Influence of oncological treatment on fertility of women and pregnancy outcome

Abstract

Abstract Advances in cancer treatment of young patients have resulted in markedly improved survival rates and quality of life. However, infertility remains to be one of adverse effects of anticancer therapy. Female patients who receive high-dose abdominal and/or pelvic irradiation or chemotherapy based on alkylating agents are at highest risk of developing ovarian failure. Among women whose fertility was not impaired during oncologic treatment, there is a significantly increased number of premature labors. High-dose irradiation also predisposes to low-birthweight infants. Neither chemotherapy nor radiotherapy increase a risk of congenital malformations.