The prospect of artificial intelligence to personalize assisted reproductive technology.

Infertility affects 1-in-6 couples, with repeated intensive cycles of assisted reproductive technology (ART) required by many to achieve a desired live birth. In ART, typically, clinicians and laboratory staff consider patient characteristics, previous treatment responses, and ongoing monitoring to determine treatment decisions. However, the reproducibility, weighting, and interpretation of these characteristics are contentious, and highly operator-dependent, resulting in considerable reliance on clinical experience. Artificial intelligence (AI) is ideally suited to handle, process, and analyze large, dynamic, temporal datasets with multiple intermediary outcomes that are generated during an ART cycle. Here, we review how AI has demonstrated potential for optimization and personalization of key steps in a reproducible manner, including: drug selection and dosing, cycle monitoring, induction of oocyte maturation, and selection of the most competent gametes and embryos, to improve the overall efficacy and safety of ART.

Long-term follow-up to assess criteria for ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation in young women and girls with cancer.

STUDY QUESTION: Do the Edinburgh Selection Criteria correctly identify female cancer patients under the age of 18 who are at risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) as candidates for ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Patient assessment using these criteria accurately identifies those at risk of POI, who can be offered OTC and future transplantation as a means of fertility preservation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Treatment for childhood cancer can have adverse consequences on future fertility; at the time of diagnosis, fertility risk assessment should be undertaken in order to identify patients to whom fertility preservation should be offered. The Edinburgh selection criteria, based on planned cancer treatment and patient health status, are utilized to identify those at high risk and therefore eligible for OTC. However, this procedure is not without risk and there are few data on the efficacy of the procedure in prepubertal patients. As such, long-term follow-up of reproductive outcomes is necessary, to ensure that OTC is being offered appropriately. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Cohort study encompassing all females diagnosed with cancer under the age of 18 in South East Scotland, from 1 January 1996 to 30 April 2020. Patients were followed up for reproductive outcomes to assess for diagnosis of POI. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: A total of 638 eligible patients were identified; patients under the age of 12 or deceased before the age of 12 were excluded from the study, leaving a study population of 431 patients. Electronic records were reviewed for reproductive function, assessed by current menstruation, pregnancy (in the absence of POI diagnosis), reproductive hormone measurements, pubertal progression, or diagnosis of POI. Patients on hormonal contraception (other than for treatment of POI or panhypopituitarism with no history of gonadatoxic treatment) were excluded from analysis (n = 9). Analysis on remaining 422 patients was carried out using the Kaplan-Meier methods, with POI as the defined event, and Cox proportional hazards model. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: In the study population of 431 patients, median ages at diagnosis and analysis were 9.8 and 22.2 years, respectively. Reproductive outcomes were unavailable in 142 patients; the assumption was made that these patients did not have POI, but a subanalysis excluding these patients was also performed. Of the 422 patients aged >12 at analysis and not taking hormonal contraception, OTC was offered to 37 patients and successfully performed in 25 patients. Of the 37 patients offered OTC (one at time of relapse), nine (24.3%) developed POI. Of the 386 not offered OTC, 11 (2.9%) developed POI. The probability of developing POI was significantly higher in those offered OTC (hazard ratio [HR] 8.7 [95% CI 3.6-21]; P < 0.0001), even when those patients with unknown outcomes were excluded from the analysis (HR 8.1 [95% CI 3.4-20]; P < 0.001). All patients offered OTC who developed POI did so after treatment for primary disease; in those not offered OTC, five patients (45.5%) developed POI after treatment for disease relapse. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: A significant number of patients had unknown reproductive outcomes; many of these patients were engaged in ongoing follow-up but did not have documented reproductive assessment. This may have introduced bias to the analysis and highlights the need for reproductive follow-up as part of routine cancer aftercare. In addition, the relatively young age of the patient population and short duration of follow-up in some cases demonstrates the need for ongoing follow-up of this cohort. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The prevalence of POI after childhood cancer is low, but the Edinburgh selection criteria remain a robust tool for selecting those at high risk at the time of diagnosis, to offer OTC appropriately. However, disease relapse necessitating more intensive treatments remains a challenge. This study additionally highlights the importance of routine assessment and documentation of reproductive status in haematology/oncology follow-up. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): K.D. is supported by a CRUK grant (C157/A25193). This work was undertaken in part in the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, (supported by MRC grant MR/N022556/1). R.A.A. has received consulting fees from Ferring and Roche Diagnostics; payment from Merck and IBSA for educational events; and laboratory materials from Roche Diagnostics. The other authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Spatio-temporal remodelling of the composition and architecture of the human ovarian cortical extracellular matrix during in vitro culture.

