O-086 Risk of serious adverse event after fertility preservation procedures: a comparison of cancer and non-cancer patients
Authors: Grynberg M , Ferreira A , Cedrin I , Peigne M , Sifer C , Labrosse J 
Published: July 2024

Study question

Do cancer patients have a higher risk of serious adverse event associated to fertility preservation procedures compared to non-cancer patients ?

Summary answer

No increased risk of adverse event after fertility preservation procedures was identified in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients undergoing fertility preservation for other indications.

What is known already

Current recommendations encourage a prompt and exhaustive discussion on the different techniques of fertility preservation that can be performed in cancer patients of reproductive age prior to cancer treatments. Although cryopreservation of mature oocytes and/or embryos is the technique of reference in the absence of contraindication, ovarian stimulation and subsequent oocyte retrieval are associated to complications.

Cancer patients might present an additional risk given tumoral hypervascularity and proinflammatory environment, as well as possible immune or coagulation disorders.

However, whether cancer patients have an increased risk of serious adverse event associated to fertility preservation procedures compared to non-cancer patients remains unknown.

Study design, size, duration

A bicentric, retrospective study between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2021.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

All women undergoing fertility preservation procedures by oocyte and/or embryo cryopreservation after controlled ovarian stimulation or in vitro maturation.The main endpoint was the occurrence of a serious adverse event (hospitalization for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, hemorrhage, infection, thromboembolic event, ovarian torsion, acute urine retention or death) in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients undergoing fertility procedures.

Main results and the role of chance

A total of 4476 cycles (n = 3180 patients) were included, of which 3761 after controlled ovarian stimulation and 715 in vitro maturation cycles. Among the 4476 cycles, 1678 were performed in an oncological context (n = 1546 cancer patients) and 2798 were fertility preservation cycles for an indication other than cancer (n = 1634 patients).

A total of 29 serious adverse events associated to fertility preservation procedures were registered, of which 17 intraperitoneal hemorrhages, 8 cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, 3 cases of infection and 1 case of acute urine retention.

The risk of serious adverse event associated to fertility preservation procedures was not significantly different between cancer patients and non-cancer patients (0.36% vs. 0.82%, respectively, P = 0.06).

Young age (P = 0.002), a higher number of oocytes retrieved (P = 0.006) and a higher number of oocytes vitrified (P = 0.002) were significantly associated to the risk of presenting a serious adverse event after fertility preservation.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Although rates of serious adverse events in our study are similar to that reported in previous literature and that the declaration and registration of any serious adverse event is mandatory according to French legislation, it is possible that not all serious adverse events were declared and registered.

Wider implications of the findings

Given the trend of delaying parenthood and the improved survival rates after cancer treatments, these findings are of particular importance, emphasizing the safety of performing fertility preservation procedures for cancer patients of reproductive age who might have a pregnancy desire after cancer treatment.

Trial registration number

not applicable