Cryopreservation of Ovarian Tissue for Pediatric Fertility
Kathleen A. Hinkle, Kyle E. Orwig, Hanna Pulaski, S. Mark Taylor, Kathleen van Leeuwen, David Carpentieri, Alexandra Walsh
Abstract
Intensive treatments necessary to treat some childhood malignancies and other conditions, as well as certain anatomic variations, may lead to infertility in adulthood. Until recently, no fertility preservation options for prepubertal females were available. However, ovarian tissue cryopreservation has emerged as a safe and effective option for these children. In the next several years, it is likely that more pediatric patients, their families, and medical teams will pursue an ovarian cryopreservation protocol at their institutions. Patient selection, consenting, and laparoscopic oophorectomy can be done at many centers. Then, the ovarian tissue is initially processed and transported to a specialized center for processing for cryopreservation. The cryopreservation techniques are best performed at appropriately certified centers processing high volumes of reproductive cells/tissues with expert personnel and specialized equipment. This article aims to provide an overview for pediatric biobank professionals who may be called to participate in this or similar protocols.