Ovarian transplantation in humans: Indications, techniques and the risk of reseeding cancer

Kutluk Oktay, Erkan Buyuk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Laboratory research on ovarian cryopreservation and transplantation began in the 1950s leading to clinical studies in the 2000s. The research that was performed during this half century indicated that cryopreserved ovarian tissue has the potential to restore fertility in women who face premature ovarian failure due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. To date, ovarian function has been restored in at least four women. Even though no pregnancies have been reported so far from these clinical studies, animal studies indicate that this is a valid prospect for humans. Future clinical trials will determine on a larger number of patients the longevity of ovarian grafts, normality of hormone production and ovarian follicle development, possibility and safety of pregnancy, and the safety of auto-transplantation in cancer patients. However, the major improvement in the efficiency of ovarian transplantation is anticipated to come from research exploring the revascularization process.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S45-S47
JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Volume113
Issue numberSUPPL.
DOIs
StatePublished - 5 Apr 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Indications
  • Ovarian transplant
  • Risk of cancer recurrence
  • Surgical technique

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