Preserving ovarian tissue for future fertility in women facing cancer or autoimmune diseases

Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation in Patients Facing Infertility-causing Diseases or Treatment Regimens

Observational University of Pittsburgh · NCT05875155

This study is testing a way to preserve ovarian tissue for women facing cancer or autoimmune diseases so they can have children in the future, even if they can't use regular methods like freezing eggs.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 39 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05875155 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore fertility preservation techniques for pre-pubertal, peri-pubertal, and adult women who cannot utilize standard fertility preservation methods like egg or embryo freezing. Participants will undergo a surgical procedure to remove ovarian tissue, which will be cryopreserved for future use. The study will also focus on optimizing cryopreservation techniques and understanding factors that influence the successful maturation of ovarian tissue. This research is particularly important for patients at risk of infertility due to cancer treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include females under 40 who are unable or unwilling to use traditional oocyte or embryo banking and are scheduled for treatments that may compromise ovarian function.

Not a fit: Patients who have psychological or psychiatric conditions that prevent them from giving informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a viable option for women at risk of infertility due to medical treatments, allowing them to preserve their fertility for the future.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in fertility preservation techniques, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Be female age less than 40 years old.
* Unable or unwilling to make use of oocyte or embryo banking alone.
* Be scheduled to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, drug treatment and/or radiation for the treatment or prevention of a medical condition or malignancy with risk of causing permanent and complete loss of subsequent ovarian function.
* Or, have a medical condition or malignancy that requires removal of all or part of one or both ovaries.
* Or, Have newly diagnosed or recurrent disease. Those who were not enrolled at the time of initial diagnosis (i.e., patients with recurrent disease) are eligible if they have not previously received therapy that is viewed as likely to result in complete and permanent loss of ovarian function.
* Have two ovaries if undergoing elective removal of an ovary for fertility preservation only.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with psychological, psychiatric, or other conditions which prevent giving fully informed consent.
* Diagnosed with an underlying medical condition that significantly increases their risk of complications from anesthesia and surgery.

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CancerAutoimmune DiseasesFertilityFertility PreservationInfertilityOvaryOvarianOncofertility
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.