First retransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue following cancer therapy in Germany.

INTRODUCTION

New anticancer treatments have increased survival rates for cancer patients but often at the cost of sterility. One way of preserving fertility in these patients is the use of cryopreservation of ovarian tissue with subsequent retransplantation following a period of recurrence-free survival. We report the follow-up of the first case of retransplantation of ovarian tissue in Germany.

METHODS

Immediately following the diagnosis of anal cancer, ovarian tissue was removed laparoscopically, and cryopreserved. The patient was then treated with combined radiochemotherapy, which resulted in iatrogenic premature ovarian failure, and was associated with inhibin B serum levels lower than 10 ng/L. After the 2.5 year period of cancer remission, the cryopreserved ovarian tissue was retransplanted orthotopically.

RESULTS

Five months later estradiol serum levels had risen from lower than 20 pg/mL to 436 pg/mL. Three ovarian follicles were detected ultrasonographically in the pelvic side wall. Finally the patient reported her first menstruation after the intervention. The endocrine activity of the transplanted cryopreserved tissue has demonstrated viability, and the ability to develop.

DISCUSSION

Cycle monitoring and timed intercourse should now help to achieve conception. These first results from Germany for retransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue clearly show its potential for preserving fertility.