Title:Novel Drug Therapies for Fertility Preservation in Men Undergoing Chemotherapy: Clinical Relevance of Protector Agents
Volume: 22
Issue: 29
Author(s): A. Rabaca, M. Sousa, M.G. Alves, P.F. Oliveira and R. Sa
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Antioxidants, chemotherapy drugs, cytoprotector agents, hormone therapy, male infertility.
Abstract: Cancer has been affecting a growing number of children, adolescents and adult
males in reproductive age. Male reproductive potential is adversely affected by chemotherapeutic
drugs and patients are at risk for prolonged infertility. Fertility recovery is related to the chemotherapeutic
agent and dosage used, being thus difficult to predict. As a result, there is a strong need to identify a
natural or synthetic compound that is able to preserve male fertility without interfering with the efficacy of the
chemotherapeutic regimen. New procedures, as well as several drugs, are being investigated to assess their efficiency
in protecting male reproductive functions from the chemotherapy side-effects. This review provides
an overview of the wide range of chemotherapeutic drugs regularly used in cancer treatment and their detrimental
effects on male fertility. In addition, it also assesses the existing protector agents for male fertility and
their usefulness in preserving and protecting male reproductive functions exposed to chemotherapeutics. Several
protector agents for male fertility are being studied, and results are promising. Nonetheless, further research
must be implemented to identify a supplemental therapy that addresses the multiple side effects of
chemotherapy on male reproductive function. Until such therapy is discovered, it is fundamental that all fertility
preservation options are discussed with patients, before treatment is initiated, to assure parenthood.
