Oncofertility Consortium

Oncofertility Consortium

Oncofertility Consortium Logo

The Oncofertility Consortium is a multidisciplinary initiative that addresses the complex health care and quality-of-life issues associated with fertility preservation in cancer patients. It was established to bridge the gap between oncology and reproductive medicine, ensuring that patients undergoing cancer treatment have the opportunity to preserve their fertility.

History

The Oncofertility Consortium was founded in 2007 by Dr. Teresa K. Woodruff at Northwestern University. The initiative was created in response to the growing need for fertility preservation options for cancer patients, particularly as advances in cancer treatment have increased survival rates. The Consortium brings together experts from various fields, including oncology, reproductive endocrinology, psychology, and bioethics, to develop and implement fertility preservation strategies.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Oncofertility Consortium include:

• Research and Development: Conducting research to improve fertility preservation techniques and outcomes for cancer patients.
• Education and Training: Providing education and training for healthcare providers, patients, and the public about fertility preservation options.
• Clinical Care: Developing clinical guidelines and protocols to integrate fertility preservation into standard cancer care.
• Advocacy and Policy: Advocating for policies that support fertility preservation and access to care for cancer patients.

Research Initiatives

The Consortium supports a wide range of research initiatives aimed at improving fertility preservation methods. These include:

• Cryopreservation Techniques: Advancing methods for the cryopreservation of gametes and reproductive tissues.
• Ovarian Tissue Preservation: Developing techniques for the preservation and transplantation of ovarian tissue.
• Fertility Preservation in Pediatric Patients: Addressing the unique challenges of fertility preservation in children and adolescents with cancer.

Education and Outreach

The Oncofertility Consortium is committed to educating both healthcare professionals and patients about fertility preservation. This includes:

• Workshops and Conferences: Hosting events to disseminate the latest research and clinical practices in oncofertility.
• Online Resources: Providing online tools and resources for patients and providers, including decision-making aids and educational materials.

Clinical Care

The Consortium works to integrate fertility preservation into routine cancer care by:

• Developing Guidelines: Creating clinical guidelines for the management of fertility preservation in cancer patients.
• Collaborative Networks: Establishing networks of healthcare providers to facilitate access to fertility preservation services.

Advocacy and Policy

The Oncofertility Consortium advocates for policies that support fertility preservation, including:

• Insurance Coverage: Promoting insurance coverage for fertility preservation procedures.
• Legislative Efforts: Supporting legislation that ensures access to fertility preservation for cancer patients.

Related Pages

• Fertility preservation
• Oncology
• Reproductive endocrinology
• Cancer survivorship