Fertility after chemotherapy for testicular cancer

Arch Androl. 2003 Sep-Oct;49(5):389-95. doi: 10.1080/01485010390219917.

Abstract

Disseminated testicular cancer has largely become curable with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The prospect of fertility after treatment is an important consideration for both patients and clinicians. While there may be an irreversible impairment of spermatogenesis at a cumulative cisplatin dose of greater than 400 mg/m2, a low sperm count does not necessarily appear to prevent fatherhood. This review summarizes currently available data on the effects of chemotherapy on male fertility and steps that can be taken to preserve fertility in this patient population.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Cisplatin / adverse effects
  • Fertility / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / physiopathology
  • Spermatogenesis / drug effects
  • Testicular Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / physiopathology

Substances

  • Cisplatin