Prospective cohort study observes preserved ovarian reserve and oocyte yield in young breast cancer patients, suggesting tumor immunohistotype does not impair baseline fertility preservation.
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) in reproductive-age women raises concerns about fertility preservation, particularly as systemic therapies may compromise ovarian function. Evidence on whether tumor immunohistotype influences ovarian reserve and fertility preservation outcomes remains limited. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of BC patients referred for fertility preservation counseling between November 2020 and May 2025. Ovarian reserve was assessed using anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count (AFC). Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and oocyte cryopreservation were performed according to standardized protocols. Patients were stratified into triple-negative BC (TNBC) and hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and/or HER2+ groups. The primary endpoint was ovarian reserve differences by subtype; the secondary endpoints were ovarian response and oocyte yield. RESULTS: Of 358 patients, 152 were enrolled, and 139 (91.4%) underwent COS, for a total of 145 cycles. The median age was 33 years, median AMH 5.4 ng/mL, and median AFC 17. No significant differences were observed between the TNBC and HR+/HER2+ groups in AMH, AFC, oocyte yield, or mature oocyte rate. Sub-analysis revealed a significantly lower mature oocyte yield in luminal-B tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian reserve and cryopreservation outcomes appeared preserved in TNBC compared with those in patients with HR+/HER2+ BC at diagnosis. These findings provide reassurance that baseline fertility potential is not compromised by tumor immunohistotype.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Immediata et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: