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Variables affecting long‐term usage rate of sperm samples cryopreserved for fertility preservation in cancer patients
Author(s) -
Ferrari Stefania,
Paffoni Alessio,
Reschini Marco,
Noli Stefania,
Dallagiovanna Chiara,
Guarneri Cristina,
Filippi Francesca,
Somigliana Edgardo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
andrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.947
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 2047-2927
pISSN - 2047-2919
DOI - 10.1111/andr.12894
Subject(s) - azoospermia , cryopreservation , sperm , sperm bank , semen cryopreservation , medicine , fertility preservation , semen , gynecology , semen analysis , fertility , andrology , infertility , sperm motility , biology , population , pregnancy , embryo , genetics , environmental health , microbiology and biotechnology
Background Previous evidence highlighted that only a minority of men who banked their semen before cancer therapies subsequently used their frozen samples. This may question the economical validity of sperm cryopreservation programmes. However, in most contributions, the duration of follow‐up was insufficient to draw robust information on the real rate of use. Objectives To shed more light on the potential benefits of cryopreservation programmes. Materials and methods Men who cryopreserved their semen in a public hospital for a diagnosis of cancer between 1986 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The rate of use as well as the possible determinants was investigated. Results The median time of follow‐up was 12 [IQR: 7‐16] years. One hundred forty‐four patients out of 1,524 (9.4%, 95%CI: 8.1%‐11.0%) used their frozen samples of whom 64% were azoospermic. The rate of men achieving parenthood with frozen semen was 46%. Predictive factors of use were older age at the time of storage, lower sperm count at the time of storage and a diagnosis of testicular cancer. The impact of this latter factor was also supported by the lower frequency of azoospermia after cancer treatment in these patients. Discussion Cost‐beneficial studies are warranted to assess and possibly improve the economical validity of sperm banking. Conclusion The usage rate of frozen sperm in cancer patient is low, even extending the duration of follow‐up.