| Does a specific age group impact sperm cryobanking efficiency among adolescent and young adult cancer patients? |
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Soo Jin Park1,2, Sung Woo Kim1,2,3, Sung Ah Kim1,4, Hee Sun Kim1,4, Jung-Won Choi1,4, Moon-Joo Kang1,4, Jung Yoon Choi5,6,7, Hyoung Jin Kang5,6,7, Hee Jin Son1,2, Ji Yeon Han1,2, Hoon Kim1,2,3, Seung-Yup Ku1,2,3 |
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
3Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
4Laboratory of In Vitro Fertilization, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
5Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
6Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
7Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Cancer Research Institute, Seoul, Korea |
Correspondence:
Seung-Yup Ku,
Email: jyhsyk@snu.ac.kr
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Received: 6 January 2025 • Revised: 20 April 2025 • Accepted: 19 May 2025
*Soo Jin Park and Sung Woo Kim contributed equally to this study as co-first authors. |
| Abstract |
Objective
Fertility preservation is vital for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. Sperm cryobanking is a key option, but age-related factors influencing its efficiency remain unclear. This study evaluated the impact of age on cryobanking attempts, success rates, and disposition outcomes among AYA patients with cancer aged 11-25 years.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 298 AYA patients with cancer referred for fertility preservation counseling over 9 years. Data on cryobanking attempts, success rates, and disposition outcomes were stratified by age group (11-15, 16-20, and 21-25 years). Logistic regression was used to assess factors influencing these outcomes.
Results
The mean age was 16.0 years, with leukemia (22.5%), sarcoma (22.1%), and lymphoma (17.1%) being the most common diagnoses. Among the cohort, 72.1% attempted cryobanking, with lower attempt rates in the youngest group (59.6%) compared to 82.2% and 88.2% in the older groups, respectively. Younger age was a significant predictor of not attempting cryobanking (adjusted odds ratio, 5.059; P=0.001); however, age did not affect the success of sperm cryobanking among patients who attempted it. Disposition analysis showed that 77.2% of samples remained in storage, while 16.2% were discarded; although disposal was often influenced by family decisions, no significant predictors of disposal were identified.
Conclusion
Younger patients are less likely to attempt sperm cryobanking, although success rates among those who do are comparable across age groups. While most patients continued storage, higher disposal rates in younger groups highlight the need for strategies to increase participation and support informed decision-making. |
| Key Words:
Adolescent, Young adult, Sperm cryobanking, Fertility preservation, Cancer |
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