Long-term effects of childhood cancer treatment on hormonal and ultrasound markers of ovarian reserve.

Abstract

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This study demonstrated that the majority of CCSs do not show signs of a reduced ovarian reserve. However, specific subgroups of CCSs appear to be associated with a high risk. Our results are important for counselling CCSs and future patients regarding parenthood and fertility preservation.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The DCOG LATER-VEVO is a nationwide retrospective cohort study in which measurements were performed between 2008 and 2014. In total, 1749 female 5-year CCSs, diagnosed before age 18 years between 1963 and 2002 and 1201 controls were invited for the study.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Ovarian reserve was assessed by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B levels, and antral follicle counts (AFC). The study was a multicentre study including all seven Dutch Centers for Paediatric Oncology/Haematology.

SUMMARY ANSWER

Cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, a composite group of 'other alkylating agents', dactinomycin, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, spinal radiotherapy (RT), abdominal/pelvic RT and total body irradiation were multivariably associated with abnormal ovarian reserve markers, with dose-effect relationships being established for procarbazine and abdominal/pelvic RT.

STUDY QUESTION

Which treatment-related factors are (dose-dependently) associated with abnormal hormonal and ultrasound markers of ovarian reserve in female childhood cancer survivors (CCSs)?

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NTR2922 http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC = 2922.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

In total, 564 CCs and 390 controls participated in the clinical part of the study. Overall, 7.0-17.7% of CCSs and 2.4-13.6% of controls had abnormal ovarian reserve markers. Above age 35, significantly more CCSs than controls had abnormal ovarian reserve markers (AMH: 26% vs. 4%; AFC: 20% vs. 3%; inhibin B: 42% vs. 16%). For AMH and FSH, significant differences were also found below age 35. Cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, a group of 'other alkylating agents', dactinomycin, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, spinal RT, abdominal/pelvic RT and total body irradiation were multivariably associated with at least one abnormal ovarian reserve marker. Dose-effect relationships were established for procarbazine and abdominal/pelvic RT.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This study was funded by the Dutch Cancer Society (Grant no. VU 2006-3622) and by the Children Cancer Free Foundation (Project no. 20). Philips Health Systems Benelux supported this study by providing three ultrasound systems and concomitant analytic software. There are no competing interests.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Female childhood cancer survivors are at an increased risk of reduced ovarian function and reserve, but knowledge regarding the long-term effects of individual chemotherapeutic (CT) agents and radiotherapy fields and their respective doses is limited.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Despite the large scale of the study, dose-effect relationships could not be investigated for all types of treatment due to a limited numbers of participants for specific analyses.