FERTILITY PRESERVATION IN WOMEN UNDERGOING BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most prevalent neoplasm among women in Brazil, after non-melanoma skin cancer, with a higher incidence after the age of 50. However, it also affects women under 40, usually in a more aggressive form and with later diagnosis. The treatment of the disease in younger women raises concerns about fertility, as its gonadotoxic side effects often lead to early menopause. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics and benefits of fertility preservation methods in women undergoing breast cancer treatment. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases, and a total of 23 articles were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analyzed studies showed that the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs and gamete cryopreservation through controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) offer benefits for fertility maintenance in these patients. Nevertheless, COS, considered the gold standard, is still a developing technique. Therefore, further studies are essential to advance this field and improve patient outcomes.