Conception After Completing Oncology Treatments for Female Patients Diagnosed With a High Grade Glioma

AIMS The aim of this study is to assess conception outcomes in female patients diagnosed with a high-grade glioma after completing oncological treatment, including natural conception rates, assisted conception and ongoing attempts to conceive (TTC). High-grade gliomas (HGG) are aggressive cancerous tumours with significant implications to ones quality of life (QOL) with poor average prognosis. There is a small percentage of patients that exceed the average prognosis, and we know for fertile patients, fertility and conception in their future remains a relevant concern. However, the impact of glioma treatment on fertility, the likelihood of natural conception versus assisted conception and pregnancy outcomes remain underexplored. METHODS An anonymous survey will be distributed to female neuro-oncology patients with a confirmed diagnosis of a high-grade glioma who have completed oncology treatment. This will include oligodendroglioma (grade 3), astrocytoma (grade 3 & 4) and glioblastoma Grade 4. The age range 18-45 years. The survey will collect data on conception after oncology treatment, conception methods (natural vs assisted conception), time to conception and if they had any investigations or support to understand the possible impact oncology treatment could of had to their fertility. The results will be analysed to identify trends in fertility post-treatment. We will exclude asking sensitive questions surrounding pregnancy loss and health of baby. RESULTS The data from the survey is yet to be processed and analysed. Preliminary evidence suggests that fertility may be impacted by alkylating chemotherapy (e.g., temozolomide), radiotherapy is also known to disturb hormone functions and periods. Some patients may achieve natural con- ception, while others may require IVF. The rate of successful pregnancies and challenges faced during gestation will also be explored. CONCLUSION Understanding conception trends in HGG patients will provide valuable insights into reproductive health and how we can support patients TTC in neuro-oncology service.