Pediatric Oncofertility: From Cryopreservation to Future Fertility Solutions

In this educational video from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Dr. Monica Laronda explores the rapidly evolving field of pediatric oncofertility—highlighting how fertility preservation is becoming an essential part of care for children at risk of treatment-related infertility. Key Highlights: Why Fertility Preservation Matters: Cancer therapies and certain genetic conditions can lead to premature gonadal failure, significantly impacting future reproductive potential and long-term quality of life. Who Should Be Considered: Fertility preservation extends beyond oncology to include patients with conditions like Turner syndrome and gonadal dysgenesis—emphasizing early counseling regardless of risk level or prognosis. Current Clinical Options: Post-pubertal patients may undergo oocyte or sperm banking, while ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation offer options for younger patients who are not yet producing mature gametes. Risk Stratification: Fertility risk is assessed using treatment exposure (e.g., alkylating agents, radiation) and cumulative dosing, helping guide decision-making and timing of intervention. Program Growth & Outcomes: Lurie Children’s has performed hundreds of tissue cryopreservation procedures, demonstrating both feasibility and increasing national awareness of these options. Advances in Fertility Restoration: Ovarian tissue transplantation can restore hormone function and fertility, though risks—such as reintroducing malignant cells—remain a key limitation. Future Innovation: Cutting-edge research in ovarian tissue engineering, including 3D-printed bioprosthetic scaffolds, is paving the way for safer and more effective fertility restoration. This session highlights how multidisciplinary care, research innovation, and early intervention are reshaping the future of fertility preservation for pediatric patients.

You can listen to Pediatric Oncofertility: From Cryopreservation to Future Fertility Solutions online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Pediatric Oncofertility: From Cryopreservation to Future Fertility Solutions is an episode from Stay Current in Pediatric Surgery by StayCurrent: Pediatric Surgery.

This episode is 13:02 long.

This episode was published on Mar 18, 2026.

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