First Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation and Autotransplantation in Patients with Malignancies in Hungary – Report of the First Three Cases

Abstract

Fertility Preservation, Cryopreservation, Ovarian Tissue Autotransplantation and Malignancies. Abstract: Autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue is one of the most advanced methods for fertility preservation of patients suffering from malignant diseases. Even though the method itself is still experimental, nearly a hundred live births have been documented worldwide, and its efficacy is comparable with the efficacy of any other assisted reproductive technology. Our prospective, nonrandomized study was the first in Hungary that aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of fertility preservation based on ovarian tissue cryopreservation and autotransplantation. Patients were included only with stage I-III malignancy confirmed by histological diagnosis with a high risk for post-treatment infertility. 13 patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. After successful treatment and recovery, cryopreserved ovarian tissue was thawed and autotransplanted in three cases. The ultrathin slices of ovarian cortex were transplanted on the remaining ovaries with laparoscopic or minilaparotomic intervention. Patients were discharged home after an uneventful postoperative period and are followed up currently. In summary, cryopreservation and autotransplantation of ovarian tissue is a safe technology for fertility preservation, which should be considered to offer and perform prior to gonadotoxic treatment, after individual evaluation of patients