STUDY QUESTION: How does in vitro culture alter the human ovarian cortical extracellular matrix (ECM) network structure? SUMMARY ANSWER: The ECM composition and architecture vary in the different layers of the ovarian cortex and are remodelled during in vitro culture. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The ovarian ECM is the scaffold within which follicles and stromal cells are organized. Its composition and structural properties constantly evolve to accommodate follicle development and expansion. Tissue preparation for culture of primordial follicles within the native ECM involves mechanical loosening; this induces undefined modifications in the ECM network and alters cell-cell contact, leading to spontaneous follicle activation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Fresh ovarian cortical biopsies were obtained from six women aged 28-38 years (mean ± SD: 32.7 ± 4.1 years) at elective caesarean section. Biopsies were cut into fragments of ∼4 × 1 × 1 mm and cultured for 0, 2, 4, or 6 days (D). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Primordial follicle activation, stromal cell density, and ECM-related protein (collagen, elastin, fibronectin, laminin) positive area in the entire cortex were quantified at each time point using histological and immunohistological analysis. Collagen and elastin content, collagen fibre characteristics, and follicle distribution within the tissue were further quantified within each layer of the human ovarian cortex, namely the outer cortex, the mid-cortex, and the cortex-medulla junction regions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Primordial follicle activation occurred concomitantly with a loosening of the ovarian cortex during culture, characterized by an early decrease in stromal cell density from 3.6 ± 0.2 × 106 at day 0 (D0) to 2.8 ± 0.1 × 106 cells/mm3 at D2 (P = 0.033) and a dynamic remodelling of the ECM. Notably, collagen content gradually fell from 55.5 ± 1.7% positive area at D0 to 42.3 ± 1.1% at D6 (P = 0.001), while elastin increased from 1.1 ± 0.2% at D0 to 1.9 ± 0.1% at D6 (P = 0.001). Fibronectin and laminin content remained stable. Moreover, collagen and elastin distribution were uneven throughout the cortex and during culture. Analysis at the sub-region level showed that collagen deposition was maximal in the outer cortex and the lowest in the mid-cortex (69.4 ± 1.2% versus 53.8 ± 0.8% positive area, respectively, P < 0.0001), and cortical collagen staining overall decreased from D0 to D2 (65.2 ± 2.4% versus 60.6 ± 1.8%, P = 0.033) then stabilized. Elastin showed the converse distribution, being most concentrated at the cortex-medulla junction (3.7 ± 0.6% versus 0.9 ± 0.2% in the outer cortex, P < 0.0001), and cortical elastin peaked at D6 compared to D0 (3.1 ± 0.5% versus 1.3 ± 0.2%, P < 0.0001). This was corroborated by a specific signature of the collagen fibre type across the cortex, indicating a distinct phenotype of the ovarian cortical ECM depending on region and culture period that might be responsible for the spatio-temporal and developmental pattern of follicular distribution observed within the cortex. LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Ovarian cortical biopsies were obtained from women undergoing caesarean sections. As such, the data obtained may not accurately reflect the ECM distribution and structure of non-pregnant women. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Clarifying the composition and architecture signature of the human ovarian cortical ECM provides a foundation for further exploration of ovarian microenvironments. It is also critical for understanding the ECM-follicle interactions regulating follicle quiescence and awakening, leading to improvements in both in vitro activation and in vitro growth techniques. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Medical Research Council grant MR/R003246/1 and Wellcome Trust Collaborative Award in Science: 215625/Z/19/Z. The authors have no conflicts to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Survival after breast cancer in women with a subsequent live birth: Influence of age at diagnosis and interval to subsequent pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: There remains a considerable concern among both patients and oncologists that having a live birth (LB) after breast cancer might adversely impact survival. METHODS: analysis of survival in a national cohort of women with breast cancer diagnosed at age 20-39 years between 1981 and 2017 (n = 5181), and subsequent LB using Scottish Cancer Registry and national maternity records. Cases had at least one subsequent LB, each was matched with up to six unexposed cases without subsequent LB, accounting for guaranteed time bias. RESULTS: In 290 women with a LB after diagnosis, overall survival was increased compared to those who did not have a subsequent LB, HR 0.65 (95%CI 0.50-0.85). Women with subsequent LB who had not had a pregnancy before breast cancer showed increased survival (HR 0.56, 0.38-0.82). There was a progressively greater interaction of subsequent LB with survival with younger age, thus for women aged 20-25 years, HR 0.30 (0.12-0.74) vs. those aged 36-39, HR 0.89 (0.42-1.87). In women with LB within five years of diagnosis, survival was also increased (HR 0.66; 0.49-0.89). Survival following LB was similar to unexposed women by ER status (both positive and negative) and in those known to have been exposed to chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides further evidence that for the growing number of women who wish to have children after breast cancer, LB does not have a negative impact on overall survival. This finding was confirmed within subgroups, including the youngest women and those not previously pregnant.

