Fertility preservation in 2026: current landscape in Europe and the United States for children and adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation—recommendations on behalf of the Westhafen Intercontinental Group - Report - MDSpire

Fertility preservation in 2026: current landscape in Europe and the United States for children and adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation—recommendations on behalf of the Westhafen Intercontinental Group

  • By

  • Andrea Jarisch

  • Seth J. Rotz

  • Alessandro Cattoni

  • Blandine Courbiere

  • Scott D. Lundy

  • Kyle E. Orwig

  • Catherine Poirot

  • Jean-Hugues Dalle

  • Rachel Phelan

  • Tamara Diesch-Furlanetto

  • May 12, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Fertility Preservation Strategies in Pediatric HSCT

Overview

This report outlines current fertility preservation strategies for pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in Europe and the United States. It emphasizes the importance of timely counseling and the evolving options available to mitigate the risk of future fertility impairment.

Background

Specify the pediatric conditions treated with HSCT, such as leukemia and genetic disorders.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data provided in the article.

Key Findings

  • Fertility preservation options such as ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation are increasingly available for young patients.
  • Approximately 75-80% of pediatric HSCTs utilize myeloablative regimens that can damage gonadal function.
  • Fertility impairment is a significant long-term consequence affecting quality of life in HSCT survivors.
  • Informed consent for FP procedures is mandatory, requiring parental consent and, when possible, the child's assent.
  • Timely counseling about fertility risks and preservation options is crucial for optimizing outcomes.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians must prioritize fertility counseling for pediatric patients prior to HSCT, ensuring families are aware of the risks and available preservation methods. Implementing standardized FP protocols can enhance access and equity in care for all eligible patients.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of fertility preservation strategies in pediatric HSCT highlights the need for proactive counseling and informed decision-making to safeguard future reproductive health.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The ASCO Post, 2012 -- Options for Preserving Fertility Should Be Considered Early to Maximize the Likelihood of Success
  2. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Time to chemotherapy and oncofertility counseling in pediatric hematology/oncology patients: a single-center retrospective review
  3. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- ASCO Updates Guideline for Fertility Preservation in People With Cancer
  4. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2021 -- Guidelines from the EBMT/ESID Working Group on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Inborn Errors of Immunity
  5. Fertility Preservation in People With Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update - PubMed, 2025
  6. Impact of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for benign and malignant haematologic and non-haematologic disorders on fertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis | Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2025
  7. ESHRE Guidelines 2025
  8. Fertility Preservation in People With Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update - PubMed
  9. Impact of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for benign and malignant haematologic and non-haematologic disorders on fertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis | Bone Marrow Transplantation

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