Novel drug therapies for fertility preservation in men undergoing chemotherapy: Clinical relevance of protector agents

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Rabaça, A (Author) Other; Sousa, M (Author) Other; Alves, MG (Author) Other; Oliveira, PF (Author) ICBAS; Sá, R (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Current Medicinal Chemistry

Vol. 22

Pages: 3347-3369

ISSN: 0929-8673

Publisher: Bentham Science

Indexing

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-TC6

Abstract (EN): Cancer has been affecting a growing number of children, adolescents and adult males in reproductive age. Male reproductive potential is adversely affected by chemothera-peutic drugs and patients are at risk for prolonged infertility. Fertility recovery is related to the chemothera-peutic agent and dosage used, being thus difficult to predict. As a result, there is a strong need to identify a natural or synthetic compound that is able to preserve male fertility without interfering with the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic regimen. New procedures, as well as several drugs, are being investigated to assess their efficiency in protecting male reproductive functions from the chemotherapy side-effects. This review provides an overview of the wide range of chemotherapeutic drugs regularly used in cancer treatment and their detrimental effects on male fertility. In addition, it also assesses the existing protector agents for male fertility and their usefulness in preserving and protecting male reproductive functions exposed to chemotherapeutics. Several protector agents for male fertility are being studied, and results are promising. Nonetheless, further research must be implemented to identify a supplemental therapy that addresses the multiple side effects of chemotherapy on male reproductive function. Until such therapy is discovered, it is fundamental that all fertility preservation options are discussed with patients, before treatment is initiated, to assure parenthood. © 2015 Bentham Science Publishers.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific