Description

Unlike the oncology population, in which patients have inherently normal fertility potential and reproductive function, individuals with DSD may have infertility caused by 1) abnormal gonadal development, 2) gonadectomy performed for risk of malignancy, 3) abnormal hormone production or, 4) discordance, or difference, between gonadal type and gender identity. Fertility potential differs according to the specific DSD diagnosis and can also be influenced by age, genetic mosaicism, and/or risk of developing a gonadal malignancy.

Abnormal gonadal development can result in gonadal failure, either in infancy or progressively, such that individuals may not undergo spontaneous puberty, menarche or spermarche. Progressive germ cell loss may occur throughout childhood. In addition, abnormal gonadal development in certain cellular environments leads to an increased risk of germ cell cancer. Traditionally, it was recommended to perform gonadectomy at the time of diagnosis in all DSD conditions with a risk of gonadal tumor formation. The estimated tumor risk ranges from 2% in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome to 40% in partial androgen insensitivity syndrome. Advances in stratification of tumor risk have led to a more diagnosis-specific assessment of risk, but tumor risk remains a major concern.

Thus, the investigators are conducting a pilot study to assess the safety and efficacy of gonadal tissue cryopreservation as a method of preserving fertility and/or restoring hormonal function in patients with gonadal dysgenesis who are at risk of decreased fertility potential or malignancy.