Fertility preservation in young patients with breast cancer: insights from the Gemme Dormienti network

Background: Fertility preservation (FP) is a key aspect of care for young women with breast cancer (BC), as oncologic treatments can compromise future reproductive potential. Early counseling and access to FP strategies are essential to support long-term quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate the...

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Main Authors: Gabriella Gentile, Cristiano Tesei, Stefania Brunetti, Paola Cavaceppi, Giuseppe Sorrenti, Matteo Lambertini, Mariavita Ciccarone
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2025-07-01
Series:Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/17588359251341210
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author Gabriella Gentile
Cristiano Tesei
Stefania Brunetti
Paola Cavaceppi
Giuseppe Sorrenti
Matteo Lambertini
Mariavita Ciccarone
author_facet Gabriella Gentile
Cristiano Tesei
Stefania Brunetti
Paola Cavaceppi
Giuseppe Sorrenti
Matteo Lambertini
Mariavita Ciccarone
author_sort Gabriella Gentile
collection DOAJ
description Background: Fertility preservation (FP) is a key aspect of care for young women with breast cancer (BC), as oncologic treatments can compromise future reproductive potential. Early counseling and access to FP strategies are essential to support long-term quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate the uptake of FP counseling, the choice of preservation techniques, and reproductive outcomes in women aged 18–39 years with BC. Design: A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted at the Gemme Dormienti network between 2018 and 2023. Methods: A total of 100 BC patients underwent baseline ovarian reserve assessments, including hormonal and ultrasound evaluations. All received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy prior to chemotherapy. Data on FP strategies—oocyte and/or ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC)—and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Results: Fifty-four percent of patients pursued FP procedures: 35% underwent oocyte cryopreservation, 55% OTC, and 10% both. Younger patients (18–29 years) were more likely to opt for combined techniques. Pregnancy rates were highest among women aged 35–39. Ovarian reserve indicators, including antral follicle count and endometrial thickness, showed an age-related decline. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of early, personalized FP counseling for young BC patients. Age significantly influences both FP choices and reproductive outcomes, reinforcing the need to integrate fertility discussions into initial cancer care.
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issn 1758-8359
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spelling doaj-art-a8040a012d544f83a47280be22bfc0612025-08-20T03:50:40ZengSAGE PublishingTherapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology1758-83592025-07-011710.1177/17588359251341210Fertility preservation in young patients with breast cancer: insights from the Gemme Dormienti networkGabriella GentileCristiano TeseiStefania BrunettiPaola CavaceppiGiuseppe SorrentiMatteo LambertiniMariavita CiccaroneBackground: Fertility preservation (FP) is a key aspect of care for young women with breast cancer (BC), as oncologic treatments can compromise future reproductive potential. Early counseling and access to FP strategies are essential to support long-term quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate the uptake of FP counseling, the choice of preservation techniques, and reproductive outcomes in women aged 18–39 years with BC. Design: A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted at the Gemme Dormienti network between 2018 and 2023. Methods: A total of 100 BC patients underwent baseline ovarian reserve assessments, including hormonal and ultrasound evaluations. All received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy prior to chemotherapy. Data on FP strategies—oocyte and/or ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC)—and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Results: Fifty-four percent of patients pursued FP procedures: 35% underwent oocyte cryopreservation, 55% OTC, and 10% both. Younger patients (18–29 years) were more likely to opt for combined techniques. Pregnancy rates were highest among women aged 35–39. Ovarian reserve indicators, including antral follicle count and endometrial thickness, showed an age-related decline. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of early, personalized FP counseling for young BC patients. Age significantly influences both FP choices and reproductive outcomes, reinforcing the need to integrate fertility discussions into initial cancer care.https://doi.org/10.1177/17588359251341210
spellingShingle Gabriella Gentile
Cristiano Tesei
Stefania Brunetti
Paola Cavaceppi
Giuseppe Sorrenti
Matteo Lambertini
Mariavita Ciccarone
Fertility preservation in young patients with breast cancer: insights from the Gemme Dormienti network
Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology
title Fertility preservation in young patients with breast cancer: insights from the Gemme Dormienti network
title_full Fertility preservation in young patients with breast cancer: insights from the Gemme Dormienti network
title_fullStr Fertility preservation in young patients with breast cancer: insights from the Gemme Dormienti network
title_full_unstemmed Fertility preservation in young patients with breast cancer: insights from the Gemme Dormienti network
title_short Fertility preservation in young patients with breast cancer: insights from the Gemme Dormienti network
title_sort fertility preservation in young patients with breast cancer insights from the gemme dormienti network
url https://doi.org/10.1177/17588359251341210
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