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Human Reproduction Open 2024Does sperm cryopreservation serve as a feasible and effective method for preserving fertility in adult male patients with cancer? (Review)
Review
STUDY QUESTION
Does sperm cryopreservation serve as a feasible and effective method for preserving fertility in adult male patients with cancer?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Sperm cryopreservation is an effective fertility preservation method and may benefit patients with cancer.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Sperm cryopreservation is the only way to efficiently preserve male fertility. It is an important procedure in ART. Recently, due to remarkable advances in cancer treatment, an increasing number of studies have reported the outcomes of sperm cryopreservation in patients with cancer.
STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION
We conducted an extensive literature search for relevant studies published through to 31 December 2021, in the following databases: CENTRAL, CNKI, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PUBMED, and Web of Science. The search terms used were '(cryopreservation OR freeze OR freezing OR banking OR cryostorage OR storage) AND (sperm OR semen OR spermatozoon) AND (cancer OR tumor OR malignancy OR neoplasm)'.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS
We included all studies that reported offering or attempting to cryopreserve sperm before or during cancer treatment in male patients considered at risk of treatment-related fertility impairment. We evaluated the eligibility of all data in each study. The major exclusion criteria were as follows: non-cancer patients; pediatric and adolescent cancer patients; not reporting the use of cryopreserved sperm; use of fresh semen for ART; not reporting the number of patients with cancer offered sperm cryopreservation or attempting to do so before or during treatment; using an experimental fertility preservation technique such as preservation of testicular tissue or spermatogonial stem cells; duplicate data; abstracts, case report, comments, reviews, or editorials; insufficient data reported. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
This meta-analysis included 69 non-randomized studies, with 32 234 patients referred for sperm analysis and 23 178 patients cryopreserving at least one sperm sample. The pooled failed-to-cryopreserve rate was 10% (95% CI, 8-12%), and the sperm disposal and sperm use rates were 23% (95% CI, 16-30%) and 9% (95% CI, 8-10%), respectively. The pregnancy, miscarriage, and delivery rates were 28% (95% CI, 22-33%), 13% (95% CI, 10-17%), and 20% (95% CI, 15-25%), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed higher pregnancy and delivery rates, as well as a lower failed-to-cryopreserve rate, in recent studies compared to those released a decade ago. The studies from Asia reported higher sperm disposal and pregnancy rates than in other continents. Our analysis showed clinical pregnancy rates per cycle of 34% (27-41%), 24% (14-35%), and 9% (5-15%) and delivery rates per cycle of 23% (17-30%), 18% (11-26%), and 5% (1-9%) for ICSI, IVF, and IUI, respectively.
LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION
As with all meta-analyses, some limitations should be considered. The first limitation of our study is that the data span 36 years. During this time, the World Health Organization has revised its sperm analysis standards, and other important changes have been made. There is also a limitation in that the outcome does not analyze the correlation between the type of cancer and sperm quality. Many of the earlier studies were limited by small sample sizes and a lack of control groups. Furthermore, almost all studies did not consider the severity of the disease, which could potentially have a substantial impact on the results. Consequently, further research should evaluate the effect of the type of cancer and, in particular, the severity of the condition on sperm quality in order to draw more precise conclusions. Similarly, it is inappropriate that most studies failed to differentiate between patients with different types of tumors and instead drew generalized conclusions that are presumed to apply to all patients with cancer. In the present analysis, we did not have in-depth information on patients' disease, and although extensive efforts were made to conduct a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis of the outcomes for patients with various types of tumors, the results must be acknowledged as being subject to bias. However, the use of average results obtained in each study, without the patient-level data, might also represent a source of bias.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Sperm cryopreservation is an effective fertility preservation method and may benefit patients with cancer. The observed utilization rate of frozen sperm at 9% may underestimate the actual usage, as the short follow-up period is inadequate for obtaining comprehensive data on the use of frozen sperm in young cancer survivors. ART plays an important role in fertility preservation and the achievement of pregnancy, with this meta-analysis showing that ICSI delivers better clinical outcomes than IVF or IUI in patients with cancer undergoing fertility preservation.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 82001634, 81960550), and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2019M661521). There are no competing interests to declare.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRID 42022314460.
PubMed: 38389980
DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae006 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Dec 2023The testicular sperm instead of ejaculated sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in infertile men with high sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a controversial...
