Effects of cancer on ovarian response in controlled ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation

Objective: To evaluate the effects of cancer on ovarian response in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Design: Retrospective analysis study. Setting: University-based tertiary medical center. Patient(s): 81 cancer patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation cycles for fertility preservation, and age- and date-matched controls undergoing COH for in vitro fertilization (IVF) for male factor infertility. Intervention(s): Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and oocytes retrieval. Main Outcome Measure(s): Maximal estradiol levels at day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration, duration of stimulation, total amount of gonadotropins administered, number of dominant follicles, number of oocytes retrieved, and rate of metaphase 2 oocytes. Result(s): The overall number of dominant follicles and the number of oocytes aspirated of the study group and control were comparable (8.8 ± 5.3 vs. 9.7 ± 4.9, and 11.93 ± 8.3 vs. 12.3 ± 7.9, respectively). The total dose of gonadotropins used and number of stimulation days of the study group (2,250 IU [1,800-3,000 IU] and 9.5 [8-11]) were also similar to the controls (2,100 IU [1,700-2,900] and 10 [9-13]). Comparison between four subgroups of cancer - breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, hematologic malignancies, and gastrointestinal tract cancers - showed no difference in their ovarian response indexes. Regression analysis to assess the effect of cancer on ovarian response showed no effect on the main outcome measured. Conclusion(s): Cancer does not influence ovarian response in COH for fertility preservation.