June 2016

Zika Virus Concerns Grow as Olympics Approach

This year, the Summer Olympics are scheduled to be held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, throughout the month of August. However, several athletes, coaches, staff, and journalists have decided to stay home this year, citing concerns for Zika virus infection. Brazil is currently experiencing a Zika virus outbreak with over 148,00 suspected cases of Zika virus disease as of May 2016 [1]. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Zika virus disease is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain. While in a healthy individual, Zika virus disease may only cause a mild illness, less is known about its effects in the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with underlying health problems. Perhaps most concerning is the risk of associated birth defects, such as microcephaly, which can occur if a pregnant woman is infected with Zika virus.

Discussing Oncofertility in Uruguay and the Start of a New Local Network

On June 20th, representatives from the Latin America Oncofertility Global Partners Network met with other reproductive medicine specialists and oncologists at a conference in Uruguay to discuss fertility preservation options for cancer patients and the expasion of the Global Partners Network to Uruguay. Dr. Jhenifer Rodrigues shared her experiences about the event below. Congratulations to the team on their hard work. Networking is vital to the success and growth of the OC and we are so happy to have such strong ambassadors in the field throughout South America!


From Dr. Jhenifer Rodrigues, Founder and Director of the Latin America Oncofertility Global Partners Network

New Publication from Global Partner

Dr. Mahmoud Salama, Assistant Professor, Professorship-Fellow at Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany, who is also an Oncofertility Global Partners Network representative from Egypt and Germany, recently published an article in Clinical Reviews of Oncology/Hematology. The article 'Updates in preserving reproductive potential of prepubertal girls with cancer: Systematic review' appears in the July issue of the journal and discusses the advantages and disadvantages associated with fertility preservation options for prepubertal girls.  Ultimately, the authors offer insights on the best FP options for prepubertal girls and and further discuss some medical and ethical considerations, as well. Below is the abstract.

Fellow Education Day

This year, the Oncofertility Consortium will host its inaugural Fellow Education Day during Day 1 of the Annual Oncofertility Conference on November 1, 2016.  The purpose of the course is to educate fellows on fertility preservation options and survivorship care for cancer patietns across the reproductive life cycle.  The course will model a team approach to fertility preservation care.

At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:

Cancer and Adoption VGR

Megan Silianoff, survivor and author of the book "99 Problems but a Baby Ain't One", delivered an inspiring VGR about her experiences with cancer and adoption. During her presentation, she shared her story and how she navigated the adoption process after her cancer diagnosis. This is an excellent talk not only for patients, but also for health care professionals who want to learn more about third party options for their patients. To watch the talk in its entirety, click here.

Virtual Grand Rounds

The Oncofertility Consortium hosts monthly Virtual Grand Rounds as a way to connect researchers, clinicians, and others from across the globe to discuss emerging research and clinical services in the field of oncofertility and beyond. With this technology, a single presenter broadcasts video and data slides and viewers ask text-based questions that can be answered in real-time. An unlimited number of viewers can join these online presentations from anywhere around the world, allowing for the oncofertility community to act quickly to develop shared practices within the expanding community.

New Publication from Japanese Global Partners

Dr. Yoko Miyoshi, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, and her colleagues recently published a paper in the Journal of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology. Dr. Miyoshi, and many of the other authors on the paper, are all active members of the Japanese Society for Fertility Preservation, which is also a member of the Oncofertility Global Partners Network. Congratulations to Dr. Miyoshi and all of her colleagues on a job well-done! Below is the abstract. To read the paper in its entirety, click here.

Oncofertility Global Partners Network

Establishing relationships with global partners is a key to the Oncofertility Consortium’s continued success. As such, the Consortium developed the Oncofertility Global Partners Network and works with reproductive specialists from all over the world in an effort to better serve children, adolescents and young adults with cancer and other fertility-threatening diseases. This robust network currently includes representatives from six continents, including 24 different countries. Global Partners receive tools and guidance to set up their own consortium and current members have been working on a variety of different projects including native language translations and the preparation of a second manuscript.