Using GnRHa to protect fertility during chemotherapy for young women

A Phase 3 Randomised Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Study of Use of GnRHa During Chemotherapy for Fertility Protection of Young Women and Teenagers With Cancer

Phase 3 Interventional Karolinska University Hospital · NCT05328258

This study is testing if a hormone treatment can help young women keep their ability to have children while they undergo chemotherapy for cancer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 42 Years
SexFemale
SponsorKarolinska University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations17 sites (Gothenburg and 16 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05328258 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone agonist (GnRHa) to preserve fertility in young women undergoing chemotherapy for various cancers, including breast cancer and acute leukemias. Approximately 500 women will be recruited and randomly assigned to receive either the experimental drug triptorelin or a placebo during their chemotherapy treatment. The study employs a double-blind design, ensuring that neither the participants nor the investigators know which treatment is being administered. Participants will be monitored for up to five years post-treatment to assess the long-term effects on fertility.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include young women diagnosed with breast cancer, acute leukemias, lymphomas, or sarcomas who are about to begin chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with premature ovarian failure, those who have undergone oophorectomy, or those with other uncontrolled medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance fertility preservation options for young women diagnosed with cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in fertility preservation using GnRHa during chemotherapy, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signed informed consent
* Breast cancer or acute leukemias, lymphomas (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) or sarcomas (osteo, soft tissue and Ewing) confirmed by histology and assigned for diseace-specific chemotheraphy
* Confirmed menarche
* ECOG performance status 0-1
* Adequate bone marrow, renal, hepatic and cardiac functions and absence of other uncontrolled medical or psychiatric disorders

Exclusion Criteria:

* Demonstrated premature ovarian failure at time of randomization according to clinical or biochemical data
* Previous or planned bilateral oophorectomy
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding at time of start of chemotherapy
* Other malignancy diagnosed within the last five years
* Uncontrolled hypertension, heart, liver, kidney related or other uncontrolled medical or psychiatric disorders including previous or current diagnosis of anorexia
* Known osteoporosis
* Known low platelet count with increased bleeding risk or refractory thrombocytopenia in subjects with acute leukemias
* Known or suspected allergy against triptorelin
* Direct radiation of the gonads previous or planned (TBI allowed)
* Mental inability, reluctance or language difficulties that result in difficulty understanding the meaning of study participation

Where this trial is running

Gothenburg and 16 other locations

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 Breast Cancer FemaleAcute LeukemiaLymphomaOsteosarcomaSoft Tissue SarcomaEwing SarcomaFertility protection of young women receiving chemotherapy
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.