Treatment of gonadal damage in recipients of allogeneic or autologous transplantation for haematological malignancies

Management of iatrogenic gonadal reproductive failure and sexual morbidity assumes a priority, especially in young recipients of high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation (SCT). Hormone replacement treatment (HRT) is beneficial for correction of sexual symptoms and osteoporosis in both sexes, especially in females. Sperm banking is the standard technique for preservation of fertility in adult and sexually mature adolescent males. Testicular tissue cryopreservation has a place in well-selected azoospermic adults and in mentally and sexually competent adolescents. In vitro fertilisation using superovulation with embryo-cryopreservation (for future embryo transfer) is the most tried method in female SCT recipients with good results. In mentally and sexually competent adolescents and adults without a partner, ovarian cortical tissue cryopreservation has a place for subsequent re-implantation to orthotopic or heterotopic sites. Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) co-treatment during chemotherapy, is a promising method for the future. Although generally reassuring, continued monitoring of the offspring of SCT survivors and follow-up of all recipients of SCT is important for return of spontaneous or induced fertility.