Outcomes for Patients Who Preserved Their Fertility as Part of Cancer Treatment at the Center for the Study and Preservation of Eggs and Sperm: MaPreservFerti
Cancer treatments can sometimes affect a man's ability to have children. Many men diagnosed with cancer still wish to become fathers. This study is for men who had cancer between 2010 and 2024 and chose to store their sperm at the CECOS clinic in Lyon, France, before starting their cancer treatment. Researchers want to understand if these men have gone on to have children, whether naturally or with fertility treatments like IVF, and if they used their stored sperm. By looking at their experiences, the study hopes to learn more about fertility after cancer and improve the support offered to future patients. It involves filling out a questionnaire about your experience.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you're diagnosed with cancer, it can be a really challenging time, and thinking about the future can be hard. However, thanks to better treatments, many more men are surviving cancer. This means that thinking about life after cancer, including having a family, has become even more important.
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can sometimes affect a man's ability to have children later on. Because of this, some men choose to store their sperm before treatment, a process known as fertility preservation. This study is focused on men who made this choice at the CECOS clinic in Lyon, France, between 2010 and 2024, specifically because they were about to start cancer treatment. The researchers want to understand their experiences after cancer. Did they have children? Did they conceive naturally, or did they need help with fertility treatments? Was the sperm they stored used? They also want to understand the different reasons why some men might not have been able to store their sperm at the time.
The main goal is to get a clearer picture of fatherhood among men who preserved their fertility before cancer. This information is vital because it can help doctors and clinics offer better advice and support to other men facing cancer in the future. It will also help the CECOS clinic improve its services and care for patients thinking about fertility preservation.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on men who preserved their fertility before cancer treatment at CECOS Lyon.
- It aims to understand if these men went on to have children, naturally or with fertility help.
- Participation involves completing a questionnaire about your fertility journey.
- The study helps improve support for future male cancer patients.
- No in-person visits or medical interventions are required.
- Your contribution is valuable for understanding fertility after cancer.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for men who received fertility preservation services at the CECOS clinic in Lyon, France, specifically between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2024. You must have been between 18 and 60 years old when you stored your sperm or tissue.
To join, you must have undergone fertility preservation because you were due to start cancer treatment. The researchers want to hear from people who fit this description and are willing to complete a questionnaire about their experiences.
However, some people cannot take part. This includes anyone who is currently held by legal decision, receiving psychiatric care, or has a legal guardian or similar arrangement. This study is about cancer patients, so people admitted to other health or social care facilities for reasons other than research are also not eligible.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Were you between 18 and 60 years old when you stored your sperm or tissue?
- Did you preserve your fertility at the CECOS clinic in Lyon, France?
- Was this between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2024?
- Was the reason for fertility preservation related to upcoming cancer treatment?
- Are you able and willing to complete a questionnaire?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will first receive an information sheet. This sheet will explain how your existing medical information, collected during your care at CECOS, will be used as part of the study. You will also receive a questionnaire, which you can complete either on paper or online. The questionnaire will ask about a number of things, including your marital status, where you live, if you had children before cancer, your type of cancer, the treatment you received, and whether you have had children after cancer (and how that happened – naturally, using stored sperm, or other fertility treatments). It will also ask if you chose to donate any unused sperm to research or have it discarded. You can return the paper questionnaire in a pre-paid envelope, or submit it online via a secure email address. The total duration for participation for each person is simply the time it takes to review the information and complete the questionnaire. No follow-up visits or medication are required for this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CECOS, Hôpital Femme Mère EnfantVerified postcodeBron, France
Common questions
What is 'fertility preservation'?
It's a way for men to store their sperm before cancer treatment, because these treatments can sometimes affect their ability to have children later.
What is CECOS?
CECOS is a clinic in Lyon, France, that specialises in studying and preserving eggs and sperm, often for people facing challenges like cancer.
Will my personal information be kept private?
Yes, all your information will be handled confidentially and securely, and your responses will be anonymised for analysis to protect your privacy.
What if I haven't had children since my cancer treatment?
That's perfectly fine. The study wants to understand all outcomes, whether you've had children or not, and your experience is valuable.
Do I have to live in France to participate?
You must have had your fertility preservation at the CECOS clinic in Lyon, France, between 2010 and 2024 to be eligible for this study.
How to find out more
Eloise FRAISON, Dr
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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