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Strategies and results of oncofertility counseling in young breast cancer patients
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sceinces, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Chemotherapy, University Hospital of Lord's Transfiguration, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Immunobiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Hypertension, Angiology and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Chemotherapy, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Cancer Pathology and Prevention, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
open access
Abstract
Introduction. Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female neoplasm in Poland and worldwide, yet up to 7% of all cases is diagnosed < 40 years of age. The increased BC morbidity rate in this age group as well as hope for late maternity need special attention.
Material and methods. The data concerning the number of children and further procreation needs in women (n = 68), aged 18–40, diagnosed and treated for early breast cancer at the Greater Poland Cancer Center in 2018–2019, were taken from patients’ histories by an oncologist before (neo-)adjuvant systemic therapy.
Results. Out of the 68 females surveyed, aged 18–40 (median age 36), 14 (21%) were childless at the moment of diagnosis. After being informed about the therapy, prognosis, side effects and oncofertility, 12 patients (18%) decided to have a consultation with a specialist in reproductive medicine; 5 of them (7%) already had children. In 2 women (3%), hormonal stimulation in combination with tamoxifen was used; then, oocytes were collected and cryopreserved. In 19 (28%), gonadotropine analogues were added to (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy. In 17 patients (25%) pathogenic mutations in BRCA1/2 genes were found.
Conclusions. Oncofertility counseling in young BC patients should be one of the fundamental elements of complex patient care.
Abstract
Introduction. Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female neoplasm in Poland and worldwide, yet up to 7% of all cases is diagnosed < 40 years of age. The increased BC morbidity rate in this age group as well as hope for late maternity need special attention.
Material and methods. The data concerning the number of children and further procreation needs in women (n = 68), aged 18–40, diagnosed and treated for early breast cancer at the Greater Poland Cancer Center in 2018–2019, were taken from patients’ histories by an oncologist before (neo-)adjuvant systemic therapy.
Results. Out of the 68 females surveyed, aged 18–40 (median age 36), 14 (21%) were childless at the moment of diagnosis. After being informed about the therapy, prognosis, side effects and oncofertility, 12 patients (18%) decided to have a consultation with a specialist in reproductive medicine; 5 of them (7%) already had children. In 2 women (3%), hormonal stimulation in combination with tamoxifen was used; then, oocytes were collected and cryopreserved. In 19 (28%), gonadotropine analogues were added to (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy. In 17 patients (25%) pathogenic mutations in BRCA1/2 genes were found.
Conclusions. Oncofertility counseling in young BC patients should be one of the fundamental elements of complex patient care.
Keywords
oncofertility; breast cancer; BRCA1/2 mutation; young women
Title
Strategies and results of oncofertility counseling in young breast cancer patients
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Research paper (original)
Pages
263-266
Published online
2021-10-13
Page views
6141
Article views/downloads
369
DOI
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2021;71(5):263-266.
Keywords
oncofertility
breast cancer
BRCA1/2 mutation
young women
Authors
Joanna Kufel-Grabowska
Piotr Jędrzejczak
Mikołaj Bartoszkiewicz
Paweł Burchardt
Maria Litwiniuk
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