How useful is preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy for fertility preservation in cancer patients?

This study investigated preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) for fertility preservation (FP). 

They found that PGT-A was useful in cancer patients attempting FP. 

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is used to treat infertility. It is also an important option for cancer patients. Cancer drugs are usually toxic to the reproductive system. Cancer patients may decide to undergo fertility preservation (FP) before starting treatment. FP usually involves harvesting eggs and attempting in vitro fertilization (IVF). After IVF embryos can be frozen for future use. This is called embryo banking (EB).

ART success rates have improved in recent years. Preimplantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a tool that has improved fertility outcomes. PGT-A is used to determine the number of chromosomes in an embryo. Embryos with more or fewer chromosomes than normal may be less viable. PGT-A helps to select embryos with the best chance of success. PGT-A is sometimes used in couples undergoing treatment for infertility. However, it is an expensive procedure. It is unclear if PGT-A improves fertility outcomes in cancer patients undergoing FP. 

This study included 51 patients undergoing EB. 58 EB cycles were performed. PGT-A was used in 59% of cycles. The majority of patients had breast cancer (BC). Fertility outcomes included the number of embryos tested and embryo transfer (ET).

67% of BC patients underwent PGT-A. In patients that underwent PGT-A, 48.2% of their embryos were frozen for ET. 2 patients that underwent PGT-A underwent ET with a 100% live birth rate.

The remaining patients have not undergone ET as of yet. 5 patients that underwent PGT-A underwent a second cycle of PGT-A. 

The authors concluded that PGT-A was useful in cancer patients attempting FP. 

This study had a very small number of participants. This study does not suggest that PGT-A improves birth rates. Many patients are still undergoing treatment for cancer. More follow-up is needed on this study.