Pubertal Testicular Function in Childhood Cancer Survivors and Future Fertility

In this cohort study of male patients treated for childhood cancer, gonadotrophin levels during puberty were associated with future testicular function. Impairment of testicular function after radiotherapy persisted into adulthood, while there was evidence of recovery after alkylating chemotherapy. The results suggest increased sensitivity of the Sertoli cell–germ cell compartment compared with Leydig cells. These findings can be used to guide reproductive counseling for male survivors of childhood cancer.

Corresponding Author: Rod T. Mitchell, MD, PhD, Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom (rod.mitchell@ed.ac.uk).

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