Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · May 15, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation," is focused on helping women who are at risk of infertility due to medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. The study aims to explore a method called ovarian tissue cryopreservation, which is a way to preserve ovarian tissue for women who cannot use traditional fertility preservation methods like freezing eggs or embryos. By examining how to improve the freezing techniques and understanding what factors help the ovarian tissue mature successfully, researchers hope to find better options for those at risk of losing their ability to have children.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be female, under 40 years old, and unable or unwilling to use standard egg or embryo freezing methods. They should be facing medical treatments that could harm their ovarian function or need surgery that involves removing part or all of an ovary. During the study, participants will undergo a minor surgical procedure to remove an ovary, allowing researchers to collect and preserve the tissue. It’s important to note that individuals with certain psychological conditions or those at high risk for complications from surgery will not be eligible. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it offers a potential avenue for women who want to explore their fertility options despite medical challenges.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Be female age less than 40 years old.
• • Unable or unwilling to make use of oocyte or embryo banking alone.
• • Be scheduled to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, drug treatment and/or radiation for the treatment or prevention of a medical condition or malignancy with risk of causing permanent and complete loss of subsequent ovarian function.
• • Or, have a medical condition or malignancy that requires removal of all or part of one or both ovaries.
• • Or, Have newly diagnosed or recurrent disease. Those who were not enrolled at the time of initial diagnosis (i.e., patients with recurrent disease) are eligible if they have not previously received therapy that is viewed as likely to result in complete and permanent loss of ovarian function.
• • Have two ovaries if undergoing elective removal of an ovary for fertility preservation only.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosed with psychological, psychiatric, or other conditions which prevent giving fully informed consent.
• • Diagnosed with an underlying medical condition that significantly increases their risk of complications from anesthesia and surgery.