Cancer-Induced Infertility in Women: Etiology, Fertility Preservation, and Treatment Strategies

Cancer and its treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, can significantly impair fertility in women, leading to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve. With advancements in cancer treatment improving survival rates, preserving fertility has become a critical aspect of oncology care. This article provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms by which cancer and its treatments affect female fertility, focusing on chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions. It also explores the latest advancements in fertility preservation techniques, such as oocyte and embryo cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, and in vitro maturation (IVM). Emerging technologies, including ovarian tissue engineering and in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), are discussed as promising future directions. For cancer survivors facing infertility, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), donor eggs, and surrogacy offer viable treatment options. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent, equitable access to fertility preservation, and posthumous reproduction, are also addressed. This review emphasizes the importance of integrating fertility preservation discussions into cancer care to ensure that patients are informed about their options and can make decisions aligned with their reproductive goals. By combining evidence-based practices with emerging innovations, healthcare providers can better support the reproductive health and quality of life of female cancer survivors.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cancer-induced infertility ، fertility preservation ، oocyte cryopreservation ، ovarian tissue cryopreservation ، assisted reproductive technologies ، premature ovarian insufficiency ، gonadotoxic treatments ، oncofertility