohmann C, Reinmuth S, Müller A, Dittrich R, Beyer M, Wickmann L, Keil T, Henze G, Borgmann-Staudt A. Hormone and sperm analyses after chemo- and radiotherapy in childhood and adolescence. Klin Padiatr. 2010;222:145–9. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1249658.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Balcerek M, Reinmuth S, Hohmann C, Keil T, Borgmann-Staudt A. Suspected infertility after treatment for leukemia and solid tumors in childhood and adolescence. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2012;109:126–31. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2012.0126.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. Borgmann-Staudt A, Rendtorff R, Reinmuth S, Hohmann C, Keil T, Schuster FR, Holter W, Ehlert K, Keslova P, Lawitschka A, Jarisch A, Strauss G. Fertility after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in childhood and adolescence. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2012;47:271–6. https://doi.org/10.1038/bmt.2011.78.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Pfitzer C, Orawa H, Balcerek M, Langer T, Dirksen U, Keslova P, Zubarovskaya N, Schuster FR, Jarisch A, Strauss G, Borgmann-Staudt A. Dynamics of fertility impairment in childhood brain tumour survivors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2014;140:1759–67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-014-1702-7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Hohmann C, Borgmann-Staudt A, Rendtorff R, Reinmuth S, Holzhausen S, Willich SN, Henze G, Goldbeck L, Keil T. Patient counselling on the risk of infertility and its impact on childhood cancer survivors: results from a national survey. J Psychosoc Oncol. 2011;29:274–85. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2011.563344.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Hohmann C, Borgmann A, Keil T. Re: induced abortions in Danish cancer survivors: a population based cohort study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2011;103:698. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djr063.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Reinmuth S, Hohmann C, Rendtorff R, Balcerek M, Holzhausen S, Müller A, Henze G, Keil T, Borgmann-Staudt A. Impact of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in childhood on fertility in adulthood: the FeCt-survey of childhood cancer survivors in Germany. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2013;139:2071–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-013-1527-9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Wallace WH, Anderson RA, Irvine DS. Fertility preservation for young patients with cancer: who is at risk and what can be offered? Lancet Oncol. 2005;6:209–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Wasilewski-Masker K, Seidel KD, Leisenring W, Mertens AC, Shnorhavorian M, Ritenour CW, Stovall M, Green DM, Sklar CA, Armstrong GT, Robison LL, Meacham LR. Male infertility in long-term survivors of pediatric cancer: a report from the childhood cancer survivor study. J Cancer Surviv. 2014;8:437–47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-014-0354-6.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Brämswig JH, Heimes U, Heiermann E, Schlegel W, Nieschlag E, Schellong G. (1990) The effects of different cumulative doses of chemotherapy on testicular function. Results in 75 patients treated for Hodgkin’s disease during childhood or adolescence. Cancer 65:1298-1302.

    Google Scholar 

  14. AWMF. S3 Leitlinie 025-030. Endokrinologische Nachsorge nach onkologischen Erkrankungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter. . http://www.awmf.org/uploads/tx_szleitlinien/025-030l_S3_Endokrinologische_Nachsorge_nach_onkologischen_Erkrankungen_Kindes_Jugendalter_2014_03.pdf

  15. Jahnukainen K, Ehmcke J, Hou M, Schlatt S. Testicular function and fertility preservation in male cancer patients. Best Prac Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;25:287–302. https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000156.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Wei C, Crowne E. The impact of childhood cancer and its treatment on puberty and subsequent hypothalamic pituitary and gonadal function, in both boys and girls. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;33(3):101291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beem.2019.101291.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Wallace WH, Thomson AB, Sarana F, Kelsey TW. Predicting age of ovarian failure after radiation to a field that includes the ovaries. Int J Radiot Oncol Bio Biol Phys. 2005;62:738–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Dörr W, Herrmann T. Prophylaxe von Fertilitätsstörungen nach Strahlentherapie. Focus Onkologie. 2005;9:58–60.

