A brain tumor diagnosis brings many uncertainties, and for some patients, the ability to have children in the future is a major concern. While cancer treatments have come a long way, they can have unintended consequences on fertility. This is where oncofertility teams play a vital role—helping patients understand their risks, explore fertility preservation options, and advocate for their reproductive future.
What Is Oncofertility?
Oncofertility is a specialized field that bridges oncology and reproductive medicine. It focuses on helping cancer patients navigate fertility preservation before, during, and after treatment. These teams include oncologists, reproductive specialists, fertility counselors, and patient navigators who work together to ensure that patients receive the guidance they need.
For brain tumor patients, fertility conversations are particularly important because treatment plans often involve chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—each of which can impact reproductive health. However, these discussions don’t always happen at diagnosis, leaving some patients unaware of their risks until after treatment.
How Oncofertility Teams Can Help Brain Tumor Patients
Brain tumor treatments can have both direct and indirect effects on fertility. For example, chemotherapy and radiation may damage reproductive organs, while surgery on the brain can impact hormone-regulating centers like the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, leading to fertility challenges.
Oncofertility teams provide essential services to help patients navigate these challenges, including:
1. Educating Patients on Fertility Risks
Many patients aren’t aware that brain tumor treatments can impact their fertility. Oncofertility specialists explain how different therapies—like chemotherapy, cranial radiation, or hormone-suppressing drugs—can affect reproductive health.
Key questions that oncofertility teams help answer include:
- Will my treatment affect my ability to have children?
- What fertility preservation options are available to me?
- Are there risks of pregnancy after a brain tumor diagnosis?
2. Personalized Fertility Preservation Planning
Each patient’s fertility risk is different depending on their treatment plan, medical history, and age. Oncofertility teams provide tailored guidance and suggest the best options for fertility preservation, which may include:
- For Women:
- Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation): Harvesting and freezing eggs before treatment.
- Embryo Freezing: Fertilizing eggs with sperm before freezing for future use.
- Ovarian Tissue Freezing: Surgically removing and freezing ovarian tissue to be reimplanted later.
- For Men:
- Sperm Banking: Collecting and freezing sperm for future fertility use.
- Testicular Tissue Freezing: An option for boys or men unable to produce sperm naturally.
3. Coordinating Care Between Oncology and Fertility Specialists
Fertility preservation is a time-sensitive process, and patients may need to act quickly before starting treatment. Oncofertility teams streamline this process by coordinating referrals to fertility clinics and specialists who can help with preservation options.
4. Providing Emotional and Psychological Support
The emotional toll of a brain tumor diagnosis is immense, and adding fertility concerns can make it even more overwhelming. Oncofertility teams offer counseling and emotional support, helping patients process their options and make informed choices.
Advocating for Your Fertility: How to Talk to Your Doctor
While oncofertility teams play a crucial role, not all patients automatically receive fertility counseling. Some oncologists may not bring up fertility preservation, leaving it up to patients and their families to advocate for themselves.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and want to explore fertility options, here’s how to start the conversation:
Why Advocacy Matters
Not all oncologists discuss fertility risks as part of the treatment plan. However, research shows that patients who have these conversations feel more empowered and confident about their future. By advocating for yourself, you can ensure that your options are explored.
How to Start the Conversation
1️⃣ Ask Early
Ideally, fertility discussions should happen before treatment begins. However, if you’re already undergoing treatment, it’s not too late—ask your doctor as soon as possible.
2️⃣ Be Direct
Some oncologists may not initiate the conversation, so don’t hesitate to bring it up yourself. Questions to ask include:
- “How might my treatment affect my fertility?”
- “What fertility preservation options are available to me?”
- “Can I be referred to an oncofertility specialist?”
3️⃣ Request a Referral
If your oncology team isn’t equipped to discuss fertility preservation, ask for a referral to a specialist who can guide you through the process. Many hospitals and cancer centers have reproductive endocrinologists or oncofertility teams on staff.
4️⃣ Research Available Resources
There are organizations that provide financial assistance and support for cancer patients pursuing fertility.
The Future of Fertility for Brain Tumor Patients
While brain tumors present significant challenges, fertility preservation is possible with the right guidance and support. Patients who engage with oncofertility teams early on have more options and a greater sense of control over their future family-building plans.
By advocating for fertility discussions, brain tumor patients and survivors can take an active role in their reproductive future. Whether through preservation strategies before treatment or exploring options after treatment, hope remains.
This article was written from information from the above webinar. See more past webinars