Outcomes comparison of testicular versus ejaculated sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in infertile men with high DNA fragmentation: updated systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The testicular sperm instead of ejaculated sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in infertile men with high sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a controversial topic. This updated systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate whether couples with high level of SDF will benefit more from intracytoplasmic sperm injection with testicular sperm (Testi-ICSI) as compared to intracytoplasmic sperm injection with ejaculated sperm (Ejac-ICSI).
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), encompassing studies from the earliest record until May 2022. We included studies analyzing comparative pregnancy outcomes of testicular versus ejaculated sperm for ICSI in infertile men with high DNA fragmentation. The risks of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework, respectively.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that SDF levels revealed a significant difference association [odds ratio (OR) =-25.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): -34.82, -16.81; I=94%; P<0.00001] between testicular and ejaculated sperm. Compared with Ejac-ICSI, a non-significant tendency was observed for fertilization rates (FRs) in the Testi-ICSI group (OR =0.87; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.12; I=81%; P=0.28). However, there was significant difference pointing to better outcomes for Testi-ICSI in clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs) (OR =2.36; 95% CI: 1.71, 3.24; I=0%; P<0.00001), live birth rates (LBRs) (OR =3.10; 95% CI: 2.13, 4.51; I=4%; P<0.00001) and miscarriage rates (MRs) (OR =0.28; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.60; I=0%; P=0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Results of this updated meta-analysis reveal that SDF rates are lower in testicular sperm than in ejaculated sperm and that Testi-ICSI is correlated with better clinical outcomes, including higher CPRs, higher LBRs, and lower MRs in infertile males with high SDF levels. Nevertheless, with the overall low to moderate quality of the studies, further well-designed controlled studies are required.
PubMed: 38196694
DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-415 -
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance Dec 2023The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has triggered a global public health crisis of unprecedented proportions. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is a highly effective... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has triggered a global public health crisis of unprecedented proportions. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is a highly effective strategy for preventing infections and severe COVID-19 outcomes. Although several studies have concluded that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to affect fertility, concerns have arisen regarding adverse events, including the potential impact on fertility; these concerns are plagued by limited and inconsistent evidence.
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to provide a recent assessment of the literature on the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on male sperm quality. The possible impact of COVID-19 vaccines on fertility potential was also examined to draw a clearer picture and to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on male reproductive health.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from their inception to October 2023. Eligible studies included articles reporting SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and human semen quality and fertility, as well as the impact of vaccination on assisted reproductive technology treatment outcomes. The quality of cohort studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the quality of cross-sectional studies was assessed using the quality evaluation criteria recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The systematic review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.
RESULTS
The initial literature search yielded 4691 records by searching 5 peer-reviewed databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane). Finally, 24 relevant studies were selected for our study. There were evident research inequalities at the regional level, with the United States and Western European countries contributing 38% (9/24) of the studies, Middle Eastern countries contributing 38% (9/24), China accounting for 21% (5/24), and Africa and South America accounting for none. Nonetheless, the overall quality of the included studies was generally good. Our results demonstrated that serious side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are extremely rare, and men experience few problems with sperm parameters or reproductive potential after vaccination.
CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of the studies published so far, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for male reproductive health. Obviously, vaccination is a wise option rather than experience serious adverse symptoms of viral infections. These instances of evidence may help reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination coverage, particularly among reproductive-age couples. As new controlled trials and prospective cohort studies with larger sample sizes emerge, the possibility of a negative effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on sperm quality must be further clarified.
Topics: Male; Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Vaccines; Pandemics; Semen Analysis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Semen; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 37976132
DOI: 10.2196/48511 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Air pollution may impair male fertility, but it remains controversial whether air pollution affects semen quality until now. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Air pollution may impair male fertility, but it remains controversial whether air pollution affects semen quality until now.
OBJECTIVES
We undertake a meta-analysis to explore potential impacts of six pollutants exposure during the entire window (0-90 days prior to ejaculation) and critical windows (0-9, 10-14, and 70-90 days prior to ejaculation) on semen quality.
METHODS
Seven databases were retrieved for original studies on the effects of six pollutants exposure for 90 days prior to ejaculation on semen quality. The search process does not limit the language and search date. We only included original studies that reported regression coefficients () with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The and 95% CIs were pooled using the DerSimonian-Laird random effect models.