Diagnostic and predictive accuracy of anti-mullerian hormone for ovarian function after chemotherapy in premenopausal women with early breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Accurate diagnosis and prediction of loss of ovarian function after chemotherapy for premenopausal women with early breast cancer (eBC) is important for future fertility and clinical decisions regarding the need for subsequent adjuvant ovarian suppression. We have investigated the value of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) as serum biomarker for this. METHODS: AMH was measured in serial blood samples from 206 premenopausal women aged 40-45 years with eBC, before and at intervals after chemotherapy. The diagnostic accuracy of AMH for loss of ovarian function at 30 months after chemotherapy and the predictive value for that of AMH measurement at 6 months were analysed. RESULTS: Undetectable AMH showed a high diagnostic accuracy for absent ovarian function at 30 months with AUROC 0.89 (96% CI 0.84-0.94, P < 0.0001). PPV of undetectable AMH at 6 months for a menopausal estradiol level at 30 months was 0.77. In multivariate analysis age, pre-treatment AMH and FSH, and taxane treatment were significant predictors, and combined with AMH at 6 months, gave AUROC of 0.90 (95% CI 0.86-0.94), with PPV 0.79 for loss of ovarian function at 30 months. Validation by random forest models with 30% data retained gave similar results. CONCLUSIONS: AMH is a reliable diagnostic test for lack of ovarian function after chemotherapy in women aged 40-45 with eBC. Early analysis of AMH after chemotherapy allows identification of women who will not recover ovarian function with good accuracy. These analyses will help inform treatment decisions regarding adjuvant endocrine therapy in women who were premenopausal before starting chemotherapy.

Changes in Circulating Kisspeptin Levels During Each Trimester in Women With Antenatal Complications.

CONTEXT: Antenatal complications such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), fetal growth restriction (FGR), gestational diabetes (GDM), and preterm birth (PTB) are associated with placental dysfunction. Kisspeptin has emerged as a putative marker of placental function, but limited data exist describing circulating kisspeptin levels across all 3 trimesters in women with antenatal complications. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess whether kisspeptin levels are altered in women with antenatal complications. METHODS: Women with antenatal complications (n = 105) and those with uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 265) underwent serial ultrasound scans and blood sampling at the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit at Hammersmith Hospital, UK, at least once during each trimester (March 2014 to March 2017). The women with antenatal complications (HDP [n = 32], FGR [n = 17], GDM [n = 35], PTB [n = 11], and multiple complications [n=10]) provided 373 blood samples and the controls provided 930 samples. Differences in circulating kisspeptin levels were assessed. RESULTS: Third-trimester kisspeptin levels were higher than controls in HDP but lower in FGR. The odds of HDP adjusted for gestational age, maternal age, ethnicity, BMI, smoking, and parity were increased by 30% (95% CI, 16%-47%; P < 0.0001), and of FGR were reduced by 28% (95% CI, 4-46%; P = 0.025), for every 1 nmol/L increase in plasma kisspeptin. Multiple of gestation-specific median values of kisspeptin were higher in pregnancies affected by PTB (P = 0.014) and lower in those with GDM (P = 0.020), but not significantly on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: We delineate changes in circulating kisspeptin levels at different trimesters and evaluate the potential of kisspeptin as a biomarker for antenatal complications.

