Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in a young patient with cervical cancer: the first successful case in Korea

Abstract

Cytotoxic treatment, such as chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, can cause severe gonadal damage, resulting in premature ovarian failure and infertility. Fertility preservation plays an important role in the care of young reproductive women with cancer who desire future fertility. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation is an effective option to preserve patient fertility and to restore gonadal endocrine function. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of a successful ovarian tissue transplantation after cryopreservation, and recovery of endocrine function for a cervical cancer patient in Korea. In order to provide better treatments for preserving fertility in cancer patients, physicians should recognize and consider many options for fertility preservation and provide timely information and appropriate counseling.