Ovarian function preservation in the cancer patient.

OBJECTIVE To review the clinical modalities that are available to women receiving potentially sterilizing cancer therapy. DESIGN The MEDLINE database was reviewed for all publications on medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology that could potentially preserve fertility in women who are receiving cancer therapy. CONCLUSION(S) There are many options available to a patient undergoing a treatment that will negatively impact her fertility. Many procedures and medical interventions have been proven successful both in terms of ovarian function and pregnancy rates. Other techniques have great potential but do not have long-term clinical data. It is important that the patient's primary care physician understand the methods available to preserve fertility in cancer patients and communicate this information to the patient.