POTENTIAL GENETIC RISKS OF USING SEMEN COLLECTED DURING CHEMOTHERAPY

The results of many studies on the effects of mutagens on germ cells of the testes indicate that the recommendation of Carson et al. (Hum. Reprod., 6, 992 - 994, 1989) that semen samples collected during chemotherapy and cryopreserved may be safely used for insemination is incorrect because of the large potential for genetic risk to the offspring. Data from experimental animals, which indicate high levels of mutagenic effects in offspring from matings during or soon after treatment of the male with chemotherapy or radiation, are reviewed. The relevance of these data to the human situation is discussed. Based on these results, I recommend that patients not only complete their semen cryopreservation prior to the initiation of chemotherapy, but that they practice reliable contraception from the time of initiation of treatment until 6 months after completion of treatment.