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World J Obstet Gynecol. May 10, 2014; 3(2): 45-53
Published online May 10, 2014. doi: 10.5317/wjog.v3.i2.45
Published online May 10, 2014. doi: 10.5317/wjog.v3.i2.45
Impact of pelvic radiotherapy on the female genital tract and fertility preservation measures
Liam C Welsh, Alexandra Taylor, Department of Gynaecology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Welsh LC and Taylor A reviewed evidence and wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Dr. Alexandra Taylor, MBBS, MD, Consultant in Clinical Oncology, Department of Gynaecology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom. alexandra.taylor@rmh.nhs.uk
Telephone: +44-207-8082581 Fax: +44-207-8082581
Received: January 30, 2013
Revised: April 16, 2013
Accepted: June 1, 2013
Published online: May 10, 2014
Processing time: 467 Days and 13.7 Hours
Revised: April 16, 2013
Accepted: June 1, 2013
Published online: May 10, 2014
Processing time: 467 Days and 13.7 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Despite significant advances in the technical delivery of radical pelvic radiotherapy there remains no way to avoid delivering substantial radiation doses to the ovaries and uterus for patients undergoing treatment for gynaecological cancers. Due to improved cure rates from radical chemo-radiotherapy many women treated for cervical cancer will wish to attempt to preserve their fertility. This article reviews emerging techniques for preserving ovarian function and ovarian tissue, as well as the impact on the uterus and the risk for pregnancy-related complications. Future developments may offer women in this difficult situation more and improved options for fertility preservation.