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Improving male reproductive health after childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer: Progress and future directions for survivorship research

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Roderick Skinner

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Abstract

© 2018 by American Society of Clinical Oncology Reproductive health is a common concern and often a source of distress for male childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors. Clinical and epidemiologic research in survivor populations has identified alkylating agent chemotherapy, testicular radiation, and surgery or radiation to the genitourinary organs, lower spine, or the hypothalamic-pituitary region as risk factors for adverse reproductive outcomes, including impaired spermatogenesis, testosterone insufficiency, and sexual dysfunction. Much of the research on male survivors has focused on the outcome of fertility, using spermatogenesis, serum gonadotropins, and paternity as the measures. However, these studies often fail to account for the clinically relevant but difficult-to-quantify aspects of fertility such as sexual function, cancer-related delayed psychosocial development, medical comorbidities, and socioeconomic concerns. Clinical and basic science research has made significant contributions to improving reproductive outcomes for survivors, with recent advancements in the areas of fertility preservation, clinical assessment of reproductive function, and treatment of adverse reproductive outcomes. Furthermore, there is an emerging qualitative literature addressing the psychosexual aspects of male reproductive health, the clinical application of which will improve quality of life for survivors. This review summarizes the current survivorship literature on reproductive health outcomes for male survivors, including the epidemiology of impaired spermatogenesis, testosterone insufficiency, and sexual dysfunction; clinical and laboratory assessment of reproductive function; and established and investigational interventions to preserve reproductive function for patients newly diagnosed and survivors. Although survivorship research has made significant contributions to improving reproductive outcomes, additional scientific progress is needed in the areas of fertility preservation, risk assessment, and psychosexual support with the aim of optimizing reproductive health for current and future survivors.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Kenney LB, Antal Z, Ginsberg JP, Hoppe BS, Bober SL, Yu RN, Constine LS, van Santen HM, Skinner R, Green DM

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology

Year: 2018

Volume: 36

Issue: 21

Pages: 2160-2168

Print publication date: 20/07/2018

Online publication date: 06/06/2018

Acceptance date: 02/04/2018

ISSN (print): 0732-183X

ISSN (electronic): 1527-7755

Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology

URL: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2017.76.3839

DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2017.76.3839


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