Procreation by Means of Cryopreserved Spermatozoa from Tumor Patients

Journal für Reproduktionsmedizin und Endokrinologie - Journal of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology 2007; 4 (2): 94-96

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Keywords: Fertilität,  Kryopreservation,  Reproduktionsmedizin,  Spermatozoen,  cryopreservation,  fertility prognosis,  spermatozoa

Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is offered to patients undergoing cytotoxic treatment in order to improve fertility prognosis. The type of tumor does not influence sperm quality used for cryopreservation. Cryopreservation after the onset of chemotherapy is contraindicated since this increases the risk of DNA fractures in spermatozoa. Spermatozoa are stored in liquid nitrogen at –196 °C, a time limit for storage is not known. In Germany, cryopreservation of spermatozoa is not covered by the social health insurance system, thus leaving the cost to the responsibility of patients. Age and marital status do not influence the decision for cryopreservation. The number of patients attempting to induce a pregnancy in the female partner by use of cryopreserved sperm is generally low. Due to the recovery of spermatogenesis, nearly half of the patients are able to father a child spontaneously after tumor therapy. In these patients, the risk of mutations in the children is low. Malformation rate was not enhanced in these children. Cryopreservation as a means to preserve male fertility prior to tumor therapy thus is not absolutely essential. In Germany, postmortem use of cryopreserved spermatozoa is forbidden by law. Only anecdotal reports are available from other countries.