Family size and duration of fertility in female cancer survivors: a population-based analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess family size and timescale for achieving pregnancy in women who remain fertile after cancer. DESIGN: Population-based analysis. SETTING: National databases. PATIENT(S): All women diagnosed with cancer before the age of 40 years in Scotland, 1981-2012 (n = 10,267) with no previous pregnancy; each was matched with 3 population controls. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The number and timing of pregnancy and live birth after cancer diagnosis, to 2018. RESULT(S): In 10,267 cancer survivors, the hazard ratio for a subsequent live birth was 0.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.53-0.58) overall. In women who achieved a subsequent pregnancy, age at live birth increased (mean ± SD, 31.2 ± 5.5 vs. 29.7 ± 6.1 in controls), and the family size was lower (2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 2.3 ± 1.1 live births). These findings were consistent across several diagnoses. The interval from diagnosis to last pregnancy was similar to that of controls (10.7 ± 6.4 vs. 10.9 ± 7.3 years) or significantly increased, for example, after breast cancer (6.2 ± 2.8 vs. 5.3 ± 3.3 years) and Hodgkin lymphoma (11.1 ± 5.1 vs. 10.1 ± 5.8 years). CONCLUSION(S): These data quantify the reduced chance of live birth after cancer. Women who subsequently conceived achieved a smaller family size than matched controls, but the period of time after cancer diagnosis across which pregnancies occurred was similar or, indeed, increased. Thus, we did not find evidence that women who were able to achieve a pregnancy after cancer had a shorter timescale over which they have pregnancies.

Performance of plasma kisspeptin as a biomarker for miscarriage improves with gestational age during the first trimester.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of kisspeptin and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (ßhCG), both alone and in combination, as biomarkers for miscarriage throughout the first trimester. DESIGN: Prospective, nested case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary Centre, Queen Charlotte Hospital, London, United Kingdom. PATIENT(S): Adult women who had miscarriages (n = 95, 173 samples) and women with healthy pregnancies (n = 265, 557 samples). INTERVENTION(S): The participants underwent serial ultrasound scans and blood sampling for measurement of plasma kisspeptin and ßhCG levels during the first trimester. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The ability of plasma kisspeptin and ßhCG levels to distinguish pregnancies complicated by miscarriage from healthy pregnancies unaffected by miscarriage. RESULT(S): Gestation-adjusted levels of circulating kisspeptin and ßhCG were lower in samples from women with miscarriages than in women with healthy pregnancies by 79% and 70%, respectively. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for identifying miscarriage during the first trimester was 0.874 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.844-0.904) for kisspeptin, 0.859 (95% CI 0.820-0.899) for ßhCG, and 0.916 (95% CI 0.886-0.946) for the sum of the two markers. The performance of kisspeptin in identifying miscarriage improved with increasing length of gestation, whereas that of ßhCG worsened. A decision matrix incorporating kisspeptin, ßhCG, and gestational age had 83% to 87% accuracy for the prediction of miscarriage. CONCLUSION(S): Plasma kisspeptin is a promising biomarker for miscarriage and provides additional value to ßhCG alone, especially during later gestational weeks of the first trimester.

Clinical and biochemical discriminants between functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

BACKGROUND: Secondary oligo/amenorrhoea occurs in 3%-5% of women of reproductive age. The two most common causes are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (2%-13%) and functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) (1%-2%). Whilst both conditions have distinct pathophysiology and their diagnosis is supported by guidelines, in practice, differentiating these two common causes of menstrual disturbance is challenging. Moreover, both diagnoses are qualified by the need to first exclude other causes of menstrual disturbance. AIM: To review clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters that could aid the clinician in distinguishing PCOS and FHA as a cause of menstrual disturbance. RESULTS: FHA is uncommon in women with BMI > 24 kg/m2 , whereas both PCOS and FHA can occur in women with lower BMIs. AMH levels are markedly elevated in PCOS; however, milder increases may also be observed in FHA. Likewise, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) is more frequently observed in FHA than in healthy women. Features that are differentially altered between PCOS and FHA include LH, androgen, insulin, AMH and SHBG levels, endometrial thickness and cortisol response to CRH. Other promising diagnostic tests with the potential to distinguish these two conditions pending further study include assessment of 5-alpha-reductase activity, leptin, INSL3, kisspeptin and inhibin B levels. CONCLUSION: Further data directly comparing the discriminatory potential of these markers to differentiate PCOS and FHA in women with secondary amenorrhoea would be of value in defining an objective probability for PCOS or FHA diagnosis.

Pharmacodynamic Response to Anti-thyroid Drugs in Graves' Hyperthyroidism.

