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Publications

Journal Article Practice Guideline Ppublish 1 citation

PubMed: 40739998 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.70426

Cancer and fertility management: FIGO best practice advice.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 171(1):32-44

Authors: Nikhil Purandare, Francisco Ruiloba, Long Nguyen-Hoang, Sarikapan Wilailak, Nozomu Yanaihara, Jacqueline P W Chung, Jaideep Malhotra, Edgar Mocanu, Frédéric Amant, Orla McNally, Inge Peters, Katie Flynn, Aya El Helali, Cynthia Maxwell, Sumaiya Adam, Lina Bergman, Surabhi Nanda, Valerie Tiempo Guinto, Fionnuala M McAuliffe, Catherine Nelson-Piercy, Melanie Nana, Graeme Smith, Jonathan Berek, Sharleen O'Reilly, Pat O'Brien, Bo Jacobsson, Liona C Poon

Affiliations

  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Galway, Ireland.
  • Fetal Medicine Research Unit, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
  • Fetal Medicine Centre, Tam Anh HCMC General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
  • Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
  • Rainbow IVF, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
  • Division of Gynecologic Oncology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Department of Woman's and Child Health and Public Health Sciences, Gynaecologic Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
  • Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
  • Maternal Fetal Medicine, Women's College Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Diabetes Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
  • University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines.
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Muntinlupa, Philippines.
  • St Luke's Medical Center-Global City, Taguig, Philippines.
  • Perinatal Research Centre, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
  • Division of Obstetric Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
  • Stanford Women's Cancer Center, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
  • School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
  • University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Division of Health Data and Digitalisation, Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.

Abstract

Cancer diagnoses in patients of reproductive age require balancing urgent oncological treatment with the need to preserve fertility. This FIGO Best Practice Advice outlines key considerations for fertility management in this population given the rising cancer incidence among young women and the reproductive risks posed by cancer treatments. The guidance evaluates the impact of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and emerging therapies-such as targeted agents and immunotherapies-on gonadal function and fertility. Established fertility preservation methods, including oocyte/embryo cryopreservation, sperm banking, and ovarian tissue freezing, are detailed alongside barriers to their adoption, such as cost and limited access. Early collaborative counseling with oncologists and fertility specialists is central to addressing timelines, psychological impacts, and priorities. Post-treatment pathways, including assisted reproduction and surrogacy, are also explored. The guidance stresses the importance of integrating fertility-sparing interventions and fertility preservation into cancer care while advocating for equitable access to resources. Further research is needed to refine preventive interventions, evaluate long-term outcomes, and expand options for survivors globally. By prioritizing fertility preservation within oncological care, healthcare providers can better support the holistic needs of young individuals facing cancer.

MeSH

Genital Diseases, Female, Fertility, Fertility Preservation, Neoplasms, Obstetrics, Reproductive Health, Therapeutics