Transplanting frozen ovarian tissue to restore fertility
Official title: Autologous Orthotopic Transplantation of Previously Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue
Run by Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine · NCT01870752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if transplanting frozen ovarian tissue can help women who have lost their fertility due to cancer treatments have children again.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 2013 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT01870752 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are females aged 18 to 45 who have previously stored ovarian tissue and are experiencing infertility or ovarian insufficiency.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are high risk for surgical complications or have certain cancers or genetic conditions 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 study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of transplanting previously frozen ovarian tissue in women who have become infertile or have ovarian insufficiency due to cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. The research is conducted at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where patients who meet specific criteria will undergo this experimental procedure. The goal is to assess whether this approach can help restore fertility in affected women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this procedure could provide a new option for women to regain their fertility after cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with ovarian tissue transplantation, suggesting this approach has potential based on previous findings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female patient between the ages of 18 and 45 years * Previously cryopreserved and stored cortical ovarian tissue available for autologous transplantation * Ovarian insufficiency defined as an elevated FSH over 10 * Inability to conceive after 6 months of unprotected intercourse with male * Reasonably good health * Candidate for pregnancy * Written clearance for the procedure from the patients oncologist Exclusion Criteria: * Patients considered to be high risk for surgical complications will be excluded from the research protocol * Women who are known to be positive for the BRCA mutation * Women with a history of leukemia, ovarian cancer or a cancer that likely involved the ovaries at the time of ovarian tissue collection * Women with psychological, psychiatric, or other conditions which prevent giving fully informed consent * Current pregnancy
Where it's running
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Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Clarisa R Gracia, MD — Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
- Study coordinator: Clarisa Gracia, MD
- Email: PennCancerTrials@emergingmed.com
- Phone: 877-204-9213
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.