Ovarian Function in Female Survivors of Childhood Malignancies

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced infertility is a common side effect observed in women of fertile age after treatment for malignant disease. Objectives: to study gonadal function and fertility in female survivors of childhood malignancies. Patients and methods: Study included 30 female cancer survivors and 30 age-matched healthy females as a control group. Data collected regarding; type of malignancy, age at diagnosis, duration on and off treatment, treatment received (radiation or chemotherapeutic regimens), sexual, menstrual, pregnancy, and fertility histories were also recorded. Laboratory investigations included; T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), leutinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Pelviabdominal ultrasound was done to estimate the mean ovarian volume. Results: Among patients; 80% had normal menarche and 6 (20%) had delayed menarche (P > .05). There was higher LH and FSH levels and lower AMH levels in patients (P < .05) with no significant difference in thyroid function tests (P > .05). Lower mean ovarian volume was observed among female survivors (6.32 ± 2.31 cm³) (P = .041). There was a higher FSH and LH levels among female survivors of solid tumors compared to those with hematological tumors (P = .05 and .04 respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between FSH level and patients’ age at start of malignancy (r = 0.65, P = .014), age of menarche (r = 0.74, P = .036), and duration of treatment (r = 0.54, P = .025).There was a significant negative correlation between age of menarche and AMH level (r = −0.61, P = .03). Conclusion: Female survivors of childhood malignancies had reduced ovarian reserve and reduced mean ovarian volume, especially those with older age, older age of menarche, and longer treatment duration.

Keywords :

• cancer therapy (fertility)
• chemotherapy
• endocrinology