Key Points
Recommendation 1.1
➤ People with cancer are interested in discussing fertility preservation. Health
care providers caring for adult and pediatric patients with cancer (including
medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gynecologic oncologists,
urologists, hematologists, pediatric oncologists, surgeons, and others)
should address the possibility of infertility as early as possible before
treatment starts.
Recommendation 1.2
➤ Health care providers should refer patients who express an interest in
fertility preservation (and those who are ambivalent) to reproductive
specialists.
Recommendation 1.3
➤ To preserve the full range of options, fertility preservation approaches
should be discussed as early as possible, before treatment starts. The
discussion can ultimately reduce distress and improve quality of life.
Another discussion and/or referral may be necessary when the patient
returns for follow-up after completion of therapy and/or if pregnancy is
being considered. The discussions should be documented in the medical
record.
Adult Men
Recommendation 2.1
➤ Sperm cryopreservation: Sperm cryopreservation is effective, and health
care providers should discuss sperm banking with postpubertal males
receiving cancer treatment.
Recommendation 2.2
➤ Hormonal gonadoprotection: Hormonal therapy in men is not successful in
preserving fertility. It is NOT recommended.
➤ The goal of this 2018 pocket guide update is to provide current guidance
regarding fertility preservation options for people with cancer anticipating
treatment.
Treatment
