The exposure to cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery) can adversely affect all aspects of reproductive health, possibly determining temporary or permanent hypogonadism of a primary or secondary form. In prepubertal male patients, the only option for preserving fertility is testicular tissue banking. Although significant progress has been made in fertility-based animal research with SSCs, this procedure is still in an early experimental stage. Can an experimental technique, which has potential benefits and possible risks, be offered to minors? What is the minor's best interest in this situation? Is it more important to minimize the risks of morbidity and mortality or to preserve the child's future fertility?
Di Pietro, M. L., Teleman, A. A., Cryopreservation of testicular tissue in pediatrics: practical and ethical issues, <<THE JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE>>, 2013; 26 (15): 1524-1527. [doi:10.3109/14767058.2013.794211] [http://hdl.handle.net/10807/51157]
Cryopreservation of testicular tissue in pediatrics: practical and ethical issues
Di Pietro, Maria Luisa;
2013
Abstract
The exposure to cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery) can adversely affect all aspects of reproductive health, possibly determining temporary or permanent hypogonadism of a primary or secondary form. In prepubertal male patients, the only option for preserving fertility is testicular tissue banking. Although significant progress has been made in fertility-based animal research with SSCs, this procedure is still in an early experimental stage. Can an experimental technique, which has potential benefits and possible risks, be offered to minors? What is the minor's best interest in this situation? Is it more important to minimize the risks of morbidity and mortality or to preserve the child's future fertility?I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.