This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Purchase Article View Shopping Cart Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar content in this book Download to citation manager Rights & Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Moore, H. C. F. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Moore, H. C. F.

Ovarian Failure after Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer and the Role of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Analogs in Protection of Ovarian Function

From the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio

Author's disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.

Address reprint requests to Halle C.F. Moore, MD, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106; e-mail: mooreh1{at}ccf.org

Overview: The induction of premature ovarian failure following curative-intent chemotherapy for breast cancer is a common toxicity of treatment and may be of particular concern for women interested in future childbearing. In addition to assisted reproductive technology options, the potential to preserve ovarian function with the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs during chemotherapy is under investigation. The current literature consists primarily of case series that suggest greater-than-expected preservation of menstrual function following GnRH analog cotreatment. Data on fertility outcomes are limited. Understanding the true value of GnRH analog coadministration with chemotherapy for preventing early ovarian failure will require the completion of ongoing prospective randomized controlled studies.