Fifteen year follow-up of embryos cryopreserved in cancer patients for fertility preservation

Purpose

Determine the outcome of embryo cryopreservation in female oncology patients

Methods

The outcomes of IVF/ICSI cycles in oncology patients over 15 years in a University Teaching Hospital.

Results

Forty-two oncology patients (mean 31.9 ± 3.9 years) underwent embryo cryopreservation treatment (n = 33 IVF, n = 6 ICSI). Controlled ovarian stimulation with GnRH antagonist protocol (n = 34; 81 %) yielded fewer oocytes than GnRH agonist protocol (n = 8; 19 %) (9.4 ± 6.3 vs. 15.3 ± 8.9; p = 0.04) respectively. There was no significant difference in mean (±SD) duration of ovarian stimulation (11.6 ± 2.6 vs.10.6 ± 2.7), median gonadotrophin dose (1950 vs. 1670 IU), median day 5–6 oestradiol level (1124 vs.1129 pmol/l) or embryo yield (6.2 ± 4.1 vs. 8.8 ± 4.3; p = 0.07) between GnRH antagonist and agonist treatment cycles respectively. Thirty-nine patients cryopreserved embryos and three had their cycle cancelled. During this study period, of those who cryopreserved embryos, 5 patients underwent 9 frozen-thaw cycles (13 %), resulting in 2 live births (1 twin, 1 singleton, live birth rate 22 %). Six patients died (15 %), 3 conceived naturally (8 %) and 2 couples separated (5 %). Fourteen patients discarded their embryos (36 %). Twenty-two patients’ (56 %) have embryos remaining in storage.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that embryo cryopreservation in female oncology patients gives a satisfactory live birth rate. However, there are concerns regarding cost-effectiveness, resulting from high disposal/non-usage of embryos, and further studies are required.