RLS Alvarenga, GHC Ribeiro, JL Santos Jr., WC Amorim, M Noviello, RC Ribeiro, O Miranda, R Antonini Filho
JBRA Assist. Reprod. 1999; 3 (3):33-35
Received April 23, 1999
Accepted October 16, 1999
Abstract
The combination of chemo and radiotherapy has improved the survival of young patients with cancer, but these patients are at a great risk of developing premature menopause due to the high gonadal toxicity of the therapeutic agents. The cryopreservation of ovarian cortex is a new option for the preservation of their fertility. Once the material is frozen and stored, many possibilities exists for its future use. Three patients had their ovarian cortex fragments cryopreserved using ethyIene glycol 1,5M as a cryoprotectant. Fresh and frozen-thawed samples were compared microscopically. The tissue was identical in fresh and frozen thawed samples, well preserved . The technique of cryopreservation is relatively simple. ln young oncologic patients with good chances of complete remission it offers the opportunity to revert the iatrogenic sterility caused by chemo and radiotherapy. In healthy patients, it offers the possibility of pregnancy even after menopause.
