FERTILITY PRESERVATION STRATEGIES IN WOMEN UNDERGOING ONCOLOGICAL TREATMENT – AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Cancer comprises a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and represents a significant public health issue, particularly among women of reproductive age. With advances in diagnosis and oncological treatments, survival rates have increased substantially, making fertility preservation an important concern. In this context, the present study aimed to elucidate fertility preservation strategies in women undergoing cancer treatment through an integrative literature review. The research was conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library databases, using descriptors related to the topic, with studies published between 2021 and 2026. The findings revealed that oncological treatments, especially chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have significant gonadotoxic effects, potentially leading to reduced ovarian reserve, premature ovarian failure, and infertility. On the other hand, several fertility preservation strategies were identified, including oocyte, embryo, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation, as well as surgical techniques and hormonal therapies, whose selection should be individualized according to patient characteristics and treatment type. The importance of early counseling and a multidisciplinary approach was also highlighted to optimize outcomes. It is concluded that fertility preservation is an essential component of cancer care in young women, contributing to the maintenance of reproductive potential and improvement in quality of life.