Ethical issues regarding fertility preservation in adolescents and children

Certain forms of treatment for cancer in children and adolescents may significantly affect their fertility. Oncologists and specialists in reproductive medicine are attempting to use various methods of fertility preservation to address this problem. However, major medical/biological issues must be resolved before many of these methods call he considered accepted medical treatments. In addition, ethical considerations that such treatments bring to the fore, including those relevant to assent by children and the provision of experimental treatment to children, must he taken into account. This article addresses the current and future medical and ethical status of the development of fertility-preserving treatment for adolescents and children who are to receive cancer treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:249-253. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.