Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for cancer can have devastating effects on fertility for men and women.
Presently, women can freeze eggs and men can store a sperm sample. Girls who have not gone through puberty can have a piece of ovary frozen which can later be re-transplanted to produce eggs. However, currently there are no fertility preservation options for pre-pubertal boys.
Today, in the journal Science, researchers report preserving the fertility of a monkey.
Scientists transplanted testicular tissue under the skin on the back of the scrotum. The grafts grew and produced testosterone and sperm. Sperm were recovered and eggs were fertilised resulting in one pregnancy.
This landmark study has demonstrated the principle of this method of fertility preservation. These results are promising for fertility preservation options for boys in the future.
Authors
Matt is an NHS Consultant in Newcastle with over ten years of experience. His PhD research into subfertility and miscarriage involved developing a clinical trial and patient engagement.