Peer-reviewed article

QOL-07. The importance of an onco-fertility program for pediatric neuro-oncology patients

· 1 Jun 2022

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In the Netherlands pediatric oncology care is centralized in one hospital since 2018. 600 new patients a year are seen with 100-120 new neuro-oncology (NO) patients. Of the NO patients 20-25% classify as high risk for infertility (HR) such as patients with medulloblastoma, ependymoma, ATRT and germinoma . An onco-fertility program was started navigated by a nurse-practitioner. The program runs with intense collaboration between the different specialties. All new patients are identified according to the international guidelines on fertility care. The fertility-risk is based on the CED score (cyclofosfamide equivalent dose) and radiotherapy dose. Since 2018 awareness was created by teaching sessions among colleagues, nursing staff, and parent association organizations. METHODS: All HR children are informed by the nurse-practitioner and can be referred for counseling to gynaecology for OTC (ovarian tissue cryopreservation) or urology for sperm cryopreservation or testicular biopsy. Monthly the onco-fertility working-group members discuss cases and research in the field. RESULTS: In 2019, 19% NO cases and in 2020 18% of cases were HR for infertility. In both years 36% of these cases had fertility preservation performed. In 2021, 22% cases HR were identified and in 55% preservation was performed. Reasons for not preserving fertility were diverse, varying from poor prognosis, or too ill to be included. CONCLUSION: Awareness of the fertility risk in NO patients who are HR is necessary. These patients need to be informed, and stratified for counseling and offered fertility preservation before start of their treatment. An active onco-fertility program helps to offer the best option for future fertility for these patients