ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Many individuals with differences of sex development experience subfertility. We describe a novel gonadal tissue cryopreservation protocol for those individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Before 2018 patients with differences of sex development electing gonadal tissue cryopreservation were enrolled in a cancer focused protocol. Thereafter, our hospital developed a protocol specifically for these patients undergoing gonadectomy due to neoplasia risk. Protocol development steps and procedures are reported. A retrospective chart review was conducted for patient characteristics and cryopreservation choices. RESULTS: During the institutional review board approval process there were multidisciplinary meetings with stakeholders. The main concerns discussed included preoperative counseling, pathological evaluation and final tissue disposition. Detailed multidisciplinary preoperative counseling is provided regarding potential gonadal tissue cryopreservation for patients undergoing gonadectomy. For enrolled patients the gonad is bisected after removal, with half being sent to pathology and half being processed for cryopreservation. If neoplasia is noted, cryopreserved tissue is recalled for further pathological analysis. Postoperative counseling is performed after pathology results are available, and the final gonadal tissue cryopreservation decision is made. During the study period 7 patients with 5 diagnoses and a median age of 10.99 years (IQR 1.29 to 14.84) elected to attempt gonadal tissue cryopreservation. Of the patients 4 (57%) had germ cells and elected to store tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Gonadal tissue cryopreservation at the time of gonadectomy is feasible for patients with differences of sex development at risk for gonadal neoplasia. The protocol described represents a template for institutions wishing to offer gonadal tissue cryopreservation to patients electing gonadectomy. More than half of patients thus far have cryopreserved gonadal tissue.
Subject(s)
Clinical Protocols/standards , Cryopreservation/standards , Disorders of Sex Development/surgery , Fertility Preservation/standards , Infertility, Female/therapy , Ovary , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Counseling/standards , Disorders of Sex Development/complications , Feasibility Studies , Female , Fertility Preservation/methods , Humans , Infant , Infertility, Female/etiology , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC) provides an experimental option for fertility preservation for male children at significant risk for azoospermia owing to high-risk gonadotoxic treatments. METHODS: A single institution, retrospective review of TTC cases from 2015 to 2017. Children at significant risk for azoospermia were eligible for study inclusion. A unilateral wedge biopsy of the testis was performed for TTC. RESULTS: TTC was performed in 23 patients. Average age was 10â¯years old (5â¯months to 18â¯years). Diagnoses included solid tumor (74%, nâ¯=â¯17), hematologic malignancy (17%, nâ¯=â¯4), and benign hematologic disease (13%, nâ¯=â¯3). Six patients had TTC at the time of disease relapse. Nine patients were referred for TTC prior to stem cell transplantation. The majority (70%, nâ¯=â¯16) of patients had an additional procedure at the time of TTC. One patient developed postoperative scrotal cellulitis that was treated with antibiotics. The majority of patients (96%, nâ¯=â¯22) had normal testicular tissue with the presence of germ cells on histopathological analysis. Median time to start of medical therapy was seven days with no unanticipated treatment delays. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular wedge biopsy for TTC can be performed safely, coordinated with other necessary procedures, and does not delay the start of treatment. TTC remains an experimental option for fertility preservation for children, as no spermatogenic recovery or pregnancies from cryopreserved testicular tissues have been reported to date. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
