Results of a new survey highlight the need for improved education and standardised guidance for oncologists initiating cancer treatment in women who may want to safeguard their fertility.1
While discussing fertility preservation with newly diagnosed cancer patients is a high priority for over two-thirds (70%) of oncologists, almost one in four (24%) are still of the opinion that the success rate of fertility preservation is not yet good enough to make it an available option.1 This seems to be reflected in referral rates, with nearly
one in five cancer patients, who consult IVF clinics, seeking out fertility preservation advice themselves without an oncologist referral.1
Infertility is a possible side effect of some types of cancer treatment.2 This is because chemotherapy and radiotherapy can affect the ovaries, the production of eggs in the ovaries or the womb.3 The only way to help safeguard fertility for these patients is to initiate fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment. Options include egg-freezing, a process where eggs are extracted from the ovaries and frozen for future fertilisation and implementation, and embryo freezing, where the collected eggs are already fertilised with sperm prior to being frozen.4
Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe conducted the survey in order to better understand the oncofertility referral pathway as well as the habits of oncologists and fertility specialists when it comes to discussing this matter with their patients.1 Nearly all (97%) oncologists questioned declared they do inform their patients about the risk of infertility associated with cancer treatment, with 9 in 10 stating they immediately refer at-risk patients to fertility specialists.1
However, interestingly, the survey also revealed that nearly two thirds of fertility specialists are under the impression oncologists do not sufficiently explain and address the issue of fertility after cancer treatment with their patients.1
Another unexpected finding of the survey was that one in five oncologists did not know if there were any national guidelines on fertility preservation for cancer patients.1 Fewer than one-third of the oncologists (31%) said there were national guidelines, compared with 43% of fertility specialists,1 reflecting either a lack of guidelines and/or a lack of awareness of availability of guidelines. However, nearly all healthcare professionals agreed on the need for guidelines, with 89% of oncologists and 92% of fertility specialists saying they were either useful or needed.1
“It’s critical cancer patients of child-bearing age are given the chance to preserve their fertility before starting treatment, and they should expect consistent provision of advice and care,” says Professor Zeev Shoham, Director of the IVF unit, Kaplan Medical Centre, Rehovot, Israel, whose reference portal for fertility specialists, “IVF Worldwide”, played a leading role in the survey. “Oncologists understand the importance of discussing fertility with their patients, but they’re trying to give their patients the best care with varying knowledge and, as seen in the survey, often without being aware of guidelines. These results once again highlight the key need for improved education of oncologists and standardised referral pathways.”
“Teva Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to helping women, who are faced with cancer, focus on getting well, knowing that everything possible is being done to preserve their fertility, if that is their wish,” says Rachel Levy-Toledano, Associate Medical Director Fertility, Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe.
The full results of the survey are expected to be published in the first half of 2018.
References
- Teva Oncofertility Survey
- Talking about your fertility before cancer treatment starts. Macmillan. Available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/side-effects… [Accessed August 2017]
- How Treatment Can Affect Fertility (women). Macmillan. Available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/side-effects… [Accessed August 2017]
- Preserving Your Fertility (women). Macmillan. Available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/side-effects… [Accessed August 2017]
