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Open Access 03-01-2024 | Fertility

Impact of Systemic Therapy on Fertility in Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Authors: Kelsey H. Natsuhara, A. Jo Chien

Published in: Current Breast Cancer Reports | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Fertility concerns are common among young women diagnosed with breast cancer, as systemic therapy increases the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency and delays family planning. Here, we review the impact of systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, HER-2 directed therapy, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapy, on ovarian reserve.

Recent Findings

With an improved understanding of disease biology, fewer women are treated with gonadotoxic chemotherapy. There are limited data on the fertility impact of novel targeted treatments and immunotherapy, though preclinical and preliminary studies suggest an impact on fertility is possible. Notably, a recent study investigated the outcomes in women who interrupted adjuvant endocrine therapy to attempt pregnancy.

Summary

Further research is needed to characterize the fertility impact of novel therapies in breast cancer. Individualized fertility counseling should be offered to all women to discuss the possible impact of therapy on ovarian reserve and options for fertility preservation and timing of pregnancy.
Literature
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Metadata
Title
Impact of Systemic Therapy on Fertility in Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors
Kelsey H. Natsuhara
A. Jo Chien
Publication date
03-01-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Breast Cancer Reports / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1943-4588
Electronic ISSN: 1943-4596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-023-00516-z

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