Files for Health Care Professionals

Current IRB templates for ovarian tissue freezing in patients using this technique for fertility preservation. Use "find and replace" in this WORD document, to remove Northwestern University and insert the name of your organization!

This protocol is designed for patients who are having one or both ovaries removed for a medical indication who do not desire fertility preservation, but are willing to donate their ovarian tissue to research. 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To articulate the need for a new approach to primary ovarian insufficiency. The condition, also known as premature menopause or premature ovarian failure, is defined by the presence of menopausal-level serum gonadotropins in association with irregular menses in adolescent girls or women younger than 40 years. It can be iatrogenic as related to cancer therapy or may arise spontaneously, either alone or as part of a host of ultrarare syndromes. In a large percentage of spontaneous cases no pathogenic mechanism can be identified.

DESIGN: Literature review and consensus building at a multidisciplinary scientific workshop.

CONCLUSION(S): There are major gaps in knowledge regarding the etiologic mechanisms, psychosocial effects, natural history, and medical and psychosocial management of primary ovarian insufficiency. An international research consortium and disease registry formed under the guidance of an umbrella organization would provide a pathway to comprehensively increase basic and clinical knowledge about the condition. Such a consortium and patient registry also would provide clinical samples and clinical data with a goal toward defining the specific pathogenic mechanisms. An international collaborative approach that combines the structure of a patient registry with the principles of integrative care and community-based participatory research is needed to advance the field of primary ovarian insufficiency.

Amber R. Cooper, MD, Valerie L. Baker, MD, Evelina W. Sterling, PhD, Mary E. Ryan, MLS, Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD, and Lawrence M. Nelson, MD.  Fertility and Sterility, 2010.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Oncofertility, an emerging discipline at the intersection of cancer and fertility, strives to give cancer patients options when they are confronting potential infertility as a consequence of cancer treatment. Fertility preservation decisions must be made before treatment begins, adding stress to the decision-making process.

METHODS: Healthcare providers need to be aware of the intricacies involved in oncofertility decision making, and the often tight time line that patients face when making these decisions. Cancer patient's perspectives may also change, as the dual burden of a cancer diagnosis and potential infertility can cause great flux in emotions.

RESULTS: A provider-facing decision tree was created to enhance patient decision-making capacities and outline the multiple potential intervention points.

CONCLUSIONS: Decision trees, which highlight the important decision points during which providers can approach patients, can be a useful tool to help providers in counseling patients on fertility preservation.

Shauna L. Gardino, Jacqueline S. Jeruss, Teresa K. Woodruff. J Assit Reprod Genet, 2010.

Current IRB templates for ovarian tissue freezing in patients using this technique for fertility preservation. Use "find and replace" in this WORD document, to remove Northwestern University and insert the name of your organization!

Abstract

Increases in the number of adult cancer survivors and other issues have forced the oncology community to examine, evaluate, and alter the cancer care paradigm. Pediatric oncologists are grappling with the task of transitioning a growing population of adult survivors of childhood cancer to adult medicine, while oncologists caring for adult cancer survivors are seeking models of follow-up care that are acceptable to patients and providers. Workforce and access-to-care issues suggest that primary care providers will see more cancer survivors in their practices across time, although it is unclear how prepared they are for this task. Translational research is needed to develop evidence-based clinical care and survivorship care plans. A broad picture of the evolving field of adult cancer survivorship is presented. The recent focus on young adult survivors of childhood cancer, an overview of translational research needed to inform the physical and psychosocial care of cancer survivors, and the roles of primary and specialty care providers managing this population is examined. Finally, an overview of evolving treatment summary and care plan initiatives is presented.

Jacobs LA, Palmer SC, Schwartz LA, DeMichele A, Mao JJ, Carver J, Gracia C, Hill-Kayser CE, Metz JM, Hampshire MK, Vachani C, Pucci D, Meadows AT. CA Cancer J Clin. 2009 Nov-Dec;59(6):391-410.

Abstract

The number of young cancer survivors is increasing owing to advances in cancer therapeutics, but many face infertility as a result of their treatment. Technologies that already exist for cancer patients concerned about their future fertility include sperm banking for men and hormonal intervention followed by in vitro fertilization and embryo cryopreservation for women. However, logistical barriers to timely patient referral and coordination of care between specialties can limit patient access to all the available options. Moreover, there are few alternatives for young women and girls who cannot delay their cancer treatment, or who are unable to undergo hormonal intervention. The Oncofertility Consortium® is a network of researchers, physicians and scholars who are advancing fertility preservation options for young cancer patients. Research into the societal, ethical, and legal implications is also an important part of the work performed by the Oncofertility Consortium, which is providing new perspectives on patient decision-making about how to access these emerging reproductive technologies. Experts in the fields of oncology, reproductive medicine, the social sciences, law, education, and the humanities are working together to develop next-generation reproductive interventions and promote communication between scholars, clinicians, patients, and the public to ensure that young cancer patients are equipped with the most appropriate information and options for having a family in the future.

Woodruff, T. K. Nat. Rev. Clin. Oncol. 7, 466–475. 2010.