Freezing Testicular Tissue to Preserve Fertility in Boys with Cancer Before Starting High-Risk Cancer Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying prepubertal boys with cancer who face a high risk of infertility due to their cancer treatments. This study focuses on freezing cryopreserving testicular tissue biopsies taken before treatment begins to preserve fertility for future use. The study also explores laboratory methods to understand and support the development of sperm cells from the stored tissue. The research is conducted at the University of Edinburgh with patients from the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. The procedure involves taking a small biopsy from one testis before cancer therapy starts, usually coordinated with other planned surgeries to avoid extra anesthesia. The tissue is then cryopreserved using advanced freezing methods and stored securely for up to 55 years. Part of the tissue may be used for laboratory research to improve freezing techniques and to study germ cell development using in vitro culture and xenografting methods. Consent is obtained from guardians and patients when appropriate. Participants will be followed up regularly in oncology and endocrinology clinics to monitor growth, pubertal development, and testicular health through clinical exams, hormone blood tests, ultrasound scans, and measurement of testicular volume. Researchers will assess fertility and reproductive hormone levels once participants reach adulthood, typically at 18 years. The study also tracks the safety of the biopsy procedure and its effects on testicular function over time.

Cryopreservation of Prepubertal Testicular Tissue for Preservation of Fertility in Young Boys With Cancer