RESULTS
PM exposure was related with decreased total sperm number (10-14 lag days) and total motility (10-14, 70-90, and 0-90 lag days). PM exposure was related with reduced total sperm number (70-90 and 0-90 lag days) and total motility (0-90 lag days). NO exposure was related with reduced total sperm number (70-90 and 0-90 lag days). SO exposure was related with declined total motility (0-9, 10-14, 0-90 lag days) and total sperm number (0-90 lag days).
CONCLUSION
Air pollution affects semen quality making it necessary to limit exposure to air pollution for Chinese men. When implementing protective measures, it is necessary to consider the key period of sperm development.
Topics: Male; Humans; Semen Analysis; East Asian People; Semen; Air Pollution; Environmental Pollutants; Language
PubMed: 37601219
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1219340 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2021Several studies have explored the relationship among traditional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM); however,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Several studies have explored the relationship among traditional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM); however, the findings remain controversial. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the relationship among traditional semen parameters, SDF, and unexplained RM. Multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were searched to identify relevant publications. From the eligible publications, data were extracted independently by two researchers. A total of 280 publications were identified using the search strategy. According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 19 publications were eligible. A total of 1182 couples with unexplained RM and 1231 couples without RM were included in this meta-analysis to assess the relationship among traditional semen parameters, SDF, and unexplained RM. Our results showed that couples with unexplained RM had significantly increased levels of SDF and significantly decreased levels of total motility and progressive motility compared with couples without RM, although significant differences were not observed in the semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count between couples with and without RM. The SDF assay may be considered for inclusion in evaluations of couples with unexplained RM.
Topics: Abortion, Habitual; DNA Fragmentation; Female; Humans; Male; Semen; Semen Analysis; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 35058886
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.802632 -
Andrology Jan 2022Systematic reviews have focused on sperm recovery and post-thaw parameters after cryopreservation, but there is no information on the associated clinical outcomes. In... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Systematic reviews have focused on sperm recovery and post-thaw parameters after cryopreservation, but there is no information on the associated clinical outcomes. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have reported cryopreservation of a single sperm due to the importance of fertility preservation.
OBJECTIVES
To assess whether the cryopreservation of single human spermatozoa improves clinical outcomes in patients with azoospermia or severe oligospermia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted an extensive literature search using the following databases: CENTRAL, CNKI, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PUBMED, and Web of Science for relevant studies published through December 31, 2019. We calculated the pooled proportions of cryopreservation of a single human spermatozoon to assess the recovery, survival, fertilization, pregnancy, miscarriage, and delivery rates. Subgroup analyses were performed for the following covariates, (a) different carriers, (b) year of publication, and (c) source of sperm.
RESULTS
We included 25 studies, which included 13 carriers. The pooled proportion of recovery rate of spermatozoa cryopreserved was 92% (95% CI, 87%-96%), and the survival, fertilization, pregnancy, miscarriage, and delivery rates were 76% (95% CI, 69%-83%), 63% (95% CI, 58%-67%), 57% (95% CI, 39%-74%), 12% (95% CI, 0%-33%), and 40% (95% CI, 12%-71%), respectively. Based on the subgroup analysis, the recovery and survival rates of frozen spermatozoa in a subgroup of different carriers were statistically significant. In the past decade, frozen single human spermatozoon technology has improved the recovery rates of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. However, the differences in clinical outcomes of frozen spermatozoa in subgroups of different sources of sperm were not statistically significant.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The techniques for single human spermatozoa are feasible and efficient and may benefit patients with severe oligospermia or azoospermia.
Topics: Adult; Azoospermia; Birth Rate; Cryopreservation; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Oligospermia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Semen Preservation; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Sperm Motility; Sperm Retrieval; Spermatozoa; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34365740
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13091 -
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Jan 2021Published studies have shown contradictory results regarding the relationship between somatometric parameters and varicoceles. We performed a systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Published studies have shown contradictory results regarding the relationship between somatometric parameters and varicoceles. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the possible effects of age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) on the presence and severity of varicoceles.
METHODS
Databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published up to March 2020. Two researchers independently identified eligible articles and extracted data. Cochran's Q statistic and I statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was performed using StataSE 12.0 software (StataCorp LP, USA). Random-effects models were used to obtain the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was assessed using Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test.