Objective: Graves' disease is the commonest cause of hyperthyroidism in populations with sufficient dietary iodine intake. Anti-thyroid drugs (ATD) are often used as the initial treatment for Graves' hyperthyroidism, however there is a paucity of data relating the dose of ATD therapy to the effect on thyroid hormone levels, increasing the risk of both over- and under-treatment. We aimed to determine the pharmacodynamic response to the ATD carbimazole. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Participants were patients (n = 441) diagnosed with Graves' disease at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust between 2009 and 2018. The main outcome measure was change in thyroid hormone levels in response to ATD. Results: Baseline thyroid hormone levels were positively associated with TSH receptor antibody titres (P < 0.0001). Baseline free triiodothyronine (fT3) were linearly related to free thyroxine (fT4) levels in the hyperthyroid state (fT3 = fT4*0.97-11), and fell proportionately with carbimazole. The percentage falls in fT4 and fT3 per day were associated with carbimazole dose (P < 0.0001). The magnitude of fall in thyroid hormones after the same dose of carbimazole was lower during follow up than at the initiation visit. The fall in thyroid hormone levels approximated to a linear response if assessed at least 3 weeks after commencement of carbimazole. Following withdrawal of antithyroid drug treatment, the risk of relapse was greater in patients with higher initial fT4, initial TSH receptor antibody titre, males, smokers, and British Caucasian ethnicity. Conclusion: We identify a dose-response relationship for fall in thyroid hormones in response to carbimazole to aid in the selection of dose for Graves' hyperthyroidism.

FSH Requirements for Follicle Growth During Controlled Ovarian Stimulation.

Introduction: Ovarian follicle growth is a key step in the success of assisted reproductive treatment, but limited data exists to directly relate follicle growth to recombinant FSH (rFSH) dose. In this study, we aim to evaluate FSH requirements for follicular growth during controlled ovarian stimulation. Method: Single center retrospective cohort study of 1,034 IVF cycles conducted between January 2012-January 2016 at Hammersmith Hospital IVF unit, London, UK. Median follicle size after 5 days of stimulation with rFSH and the proportion of antral follicles recruited were analyzed in women treated with rFSH alone to induce follicular growth during IVF treatment. Results: Starting rFSH dose adjusted for body weight (iU/kg) predicted serum FSH level after 5 days of rFSH (r 2 = 0.352, p < 0.0001), median follicle size after 5 days of rFSH, and the proportion of antral follicles recruited by the end of stimulation. Day 5 median follicle size predicted median follicle size on subsequent ultrasound scans (r 2 = 0.58-0.62; p < 0.0001), and hence time to oocyte maturation trigger (r 2 = 0.22, P < 0.0001). Insufficient rFSH starting dose that required >5% dose-increase was associated with increased variability in follicle size on the day of oocyte maturation trigger, and negatively impacted the number of mature oocytes retrieved. Conclusion: Weight-adjusted rFSH dose correlates with follicular growth during ovarian stimulation. Early recruitment of follicles using a sufficient dose of rFSH from the start of stimulation was associated with reduced variability in follicle size at time of oocyte maturation trigger and an increased number of mature oocytes retrieved.

Perinatal complications in female survivors of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies have suggested that perinatal outcomes are worse in offspring of cancer survivors. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the risks of perinatal complications in female cancer survivors diagnosed before the age of 40 years. METHODS: All published articles on pregnancy, perinatal or congenital risks in female cancer survivors were screened for eligibility. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis indicates that offspring of cancer survivors are at increased risk of prematurity (relative risk [RR]: 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-1.77) and low birth weight (RR 1.47; 95% CI 1.24-1.73) but not of being small for gestational age (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.81-1.22). Cancer survivors have higher rates of elective (RR: 1.38; 95% CI 1.13-1.70) and emergency caesarean section (RR: 1.22; 95% CI 1.15-1.30) as well as assisted vaginal delivery (RR: 1.10; 95% CI 1.02-1.18) and are at increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage (RR: 1.18; 95% CI 1.02-1.36). The risk of congenital abnormalities also appears increased (RR 1.10; 95% CI 1.02-1.20), but this is likely to be an artefact of analysis. Although meta-analysis of the effects of radiotherapy was not possible for all outcomes, there was an increased risk of prematurity (RR 2.27; 95% CI 1.34-3.82) and consistent findings of low birth weight (RR 1.38-2.31). Risk of being small for gestational age was increased only after high uterine radiotherapy dosage. CONCLUSION: The increased perinatal risks warrant a proactive approach from healthcare providers in both counselling and management of perinatal care for cancer survivors.

