Fertility Preservation Plan

Fertility Preservation for Women with Cancer

Dr. Jain and his colleagues, in conjunction with Santa Monica Fertility Specialists, are dedicated to the advancement of fertility preservation for women diagnosed with cancer. One focus of our current research is to better understand the exact process by which cancer treatment destroys eggs and ovarian tissue. The degree of egg loss is dependent upon many factors, including the patient’s age, and the type, dose and duration of chemotherapy or radiation. Although the mechanism for this loss is unknown, it is thought to be due either to changes in the blood supply of the ovaries or changes at the molecular level of the egg.

Older age, alkylating chemotherapy agents such as cyclophosphamide, higher doses of chemotherapy or radiation, and longer duration of treatment are most damaging. And although there is some data suggesting that the use of GnRH-releasing agents may limit the detrimental effect of chemotherapy or radiation on egg count, the results are not conclusive. Thus, fertility preservation treatment prior to chemotherapy or radiation is the most effective way to safeguard future fertility.

Providing a Network of Support

Dr. Jain and the staff at Santa Monica Fertility Specialists have created a comprehensive fertility preservation plan to assist women and their families as they navigate the unique decisions facing them following a cancer diagnosis.

Through our relationships with hospitals, academic institutions, and a network of cancer specialists, psychologists and other professionals, we are able to provide a global network of care for the patient. This organization facilitates patient care, offering logistical assistance to oncologists, and a comprehensive fertility preservation program to patients with no waiting period for consultations or treatment.

Offering Financial Support

Our partnership with Santa Monica Fertility Specialists enables us to offer cancer patients egg freezing at half the standard rate. We hope these reductions in cost help alleviate stress and reduce the need for patients to seek outside financial support.

Options and Safety

The fertility preservation options available to patients are determined by patient age, the type and stage of cancer, and the required treatment. The course of action requires critical decision-making and communication between the patient, oncologist and reproductive endocrinologist. This team approach expedites the process and has been shown to yield the safest outcome.

Current options for preserving fertility include egg, embryo or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Egg freezing is a newer procedure and is considered experimental by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Because of this, all activities at LIFE Research and its affiliates are conducted under the auspices of a research ethics board to assure patient safety.