Insufficient recruited participants due to a lack of collaborating study centers

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the pelvic wall or the ovary represents a better location for the maturation of follicles in the context of ovarian transplantation after cryopreservation of ovarian tissue before cytotoxic therapies.

The development of modern medicine made it more likely for oncological patients to survive. Also, there are a lot of young female patients with a persistent wish for kids. After an aggressive chemotherapy, premature ovarian failure (POF) is a possible consequence of the therapy. Therefore, efficient fertility protective interventions are requested. The transplantation of ovarian tissue after cryopreservation is a valuable method, which could remain fertility after POF induced by cytotoxic therapies. Especially for girls suffering from cancer, who didn't reach puberty yet, cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is the only opportunity to preserve a chance of restoring fertility after POF.

There are two locations, which could be used for the retransplantation of the cryopreserved tissue: the remaining ovary and the pelvic wall. Both, the ovary and the subperitoneal pocket in the pelvic wall present a location, where the maturation of follicles is possible. The remaining question is: where do more follicles grow? To answer this question, a study will be necessary. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the pelvic wall or the ovary represents a better location for the maturation of follicles in the context of ovarian transplantation after cryopreservation of ovarian tissue before cytotoxic therapies.

Interventions:

Ovarian tissue will be transplanted into two different locations; subperitoneal into the loge of the adnexa of uterus and contralateral into the ovary. The assignment of the two parts of ovarian tissue to the place of transplantation (pelvic wall vs. ovary) will be randomised. The study-specific interventions include:

• Transplantation of the same amount of ovarian tissue into both locations
• Monthly sonographic controls and determination of estradiol, LH, FSH and progesterone from the 3rd on to the 12th month after the transplantation. Therefore, blood samples will be made.
• Monthly documentation of the duration of the cycle from the 3rd on to the 12th month after transplantation

One year after the transplantation, the investigators will be able to determine which location is more likely to grow follicles. With the gained knowledge, standardized recommendations could be formulated which help to improve the whole process of medical care of female oncologist patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age at cryopreservation ot tissue max. 38 years
• Age at transplantation 18-49 years
• At least one maintained ovary
• Premature ovarian failure
• Indication for an autologous transplantation of ovarian tissue
• Permitted pregnancy from the part of the oncologists
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age at transplantation <18 and >49 years
• Cryopreservation in the context of a leucaemia, neuroblastoma, Burkitt-lymphoma

Important: Inclusion is only done by one of the recruiting centers. Study participation will only be given on invitation. Please contact Principal Investigator!

The Source data will include:

• All documents required in the Trial master file
• Visit dates and participation in the study along with consent forms
• Completed CRFs and patient medical charts
• All documentation related to SAEs and AEs
• All documentation related to concomitant medication and results of study relevant examinations

Direct access to source documents will be permitted for purposes of monitoring, audits and inspections. Access to protocol, dataset, statistical code during and after the study will be given to the PI, the other defined investigators, the persons who perform the monitoring and the statistician.

The key to decode the health related data will be stored at the Universitätsfrauenklinik, Abteilung Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010 Bern. The access to the key will only be given to persons, who need it to fulfill their tasks in the sense of the study.