    Google Scholar 

  19. AWMF. S1 Leitlinie 027-025. Pubertas tarda. . http://www.awmf.org/uploads/tx_szleitlinien/027-025l_S1_Pubertas_tarda_Hypogonadismus_2011-01.pdf

  20. Wessel T, Balcerek M, Reinmuth S, Hohmann C, Keil T, Henze G, Borgmann-Staudt A. Age at menarche in childhood cancer survivors: results of a nationwide survey in Germany. Horm Res Paediatr. 2012;77:108–14. https://doi.org/10.1159/000336688.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Koustenis E, Pfitzer C, Balcerek M, Reinmuth S, Zynda A, Stromberger C, Hohmann C, Keil T, Borgmann-Staudt A. Impact of cranial irradiation and brain tumor location on fertility: a survey. Klin Padiatr. 2013;225:320–4. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1353206.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. AWMF S1 Leitlinie 025-034. Beeinträchtigung der Gonadenfunktion nach Chemo- und Strahlentherapie im Kindes- und Jugendalter: Risiken, Diagnostik, Prophylaxe- und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten. http://www.awmf.org/uploads/tx_szleitlinien/025-034_l_S1_Beeinträchtigung_Gonadenfunktion_nach_Krebs_im_Kindesalter_2015-03.pdf

  23. Howell SJ, Shalet SM. Effect of cancer therapy on pituitary-testicular axis. Int J Androl. 2002;25:269–76.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Kamiyama R, Funata N. A study of leukemic cell infiltration in the testis an ovary. Bull Tokyo Med Dent Univ. 1976;23:203–10.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Reid H, Marsden HB. Gonadal infiltration in children with leukaemia and lymphoma. J Clin Pathol. 1980;33:722–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Somjee S, Kurkure PA, Chinoy RF, Deshpande RK, Advani SH. Metastatic ovarian neuroblastoma: a case report. Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 1999;16:459–62.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Young RH, Kozakewich HP, Scully RE. Metastatic ovarian tumors in children: a report of 14 cases and review of the literature. Int J Gynecol Pathol. 1993;12:8–19.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Bastings L, Beerendonk CC, Westphal JR, Massuger LF, Kaal SE, van Leeuwen FE, Braat DD, Peek R. Autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue in cancer survivors and the risk of reintroducing malignancy: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update. 2013;19:483–506. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmt020.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Poirot C, Abirached F, Prades M, Coussieu C, Bernaudin F, Piver P. Induction of puberty by autograft of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. Lancet. 2012;37:588. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(11)61781-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Ernst E, Kjaersgaard M, Birkebaek NH, Clausen N, Andersen CY. Case report: stimulation of puberty in a girl with chemo- and radiation therapy induced ovarian failure by transplantation of a small part of her frozen/thawed ovarian tissue. Eur J Cancer. 2013;49:911–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2012.09.028.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Demeestere I, Simon P, Dedeken L, Moffa F, Tsépélidis S, Brachet C, Delbaere A, Devreker F, Ferster A. Live birth after autograft of ovarian tissue cryopreserved during childhood. Hum Reprod. 2015;30:2107–9. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dev128.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Nielsen CT, Skakkebaek NE, Richardson DW, Darling JA, Hunter WM, Jørgensen M, Nielsen A, Ingerslev O, Keiding N, Müller J. Onset of the release of spermatozoa (spermarche) in boys in relation to age, testicular growth, pubic hair, and height. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1986;62:532–5.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Nagarajan R, Robison LL. Pregnancy outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 2005;2005:72–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Winther JF, Boice JD Jr, Frederiksen K, Bautz A, Mulvihill JJ, Stovall M, Olsen JH. Radiotherapy for childhood cancer and risk for congenital malformations in offspring: a population-based cohort study. Clin Genet. 2009;75:50–6. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-0004.2008.01109.x.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Winther JF, Boice JD Jr, Christensen J, Frederiksen K, Mulvihill JJ, Stovall M, Olsen JH. Hospitalizations among children of survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer: a population-based cohort study. Int J Cancer. 2010;127:2879–87. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.25286.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Magdalena Balcerek & Anja Borgmann-Staudt

  2. Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany

    Magdalena Balcerek & Anja Borgmann-Staudt

  3. Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, Germany

    Magdalena Balcerek & Anja Borgmann-Staudt

  4. Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women’s Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Germany

    Magdalena Balcerek & Anja Borgmann-Staudt

  5. Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women’s Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

    Michael von Wolff

Authors
  1. Magdalena Balcerek
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Michael von Wolff
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Anja Borgmann-Staudt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Magdalena Balcerek .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women’s Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

    Michael von Wolff

  2. Specialist Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Prenatal Medicine, Endocrinology and Osteology, amedes MVZ Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

    Frank Nawroth

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Balcerek, M., von Wolff, M., Borgmann-Staudt, A. (2020). Paediatric Cancer. In: von Wolff, M., Nawroth, F. (eds) Fertility Preservation in Oncological and Non-Oncological Diseases. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-47568-0_12

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-47568-0_12

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-47567-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-47568-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation