Two embryonal cancers after in vitro fertilization

Background. In vitro fertilization is not considered to be associated with an increased rate of pediatric malignancies, and only three have been reported in the literature. Two additional rare pediatric tumors in children conceived through this technique are reported. Methods. Two children 12 and 18 months of age, developed hepatoblastoma and clear cell sarcoma of the kidney, respectively. They were both products of uneventful pregnancies induced by in vitro fertilization. No other environmental, prenatal, or family factor was found. Results. The first child died after a failed remission induction with cisplatin, doxorubicin, and vincristine, whereas the second child is alive with no evidence of disease 18 months after diagnosis and treatment according to NWTS protocol. Conclusions. A possible association between in vitro fertilization and pediatric malignancies is suggested. Cancer 1995; 76:2372–4.