Freezing testicular tissue to help preserve fertility in young boys with cancer
Cryopreservation of Prepubertal Testicular Tissue for Preservation
This study tests if freezing testicular tissue from young boys with cancer can help them preserve their ability to have children later on.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 1 Day to 18 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Edinburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edinburgh, Lothian) |
| Trial ID | NCT06063551 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to cryopreserve testicular tissue from prepubertal boys who are about to undergo cancer treatment that poses a high risk of infertility. With informed consent from guardians, testis tissue biopsies will be collected and frozen for future use in restoring fertility. The study also includes laboratory research to understand germ cell development and optimize freezing methods. Patients will be followed up to assess the long-term effects of the procedure on their endocrine function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pre- and peri-pubertal boys facing cancer treatments with a greater than 80% risk of infertility.
Not a fit: Patients who can produce a semen sample or have pre-existing testicular issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a viable option for preserving fertility in young boys undergoing cancer treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of cryopreserving testicular tissue is being explored, this specific application for prepubertal boys is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pre- and peripubertal boys * Due to receive cancer treatment that is predicted to have a high risk (\>80%) of infertility * Consent to removal of testicular tissue for storage and research * Unable to produce a semen sample by masturbation Exclusion Criteria: * Participation in study would delay treatment * Too unwell to undergo the procedure * Pre-existing testicular pathology/previous testicular surgery (eg orchidopexy) * Able to produce a semen sample for cryopreservation
Where this trial is running
Edinburgh, Lothian
- University of Edinburgh — Edinburgh, Lothian, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rod T Mitchell, MBChB — University of Edinburgh
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.