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Qol and Patients' Care

Ovarian function after hematopoietic cell transplantation: a descriptive study following the use of GnRH agonists for myeloablative conditioning and observation only for reduced-intensity conditioning

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 51, pages 1369–1375 (2016)Cite this article

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Abstract

Gonadal failure is a health and quality-of-life concern in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) survivors. While ovarian dysfunction is nearly universal following myeloablative (MA) conditioning, the risk is unclear after reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists decrease ovarian failure rates following conventional chemotherapy, but little is known about its effectiveness with HCT. We investigated the impact of leuprolide on ovarian function after MA conditioning and monitored ovarian function after RIC in this descriptive pilot study. Post-menarchal females <50 years undergoing HCT with adequate baseline ovarian function (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level <40 mIU/mL and normal menstruation) were eligible. Prior to MA conditioning, leuprolide was administered. Those undergoing RIC were observed. FSH was measured at various time points. Seventeen women aged 12–45 years were evaluated (7 in the intervention group and 10 in the observation group). Compared to the historical high rate of ovarian failure after MA conditioning, 3 of 7 evaluable Lupron recipients had ovarian failure at a median of 703 days post transplant. Ovarian failure occurred in 1 of 10 recipients of RIC at a median follow-up of 901 days. In conclusion, leuprolide may protect ovarian function after MA conditioning. Additionally, RIC with cyclophosphamide, fludarabine and low-dose TBI has a low risk of ovarian failure.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the University of Minnesota Grant-in-Aid program and the Minnesota Medical Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    R Phelan, W P Miller, J E Wagner, M R Verneris & A R Smith

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    E Mann

  3. Cancer Survivorship Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    C Napurski

  4. BMT,

    T E DeFor

  5. Research Program,

    T E DeFor

  6. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    T E DeFor

  7. Division of Pediatric Endocrinology,

    A Petryk

  8. Department of Pediatrics,

    A Petryk

  9. , University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    A Petryk

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  1. R Phelan
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Correspondence to A R Smith.

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Phelan, R., Mann, E., Napurski, C. et al. Ovarian function after hematopoietic cell transplantation: a descriptive study following the use of GnRH agonists for myeloablative conditioning and observation only for reduced-intensity conditioning. Bone Marrow Transplant 51, 1369–1375 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/bmt.2016.150

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