A survey of ovarian reserve and quality of life in female survivors of pediatric cancer

Introduction Childhood cancer is rare; the incidence in Sweden is approximately 16 new cases/100 000 children each year. Reduced reproductive function and fertility are well-known side effects of cancer treatment. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) has been shown to correlate well with antral follicle count in healthy women but is currently not recommended as the primary surveillance modality for evaluation of premature ovarian insufficiency in this patient group. Psychological wellbeing related to fertility could affect quality of life and should be included in long-term follow-up. The aim of the study is to present the baseline data from inclusion for a prospective follow-up study of fertility surveillance where both medical and psychological aspects of fertility in female childhood cancer survivors are considered. Material and methods These are the first results from this longitudinal follow-up cohort study. Female adolescent and young adult survivors of pediatric cancer in Western Sweden were included from January 2016 to December 2018, a total of 54 participants. Median age at inclusion was 21 (15-29) years and median age at cancer diagnosis was 10 (1-17) years. AMH levels, antral follicle count, and data on fertility were recorded at inclusion and will be prospectively followed up. The study includes questionnaires and interviews concerning quality of life. This study is planned to continue until the participants reach the age of 40 years. Results Eighteen of 54 (33%) participants had AMH levels below 1.0 mu g/L and were considered to have high or very high risk of infertility. Median AMH level was 2.50 mu g/L. Six women had immediate need of oocyte cryopreservation. Psychological assessment showed that more than one-third of participants (n = 20) had elevated anxiety scores. Conclusions One-third of female survivors of pediatric cancer in the study had high risk of low ovarian reserve, measured by a combination of AMH and antral follicle count, and many had signs of anxiety. The longitudinal study could contribute to better knowledge in the changes of AMH over time for this patient group. Psychological follow-up with questionnaires and interviews evaluating signs of depression and anxiety may serve as a model for future screening programs.

Automated summary

Childhood cancer is rare in Sweden, but treatment can lead to reduced reproductive function and fertility. A prospective follow-up study on female childhood cancer survivors showed that one-third of participants had high risk of low ovarian reserve, and many displayed signs of anxiety.