Optimizing Ovarian Tissue Transplantation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimizing Ovarian Tissue Transplantation by Improving Graft Revascularisation
IRAS ID
192377
Contact name
Natalie Getreu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Recent advances have improved survival for young women diagnosed with cancer. However, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may cause irreversible ovarian damage so that women cured of their cancer cannot conceive. IVF before starting cancer treatment is only available to women with a partner or those willing to use donor sperm. It is contra indicated in women with hormone sensitive tumours. Potentially ovarian tissue transplantation, in which a piece of the patient’s ovarian tissue is frozen and stored could overcome these problems. After the cancer treatment, the tissue is thawed and retransplanted. Unfortunately the tissue often does not survive transplantation so only 60 births have been reported worldwide using this method. In a previous study funded by an RCOG grant we found calcification in retrieved ovarian transplants. The same features in liver have been attributed to post transplant ischaemia. Our project is designed to apply methods previously used to reduce ischaemia in other transplanted tissues, to human ovary. Before transplantation into nude mice, biopsies will be encapsulated in alginate or encapsulated in alginate containing an endothelin antagonist. We will also assess fibrin glue for graft attachment (instead of sutures). After retrieval the biopsies will be assessed for calcification and viable follicles. In the second study phase mice will be given hFSH to stimulate follicular growth in the grafts. Chromosomal gains or losses in retrieved oocytes will be assessed using CGH arrays. All results and will be compared to untreated grafts The results will be used to help women who survive cancer to conceive.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0077
Date of REC Opinion
29 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion