Selected Oncofertility Publications
Since its inception less than a decade ago, the field of oncofertility and its associated research has burgeoned. As a testament to oncofertility’s far reach and broad scope, we have published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, reviews, book chapters, as well as five books on the subject. These publications span several disciplines including basic science, clinical medicine, social science, and the humanities. Here you will find our most recent relevant publications organized by topic.
Oncofertility Books
The five books on oncofertility cover the overall scope of the reproductive considerations for cancer patients and research; legal, ethical, and religious considerations; clinical guidelines for providers; communication strategies for the field; and pediatric and adolescent fertility preservation. A sixth book about oncofertility and non-oncologic conditions will be published next. These books have been translated into Chinese and incorporated into materials across the globe.
- Oncofertility: Fertility Preservation for Cancer Survivors
- Oncofertility: Ethical, Legal, Social, and Medical Perspectives
- Oncofertility Medical Practice: Clinical Issues and Implementation
- Oncofertility Communication: Sharing Information and Building Relationships Across Disciplines
- Pediatric and Adolescent Oncofertility: Best Practices and Emerging Technologies
Biomaterials
These publications highlight the development, optimization, and characterization of alginate hydrogels to grow follicles in a three-dimensional environment that mimics the ovarian architecture. We are currently striving to develop novel biomaterials for growing follicles such as the interpenetrating fibrin-alginate matrix developed by Shikanov et al.
Mouse Follicle Culture
Using a mouse model system for our initial studies, we have demonstrated that the alginate hydrogel-based follicle culture system can support follicle growth from very early follicular stages. Fully-grown oocytes derived from this follicle culture system can mature into metaphase II-arrested eggs that are capable of being fertilized and giving rise to live pups. We have also demonstrated that the alginate hydrogels can support follicle growth following cryopreservation, which is clinically significant.
Publication on Mouse Follicle Culture
Primate Follicle Culture
The alginate hydrogel-based follicle growth system was extended and optimized successfully to grow nonhuman primate follicles in culture for thirty days. Preantral follicles were able to grow to the small antral follicle stage.
Publications on Primate Follicle Culture
Human Follicle Culture
Building off our work in the mouse and primate models, we recently showed that we can grow human secondary follicles in the alginate hydrogel-based follicle culture system. Early secondary follicles, isolated from ovarian tissues from human cancer patients, grew to the antral stage after thirty days in culture. These follicles produced hormones, had intact somatic cell-oocyte architecture, and contained oocytes that appeared to have nuclear competence. This breakthrough highlights the huge potential of translating bench science into clinical practice for fertility preservation.
Publications on Human Follicle Culture
Mammalian Folliculogenesis
It is critical to understand normal mammalian folliculogenesis to successfully recapitulate this process in vitro. Thus, a significant portion of research in the Division of Fertility Preservation is performed with the goal of understanding the basic biology of folliculogenesis as is evidenced in the following publications.
Publications on Mammalian Folliculogenesis
Oncofertility and Fertility Preservation
These publications, including our first book, track the development of Oncofertility as a clinical subspecialty, review the most up-to-date fertility preservation options available to cancer patients, and document fertility preservation methods in clinical practice.
Publications on Oncofertility and Fertility Preservation
Oncofertility and the Law
This publication explores the legal components and ramifications of reproductive technology including Oncofertility.
Publications on Oncofertility and the Law
Oncofertility and the Humanities and Social Sciences
These publications, including our second book, examine various ethical issues raised by the field of Oncofertility and reproductive technology more broadly.
Publications on Oncofertility and Humanities and Social Sciences