Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab.  2013 Dec;18(4):168-172. 10.6065/apem.2013.18.4.168.

Reduced male fertility in childhood cancer survivors

• Lee SH
• Shin CH

• KMID: 2266350
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.6065/apem.2013.18.4.168

Abstract

With advances in cancer treatment, more pediatric cancer patients have increased their life expectancy. Because cancer-related therapy causes various physical and psychological problems, many male survivors experience later problems with thyroid and sexual functions, and with growth. As outcomes have improved, more survivors need to maintain their reproductive function to maximize their long-term quality of life. Cancer and cancer-related treatment can impair fertility by damage to the testes, to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, or to the genitourinary organs. Prior radiation therapy to the testes, the use of alkylating agents, and central hypogonadism further impair fertility in male survivors of childhood cancer. Following any course of chemotherapy, peripubertal maturation, any testicular volume changes, and symptoms of androgen deficiency should be monitored systematically. If patients request fertility testing, spermatogenesis status can be evaluated either directly by semen analysis or indirectly by determination of the levels of testosterone/gonadotropins and by monitoring any changes in testicular volume. According to the patient's condition, semen cryopreservation, hormonal therapy, or assisted reproduction technologies should be provided.

Keyword

Infertility; Chemotherapy; Radiotherapy; Male; Survivor

MeSH Terms

Alkylating Agents
Axis
Cryopreservation
Drug Therapy
Fertility*
Humans
Hypogonadism
Infertility
Life Expectancy
Male*
Quality of Life
Radiotherapy
Reproduction
Semen
Semen Analysis
Spermatogenesis
Survivors*
Testis
Thyroid Gland
Alkylating Agents

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