Stephanie J. Lee, Leslie R. Schover, Ann H. Partridge, Pasquale Patrizio, W. Hamish Wallace, Karen Hagerty, Lindsay N. Beck, Lawrence V. Brennan, Kutluk Oktay


Purpose: To develop guidance to practicing oncologists about available fertility preservation methods and related issues in people treated for cancer.

Methods: An expert panel and writing committee were formed. The questions to be addressed by the guideline were determined and a systematic review of the literature from 1987-2005 was performed, which included a search of online databases and consultation with content experts.

Results: The literature review found many cohort studies, case series and case reports, but relatively few randomized or definitive trials examining the success and impact of fertility preservation methods in people with cancer. Fertility preservation methods are used infrequently in people with cancer.

Recommendations: As part of education and informed consent prior to cancer therapy, oncologists should address the possibility of infertility with patients treated during their reproductive years and be prepared to discuss possible fertility preservation options or refer appropriate and interested patients to reproductive specialists. Clinician judgment should be employed in the timing of raising this issue, but discussion at the earliest possible opportunity is encouraged. Sperm and embryo cryopreservation are considered standard practice and widely available; other available fertility preservation methods should be considered investigational and be performed in centers with the necessary expertise.

Conclusions: Fertility preservation is often possible in people undergoing treatment for cancer. To preserve the full range of options, fertility preservation approaches should be considered as early as possible during treatment planning.



ASCO’s practice guidelines and technology assessments reflect expert consensus based on clinical evidence and literature available at the time they are written, and are intended to assist physicians in clinical decision-making and identify questions and settings for further research.  Due to the rapid flow of scientific information in oncology, new evidence may have emerged since the time a guideline or assessment was submitted for publication.  Guidelines and assessments are not continually updated and may not reflect the most recent evidence.  Guidelines and assessments cannot account for individual variation among patients, and cannot be considered inclusive of all proper methods of care or exclusive of other treatments.  It is the responsibility of the treating physician or other health care provider, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine the best course of treatment for the patient.  Accordingly, adherence to any guideline or assessment is voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding its application to be made by the physician in light of each patient's individual circumstances.  ASCO guidelines and assessments describe the use of procedures and therapies in clinical practice and cannot be assumed to apply to the use of these interventions in the context of clinical trials.  ASCO assumes no responsibility for any injury or damage to persons or property arising out of or related to any use of ASCO’s guidelines or assessments, or to any errors or omissions.