For women who receive a cancer diagnosis, one of the most devastating and life-changing factors can be the impact on their fertility.

Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause permanent damage to ovarian tissue, leaving many women infertile. However, recent medical advancements have led to a growing interest in ovarian transplantation, a procedure that can potentially offer a solution for women who want to preserve their fertility before cancer treatment.

What is Ovarian Transplantation?

Ovarian transplantation is a medical procedure in which ovarian tissue is surgically removed from a woman’s body, frozen, and then later transplanted back into her body once she has completed cancer treatment.

The procedure is a form of fertility preservation, in which the healthy ovarian tissue is saved and used to restore fertility after chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

The procedure is often performed on women who have not yet started chemotherapy or radiation treatment, where the ovarian tissue is removed, frozen, and then transplanted back into the woman’s body when she is in remission.

However, ovarian transplantation is also being researched for cancer survivors whose ovarian function has been damaged or lost due to chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

How is Ovarian Transplantation Performed?

The process of ovarian transplantation involves several steps.

Initially, a woman’s ovarian tissue is removed from her body and then transferred to a laboratory, where it is cut into small strips and frozen using a special cryoprotectant solution that helps to prevent damage to the tissue during freezing.

After the woman has completed cancer treatment and is in remission, the frozen ovarian tissue is thawed and prepared for transplantation using a special process that involves washing the tissue and then placing it into a small pouch that is surgically implanted into the woman’s pelvic region.

Once implanted, the ovarian tissue will begin to generate blood vessels and connect to the woman’s blood supply, allowing for the restoration of her menstrual cycle and the potential for pregnancy.

Is Ovarian Transplantation a Safe Procedure?

Ovarian transplantation is still a relatively new and experimental procedure, and there are still many questions and concerns around its safety and effectiveness.

However, studies have shown that the procedure can be successful in restoring ovarian function and fertility in some women.

One study conducted in 2016 found that women who received ovarian transplants had a 27% chance of successfully conceiving and giving birth.

Another study published in 2021 found that women who received ovarian transplants had a 40% chance of restoring ovarian function, with 10% of women going on to achieve successful pregnancies.

However, there are also risks associated with the procedure, including the possibility of infection, tissue rejection, and damage to the transplanted ovarian tissue.

Therefore, women considering ovarian transplantation should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their medical team before deciding whether to proceed with the procedure.

Who is a Good Candidate for Ovarian Transplantation?

Because ovarian transplantation is still an experimental procedure, it is typically only offered to women who are at risk of losing their fertility due to cancer treatment.

Women who are interested in the procedure should discuss their options with their medical team and determine whether ovarian transplantation is a viable option for them.

It is important to note that ovarian transplantation is not a guaranteed success, and there are many factors that can influence the outcome of the procedure.

Women should consider their age, cancer type, and overall health when deciding whether to pursue the procedure, as these factors can impact the chances of success.

Conclusion

Ovarian transplantation is a promising option for women who are at risk of losing their fertility due to cancer treatment.

Although the procedure is still considered experimental, research has shown that it can be successful in restoring ovarian function and fertility in some women.

If you are interested in ovarian transplantation, it is important to discuss your options with your medical team and carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of the procedure before making a decision.