Oncofertilidade: preservação da fertilidade em mulheres submetidas a tratamentos oncológicos - revisão narrativa

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Analyze how oncofertility enables the preservation of fertility in women undergoing cancer treatment, by pointing out how oncological treatments affect female fertility, as well as emphasizing the importance of egg freezing as a means of maintaining fertility. METHODOLOGY: Narrative review study with a qualitative approach and descriptive observational nature. Searches were conducted in the PubMed database using the descriptors: “cancer fertility preservation” without applying Boolean operators. Inclusion criteria embrace articles that address oncofertility in women diagnosed with cancer, published in English. RESULTS: Cancer patients should be informed about reproductive risks and referred to specialists to discuss fertility preservation strategies before starting oncological treatment. Although oocyte or embryo cryopreservation is highlighted as the main technique, there is still no consensus on the best approach, and further research is needed. Guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary approach involving specialized teams. CONCLUSION: Oncofertility integrates oncology and assisted reproduction, offering techniques to preserve fertility during cancer treatment, which should be guided, performed, and monitored by specialists and a multidisciplinary team. Although oocyte cryopreservation is considered the most suitable technique, further research is needed to determine the optimal approach for female patients undergoing oncologic treatment.