The impact of cancer on subsequent chance of pregnancy: a population-based analysis.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the impact of cancer in females aged ≤39 years on subsequent chance of pregnancy? SUMMARY ANSWER: Cancer survivors achieved fewer pregnancies across all cancer types, and the chance of achieving a first pregnancy was also lower. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The diagnosis and treatment of cancer in young females may be associated with reduced fertility but the true pregnancy deficit in a population is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We performed a retrospective cohort study relating first incident cancer diagnosed between 1981 and 2012 to subsequent pregnancy in all female patients in Scotland aged 39 years or less at cancer diagnosis (n = 23 201). Pregnancies were included up to end of 2014. Females from the exposed group not pregnant before cancer diagnosis (n = 10 271) were compared with general population controls matched for age, deprivation quintile and year of diagnosis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Scottish Cancer Registry records were linked to hospital discharge records to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for pregnancy, standardized for age and year of diagnosis. Linkage to death records was also performed. We also selected women from the exposed group who had not been pregnant prior to their cancer diagnosis who were compared with a matched control group from the general population. Additional analyses were performed for breast cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, leukaemia, cervical cancer and brain/CNS cancers. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Cancer survivors achieved fewer pregnancies: SIR 0.62 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.63). Reduced SIR was observed for all cancer types. The chance of achieving a first pregnancy was also lower, adjusted hazard ratio = 0.57 (95% CI: 0.53, 0.61) for women >5 years after diagnosis, with marked reductions in women with breast, cervical and brain/CNS tumours, and leukaemia. The effect was reduced with more recent treatment period overall and in cervical cancer, breast cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma, but was unchanged for leukaemia or brain/CNS cancers. The proportion of pregnancies that ended in termination was lower after a cancer diagnosis, and the proportion ending in live birth was higher (78.7 vs 75.6%, CI of difference: 1.1, 5.0). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Details of treatments received were not available, so the impact of specific treatment regimens on fertility could not be assessed. Limited duration of follow-up was available for women diagnosed in the most recent time period. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This analysis provides population-based quantification by cancer type of the effect of cancer and its treatment on subsequent pregnancy across the reproductive age range, and how this has changed in recent decades. The demonstration of a reduced chance of pregnancy across all cancer types and the changing impact in some but not other common cancers highlights the need for appropriate fertility counselling of all females of reproductive age at diagnosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was funded by NHS Lothian Cancer and Leukaemia Endowments Fund. Part of this work was undertaken in the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health which is funded by the MRC Centre grant MR/N022556/1. RAA has participated in Advisory Boards and/or received speaker's fees from Beckman Coulter, IBSA, Merck and Roche Diagnostics. He has received research support from Roche Diagnostics, Ansh labs and Ferring. The other authors have no conflicts to declare.

Follicle Size on Day of Trigger Most Likely to Yield a Mature Oocyte.

OBJECTIVE: To identify follicle sizes on the day of trigger most likely to yield a mature oocyte following hCG, GnRH agonist (GnRHa), or kisspeptin during IVF treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis to determine the size of follicles on day of trigger contributing most to the number of mature oocytes retrieved using generalized linear regression and random forest models applied to data from IVF cycles (2014-2017) in which either hCG, GnRHa, or kisspeptin trigger was used. SETTING: HCG and GnRHa data were collected at My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and kisspeptin data were collected at Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK. PATIENTS: Four hundred and forty nine women aged 18-38 years with antral follicle counts 4-87 were triggered with hCG (n = 161), GnRHa (n = 165), or kisspeptin (n = 173). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Follicle sizes on the day of trigger most likely to yield a mature oocyte. RESULTS: Follicles 12-19 mm on the day of trigger contributed the most to the number of oocytes and mature oocytes retrieved. Comparing the tertile of patients with the highest proportion of follicles on the day of trigger 12-19 mm, with the tertile of patients with the lowest proportion within this size range, revealed increases of 4.7 mature oocytes for hCG (P < 0.0001) and 4.9 mature oocytes for GnRHa triggering (P < 0.01). Using simulated follicle size profiles of patients with 20 follicles on the day of trigger, our model predicts that the number of oocytes retrieved would increase from a mean 9.8 (95% prediction limit 9.3-10.3) to 14.8 (95% prediction limit 13.3-16.3) oocytes due to the difference in follicle size profile alone. CONCLUSION: Follicles 12-19 mm on the morning of trigger administration were most likely to yield a mature oocyte following hCG, GnRHa, or kisspeptin.

