What is ovarian suppression?
The use of ovarian suppression is a technique that is experimental and is an option for cancer patients. It is the only option that can be performed during cancer treatment. Medications are used to suppress the ovaries and prevent them from producing hormones or maturing eggs until after cancer treatment has finished.
Research Studies about Ovarian Suppression:
- Breastcancer.org published research news on Aromasin Plus Ovarian Suppression Reduces Recurrence Risk Better Than Tamoxifen Plus Ovarian Suppression in Premenopausal Women. Results of two studies suggest that the aromatase inhibitor Aromasin on top of ovarian suppression reduces recurrence risk more than tamoxifen in premenopausal women.
- Published by Journal of Clinical Oncology with article, Is Estradiol Monitoring Necessary in Women Receiving Ovarian Suppression for Breast Cancer?
- Published by The New England Journal of Medicine with article, Adjuvant Ovarian Suppression in Premenopausal Breast Cancer. This study tested the hypothesis that tamoxifen plus ovarian suppression would improve disease-free survival, as compared with tamoxifen alone. Read More.
What is ovarian tissue freezing?
Ovarian tissue freezing is also an experimental technique but promising option that is good for patients with little or no time for ovarian stimulation before cancer treatment. One of a woman’s ovaries is surgically removed in a one hour outpatient procedure. The ovary is divided into strips, vitrified and stored until cancer treatments are completed. Thawed tissue is then re-implanted and, when successful, the tissue resumes producing hormones and maturing eggs. Several babies have been produced through this method worldwide.
Research Studies about Ovarian Tissue Freezing:
- The Guardian published research news on Ovarian tissue transplants safe and successful, study suggests. Ten out of 32 women who wanted to become pregnant and had transplant succeeded in having a baby, and none had cancer recurrence as a result. Read More.
- Published by The New England Journal of Medicine with article, Pregnancy after Transplantation of Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue in a Patient with Ovarian Failure after Chemotherapy.
- Published by The New England Journal of Medicine with article, Ovarian Function after Transplantation of Frozen, Banked Autologous Ovarian Tissue. This procedure offers a new alternative for women who face ovarian failure due to surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Studies have shown that cryopreserved ovarian tissue can be transplanted successfully. Read More.