Formation of a multidisciplinary team as a guarantee of success in preserving fertility in cancer patients

Background. The field of medicine that studies the possibility of preserving reproductive function in cancer patients is intensively developing in the world. Many countries are studying this issue by creating their own databases and national guidelines. In Russia, despite the interest in this problem and discussions at many national conferences, there are no national programs, protocols and clinical recommendations. It creates an obstacle to receiving this type of care for cancer patients. In this regard, the creation of an interdisciplinary system on the preservation of reproductive function in cancer patients becomes relevant. Aim. Formation of interdisciplinary relations between oncologists / hematologists, obstetricians-gynecologists and fertility doctors in order to improve the effectiveness of the care provided on fertility preservation in cancer patients.

Materials and methods. The study involved oncologists from the S. S. Yudin City Clinical Hospital, Moscow Healthcare Department, obstetricians-gynecologists and hematologists from the City Clinical Hospital No. 52, Moscow Healthcare Department, as well as reproductive health specialists from the Institute of Reproductive Medicine REMEDI. Oncological patients were recruited on the basis of the S. S. Yudin City Clinical Hospital. A standard scope of examination was undertaken and they were offered antitumor treatment within the framework of the tumor board, taking into account the stage of the disease and the morphological type of the tumor. An obstetrician-gynecologist received patients on the basis of the City Clinical Hospital No. 52. An individual card specially designed for this study was filled in for each patient. The card included data on anamnesis, examination and additional examination methods. A reproductive health specialist received patients on the basis of the Institute of Reproductive Medicine REMEDI. The information obtained during the consultations was added into the specially designed cancer fertility register, with a subsequent assessment of each patient’s status. Results. A multidisciplinary team on fertility preservation was formed with a clear routing of cancer patients when referring to appropriate specialists. Since 2023, 42 oncological and hematological patients have been consulted. A unified database on oncofertility was set up.

Conclusion. Our study confirms the need to create a multidisciplinary team to address the issues of preserving reproductive function in cancer patients, providing adequate information to patients about the risks of developing premature ovarian failure during treatment, about possible options for preserving fertility, improving the quality of life and the likelihood of childbirth after the completion of antitumor treatment.