The physiology and clinical utility of anti-Mullerian hormone in women.

BACKGROUND The measurement of circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been applied to a wide array of clinical applications, mainly based on its ability to reflect the number of antral and pre-antral follicles present in the ovaries. AMH has been suggested to predict the ovarian response to hyperstimulation of the ovaries for IVF and the timing of menopause, and to indicate iatrogenic damage to the ovarian follicle reserve. It has also been proposed as a surrogate for antral follicle count (AFC) in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS This paper is a summary of presentations at a European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology campus workshop on AMH, with literature cited until September 2013. Published peer-reviewed medical literature about AMH was searched through MEDLINE and was subjected to systematic review and critical assessment by the panel of authors. RESULTS Physiologically, recent data confirm that AMH is a follicular gatekeeper limiting follicle growth initiation, and subsequently estradiol production from small antral follicles prior to selection. AMH assays continue to evolve and technical issues remain; the absence of an international standard is a key issue. The dynamics of circulating AMH levels throughout life can be split into several distinct phases, with a peak in the early 20s before a decline to the menopause, with a strong and positive correlation with non-growing follicle recruitment. There is a more complex rise during childhood and adolescence, which is likely to be more reflective of different stages of follicle development. AMH shows limited short-term variability, but the influence of states such as prolonged oral contraceptive use need to be considered in clinical assessment. There are only very limited data on relationships between AMH and natural fertility at different stages of reproductive life, and while it has a relationship to age at menopause the marked variability in this needs further exploration. AMH may be useful in assessing the need for fertility preservation strategies and detecting post-chemotherapy or surgical damage to the ovarian reserve. Long-term follow-up of patients to ascertain fully the value of post-cancer serum AMH in predicting long-term ovarian function is required. There is a linear relationship between AMH and oocyte yield after ovarian stimulation, which is of value in predicting ovarian hyperstimulation. AMH can also identify 'poor responders', but it seems inappropriate at present to withhold IVF purely on this basis. Women with PCOS show markedly raised AMH levels, due to both the increased number of small antral follicles and intrinsic characteristics of those granulosa cells, and this may contribute to anovulation. The value of AMH in the diagnosis of PCOS remains controversial, but it may replace AFC in the future. CONCLUSIONS For the first time in female reproductive biology, it is possible to measure the submerged part of the iceberg of follicle growth, i.e. the intrinsic, so-called 'acyclic' ovarian activity. An international standard for AMH and improved assay validity are urgently needed to maximize the clinical utility of this very promising biomarker of ovarian function in a large array of clinical situations, both in childhood and adulthood.

Interpreting human follicular recruitment and antimüllerian hormone concentrations throughout life.

The changes in the relationships between circulating antimüllerian hormone, the size of the primordial follicle pool, and follicular recruitment before and through the reproductive years have now been clarified, and show dynamic changes through sexual development. The constant relationship between the number of follicles and circulating antimüllerian hormone exists only after the age of 25 years, implying that the association between follicular recruitment and follicular survival to the later stages of development is not constant across the reproductive life course. This commentary assesses the factors that may underlie these relationships and their clinical implications for reproductive health.

Predicting age of ovarian failure after radiation to a field that includes the ovaries.

PURPOSE: To predict the age at which ovarian failure is likely to develop after radiation to a field that includes the ovary in women treated for cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Modern computed tomography radiotherapy planning allows determination of the effective dose of radiation received by the ovaries. Together with our recent assessment of the radiosensitivity of the human oocyte, the effective surviving fraction of primordial oocytes can be determined and the age of ovarian failure, with 95% confidence limits, predicted for any given dose of radiotherapy. RESULTS: The effective sterilizing dose (ESD: dose of fractionated radiotherapy [Gy] at which premature ovarian failure occurs immediately after treatment in 97.5% of patients) decreases with increasing age at treatment. ESD at birth is 20.3 Gy; at 10 years 18.4 Gy, at 20 years 16.5 Gy, and at 30 years 14.3 Gy. We have calculated 95% confidence limits for age at premature ovarian failure for estimated radiation doses to the ovary from 1 Gy to the ESD from birth to 50 years. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first model to reliably predict the age of ovarian failure after treatment with a known dose of radiotherapy. Clinical application of this model will enable physicians to counsel women on their reproductive potential following successful treatment.