RESULTS
The search strategy produced 272 articles, of which 18 articles were eligible according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 56,325 patients with varicocele and 1,334,694 patients without varicocele were included in the meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of somatometric parameters on the presence and severity of varicocele. The overall results demonstrated that the presence of varicoceles was significantly associated with height (WMD = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.74, P < 0.001) and inversely correlated with BMI (WMD = - 1.35, 95% CI = -1.67 to - 1.03, P < 0.001) but not with age (WMD = -0.93, 95% CI = -2.19 to 0.33, P = 0.149) or weight (WMD = 0.24, 95% CI = -2.24 to 2.72, P = 0.850). The severity of varicocele was inversely correlated with increased BMI but not with age.
CONCLUSION
The presence of varicoceles was significantly associated with height and inversely correlated with BMI.
Topics: Age Factors; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Body Weights and Measures; China; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Somatotypes; Varicocele
PubMed: 33472653
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00695-3 -
Andrology Jul 2017Beside cytotoxic drugs, other drugs can impact men's fertility through various mechanisms. Via the modification of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones or by... (Review)
Review
Beside cytotoxic drugs, other drugs can impact men's fertility through various mechanisms. Via the modification of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones or by non-hormonal mechanisms, drugs may directly and indirectly induce sexual dysfunction and spermatogenesis impairment and alteration of epididymal maturation. This systematic literature review summarizes existing data about the negative impact and associations of pharmacological treatments on male fertility (excluding cytotoxic drugs), with a view to making these data more readily available for medical staff. In most cases, these effects on spermatogenesis/sperm maturation/sexual function are reversible after the discontinuation of the drug. When a reprotoxic treatment cannot be stopped and/or when the impact on semen parameters/sperm DNA is potentially irreversible (Sulfasalazine Azathioprine, Mycophenolate mofetil and Methotrexate), the cryopreservation of spermatozoa before treatment must be proposed. Deleterious impacts on fertility of drugs with very good or good level of evidence (Testosterone, Sulfasalazine, Anabolic steroids, Cyproterone acetate, Opioids, Tramadol, GhRH analogues and Sartan) are developed.
Topics: Animals; Cryopreservation; DNA Damage; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Fertility; Fertility Preservation; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Sperm Banks; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 28622464
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12366 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... May 2017Blastocyst transfer in assisted reproduction techniques could be advantageous because the timing of exposure of the embryo to the uterine environment is more analogous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Blastocyst transfer in assisted reproduction techniques could be advantageous because the timing of exposure of the embryo to the uterine environment is more analogous to a natural cycle and permits embryo self-selection after activation of the embryonic genome on day 3. Conversely, the in-vitro environment is likely to be inferior to that in vivo, and in-vitro culture beyond embryonic genomic activation could potentially harm the embryo. Our objective was to identify, appraise and summarize the available evidence comparing the effectiveness of blastocyst vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer.
METHODS
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the transfer of blastocysts (days 5-6) with the transfer of cleavage-stage embryos (days 2-3) in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The last electronic searches were run on 1 August 2016. Abstracts and studies with a mean difference between the two study groups of > 0.5 for the number of embryos transferred were excluded.
RESULTS
We screened 1187 records and assessed 33 potentially eligible studies. Twelve studies were included, comprising a total of 1200 women undergoing blastocyst transfer and 1218 undergoing cleavage-stage embryo transfer. We observed low-quality evidence of no significant difference of blastocyst transfer on live birth/ongoing pregnancy (relative risk (RR), 1.11 (95% CI, 0.92-1.35), 10 RCTs, 1940 women, I = 54%), clinical pregnancy (RR, 1.10 (95% CI, 0.93-1.31), 12 RCTs, 2418 women, I = 64%), cumulative pregnancy (RR, 0.89 (95% CI, 0.67-1.16), four RCTs, 524 women, I = 63%) and miscarriage (RR, 1.08 (95% CI, 0.74-1.56), 10 RCTs, 763 pregnancies, I = 0%). There was moderate-quality evidence of a decrease in the number of women with surplus embryos after the blastocyst-stage embryo transfer (RR, 0.78 (95% CI, 0.66-0.91)). Overall, the quality of the evidence was limited by the quality of the included studies and by unexplained inconsistency across studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence shows no superiority of blastocyst compared with cleavage-stage embryo transfer in clinical practice. As the quality of the evidence for the primary outcomes is low, additional well-designed RCTs are still needed before robust conclusions can be drawn. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Topics: Blastocyst; Cleavage Stage, Ovum; Embryo Transfer; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy Rate; Pregnancy, Multiple
PubMed: 27731533
DOI: 10.1002/uog.17327