Pharmacological options for the protection of ovarian function in patients undergoing chemotherapy
Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Medpharm Publications
Abstract
Chemotherapy, particularly alkylating agents, can be toxic to germ cells, and may lead to treatment amenorrhoea in young
women. The age at which chemotherapy is administered is a strong predictor of subsequent premature ovarian failure,
with older patients being at the highest risk. Smaller primordial follicles may survive the insult of chemotherapy better,
and the suppression of follicle development may protect the germ cell pool. The suppression of follicle development by
gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (or antagonists) or combined oral contraceptives has been reported in the
literature. The results are promising, but conflicting reports on the protection makes further studies essential.
Description
CITATION: Botha, M. H. 2015. Pharmacological options for the protection of ovarian function in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Southern African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology, 7(1):27-33.
The original publication is available at http://www.sajgo.co.za
The original publication is available at http://www.sajgo.co.za
Keywords
Chemotherapy, Ovarian function, Premature ovarian failure, Radiotherapy, Pharmacology
Citation
Botha, M. H. 2015. Pharmacological options for the protection of ovarian function in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Southern African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology, 7(1):27-33.