Fertility preservation in the male pediatric population: factors influencing the decision of parents and children

• DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev161
• Publication Date: 2015-07-04T00:49:50Z
• Authors: C. Wyns; C. Collienne; F. Shenfield; A. Robert; P. Laurent; L. Roegiers; B. Brichard
• Keywords: Oncofertility

How can the decision process for fertility preservation (FP) in adolescents and prepubertal boys be improved based on patient parent feelings about FP counseling? The content of information given to patients parents hope future parenthood appeared positively impact preserve pediatric population and, therefore, deserves special attention improve care. A vast body literature adult cancer shows that reproductive capacity is a major quality-of-life issue. Patients also have strong desire informed available options with view their own genetic child, considering <10% chose adopt or used donated gametes. Furthermore, quality counseling provided at time diagnosis has been identified as crucial factor decision-making process. By contrast, population, while it was shown were able make an voluntary sons despite heavy emotional burden diagnosis, there so far very limited expectations regarding FP. lack awareness often equates suboptimal care by oncologists specialists, poor access FP, therefore improving knowledge identifying are optimizing multidisciplinary collaborative pathways (MCCPs), including methods, youngest population. questionnaire survey posted eligible between May 2005 2013. total 348 aged 0–18 years, diagnosed university hospital setting, eligible. Three different questionnaires two age groups children (<12 12–18 years) established from focus groups. Questions subsequently reviewed institutional ethics board before being sent. Of patients, 44 died 14 lost follow-up. Thus, 290 (77 years 213 <12 sent questionnaire. In total, 120 recovered, 45.5% (n = 35/77) 39.9% 85/213) children. acceptance rates were, respectively, 74 78.6% years. (P 0.04). While majority >12 considered clear (72%), complete (80%) understandable (90.9%), only 33.3% comprehend information. Pressure doctors reduce delay treatment increased number refusals (P<0.01), favored < 0.01). Family support important 75% 58% children, medical 50% 42% This single-center does not allow extrapolation other settings. Recall bias full external validation further limitations. Modification current MCCP should evaluated according our results. Acknowledging issues faced familiarizing oneself undergoing fertility-threatening therapies supply primary providers appropriate management tools field centers medicine. Expectations reported included within design. Funding hospital/clinic(s); Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Brussels, Belgium. authors no conflict interest declare. NCT02411214.