Clinical trial No longer in our active list Observational Ages 18 to 50 Men only

Effects of chemotherapy on male sperm DNA

Official title: Short Term Genetic Effects of Chemotherapy on Male Germ Cells

Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT02975245 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is testing how chemotherapy affects sperm DNA in men with cancer to help understand the best ways to protect their fertility during treatment.

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Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexMen only
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT02975245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are men scheduled to undergo chemotherapy who can produce semen samples before and after treatment.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have previously received chemotherapy or have significant sperm production issues may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the short-term effects of chemotherapy on sperm DNA in men undergoing cancer treatment. Participants will provide semen samples before starting chemotherapy and at three time points afterward to evaluate any changes in sperm quality and genetic integrity. The study seeks to address the lack of national guidelines regarding fertility preservation for men who may not have had the opportunity to cryopreserve their sperm prior to treatment. By understanding the timing and impact of chemotherapy on male germ cells, the study hopes to provide insights into safe practices for sperm collection post-treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help establish guidelines for sperm collection after chemotherapy, potentially preserving fertility for men undergoing cancer treatment.

How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically addressing this timing issue, studies on the effects of chemotherapy on male fertility have shown varying results, indicating a need for further investigation.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Be scheduled to undergo treatment with chemotherapeutic agents for a medical indication
* Be able to produce semen samples prior to chemotherapy and one week after first round of chemotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Men who have previously been treated with chemotherapeutic agents.
* Men with significant oligospermia or azospermia.

Where it's running

  • Magee-Womens Hospital
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.