Efficacy of Random-start Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in Cancer Patients

• Published in: Journal of Korean medical science Vol. 30; no. 3; pp. 290 - 295
• Main Authors: Kim, Jee Hyun, Kim, Seul Ki, Lee, Hee Jun, Lee, Jung Ryeol, Jee, Byung Chul, Suh, Chang Suk, Kim, Seok Hyun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences 01.03.2015; 대한의학회
• Subjects: Cryopreservation; Estradiol - blood; Female; Fertility Preservation - methods; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Infertility, Female - surgery; Neoplasms; Nitriles - therapeutic use; Oocyte Retrieval - methods; Original; Ovulation Induction - methods; Retrospective Studies; Triazoles - therapeutic use; 의학일반; Emergency; Cancer; Controlled Ovarian Stimulation; Fertility Preservation; In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes; Random-start
• ISSN: 1011-8934; 1598-6357
• DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2015.30.3.290

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of random-start controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in cancer patients for emergency fertility preservation. In this retrospective comparative study, 22 patients diagnosed with cancer and 44 infertile women undergoing conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) were included. In cancer patients, ovarian stimulation was started on the day of referral, irrespective of their menstrual cycle date. The control group was selected by age matching among women undergoing conventional IVF. COS outcomes were compared between groups. The number of total and mature oocytes retrieved and the oocyte maturity rate were higher in the random-start group than in the conventional-start group. However, duration of ovarian stimulation was longer in the random-start group (11.4 vs. 10.3 days, P = 0.004). The addition of letrozole to lower the estradiol level during COS did not adversely affect total oocytes retrieved. However, oocyte maturity rate was lower in cycles with letrozole than in cycles without letrozole (71.6% vs. 58.2%, P = 0.019). Our study confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of random-start COS in cancer patients.