Efficiency of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist in Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Ovarian Failure
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2015-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Chemotherapy drugs like alkylating agents are frequently used in various combined regimens to
treat neoplastic and benign diseases. These drugs are definitely associated with premature
ovarian failure (POF), resulting in an important decrease of the long-term quality of life
and an increase of morbidity. A recent study showed that the patients treated by alkylating
agents had a 4.52 fold higher risk to lose their ovarian function compared with those who
were treated by other agents. The rate of POF after treatment ranged from 40 to 80%,
according to the age of the patients and the total doses administered.
Young women who experience POF have to face with the prospects of infertility and to consider
years of hormonal replacement therapy. The possibility of minimizing gonadal damage by
administering of protective therapy during chemotherapy represents an attractive option for
these patients.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect on the ovarian function of the
gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRha) administered concomitantly to alkylating
agents. Preliminary data in the literature on animals (rat and monkeys) are promising. Data
in human are, however, highly controversial.