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 - Summary - MDSpire
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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
To provide an updated overview of current fertility preservation strategies and recommendations for pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), emphasizing the importance of addressing fertility risks.
Key Findings:
Fertility impairment is a significant long-term consequence of HSCT, affecting quality of life and necessitating proactive measures.
New fertility preservation options, such as ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation, are increasingly available for young patients, though access varies.
Counseling about fertility risks and preservation strategies is essential and often legally required, highlighting the need for equitable access.
Interpretation:
The paper underscores the necessity of informed and equitable fertility preservation counseling for pediatric HSCT patients, considering individual circumstances, cultural factors, and the variability in access to options.
Limitations:
Access to fertility preservation options varies by region and country, impacting the ability to provide care.
The complexity of counseling may lead to variability in the quality of information provided, necessitating standardized guidelines.
Conclusion:
All pediatric patients undergoing HSCT should receive fertility preservation counseling as part of their pre-treatment workup to ensure informed decision-making and support, tailored to individual patient circumstances.
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
