The era of increasing cancer survivorship: Trends in fertility preservation, medico-legal implications, and ethical challenges
Lina De Paola, Gabriele Napoletano, Giuseppe Gullo, Francesco Circosta, Gianluca Montanari Vergallo, Susanna Marinelli
Abstract
Introduction: Global cancer cases are increasing, but fortunately, cancer is becoming more treatable. By 2050, the number of cancer cases is projected to reach 35 million. These numbers are certainly correlated with the aging population, early diagnoses due to screenings, and the broad current treatment options. However, life-saving therapies are often gonadotoxic, significantly impacting the lives of cancer patients. Fertility preservation following life-saving oncological treatments is one of the challenges faced by patients with cancer. Material and method: We analyzed 73 articles to investigate the current state of fertility preservation in oncology, also evaluating the medico-legal implications. Results: The data indicate a growing trend of cancer recoveries and survivorship with opportunities to access fertility preservation through various methods, which are not entirely known or consistently offered to patients in the appropriate manner. Conclusions: The ethical and medico-legal aspects are numerous and seem to be still evolving.