Fertility preservation is important to cancer patients, no matter the age, according to a new study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility. Parents of young male patients treated for cancer said they would take part in fertility preservation even if the chances of fertility restoration were less than or equal to 20%.
Researchers sent out 465 questionnaires to parents of children who had already completed cancer treatment. The parents were placed in two groups – children younger than 12 and children older than 12. About 78% of the questionnaires were returned.
According to parent responses, 64% would take advantage of sperm cryopreservation via electroejaculation or masturbation in children older than 12. Fifty-four percent agreed they would utilize testicular biopsy and preservation. As many as 25% of parents agreed they would take part in fertility preservation even if the chances were low that fertility could be preserved.
Conclusion: Parents of young boys fighting cancer should be made aware of fertility preservation options.
Source: Sadri-Ardekani H, Akhondi MM, Vossough P, Maleki H, Sedighnejad S, Kamali K, Ghorbani B, van Wely M, van der Veen F, Repping S. Parental attitudes toward fertility preservation in boys with cancer: context of different risk levels of infertility and success rates of fertility restoration. Fertil Steril. 2012 Dec 11. pii: S0015-0282(12)02442-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.11.030.
