The Research Think Tank (RTT) Fertility Work Group focused on unanswered questions relating to a young woman maintaining her fertility throughout breast cancer treatment. It also addressed the use and safety of fertility preservation.
The group was composed of advocates:
As well as physicians/researchers:
Two of the 19 research priorities recommended by the RTT focused on fertility. Below, we list the priority, indicate any progress made since the RTT and list any open trials of which we are aware related to or focusing on these research priorities.
Recent research updates:
Use of assisted reproductive technology in breast cancer survivors does not appear to increase risk of recurrence/relapse; however, a larger confirmatory study is needed. Read More
Current research initiatives/studies:
POSITIVE Trial will capture data pregnancy rates and outcomes on ER+ breast cancer, including the use of assisted reproductive technology.
RCT of Fixed vs. Titrated Letrozole in Breast Cancer Patients undergoing In Vitro Fertilization to determine efficacy of blocking estrogen production during ovarian stimulation.
Recent research updates:
Use of ovarian suppression during chemotherapy appears to protect against ovarian failure. Read More
Ovarian suppression during chemotherapy appears to increase pregnancy rate of breast cancer survivors. Read More
Current research initiatives/studies:
Longitudinal Sexual and Reproductive Health Study of Women With Breast Cancer and Lymphoma to examine how cancer treatment affects the ovaries and ability to have children.
Predictors of Ovarian Insufficiency in Young Breast Cancer Patients (POISE) is ongoing, but closed to recruitment. This study will identify pre-chemotherapy markers that can predict ovarian failure and characterize ovarian failure after chemotherapy.
If you believe we are missing a crucial piece of research or have not included a research study which should be here, please contact us!
Read about the work of the RTT Pregnancy Work Group.
Read our Research Agenda and white paper on the RTT process.