Fertility Assessment and Treatment in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA)
Cancer Survivors
Abstract
In the survivorship setting, adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer
survivors frequently demonstrate little knowledge of infertility risk,
are unclear regarding their fertility status and may under- or
over-estimate their treatment-related risk for infertility. In female
AYA survivors, ovarian function usually parallels fertility, and can be
assessed with serum hormone levels and ultrasonography. Post-treatment
fertility preservation may be appropriate for survivors at risk for
primary ovarian insufficiency. In male AYA survivors, fertility and
gonadal function are not always equally affected, and can be assessed
with a semen analysis and serum hormones, respectively. As reproductive
health issues are commonly cited as an important concern by survivors of
AYA cancer, multidisciplinary care teams including oncology,
endocrinology, psychology, and reproductive medicine are advocated, with
the aim of optimal provision of fertility advice and care for AYA cancer
survivors.