In a nutshell
This study investigated if there is an increased cancer risk in children born from assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). They found that the cancer risk was greater in children born after frozen embryo transfer (FET).
Some background
Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) are commonly used in couples with infertility. There are several ARTs. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most well-known ART. IVF involves fertilizing an egg and sperm. The egg and sperm are placed in a culture dish and incubated. The sperm swims toward the egg and fertilizes it. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is another ART. ICSI involves injecting sperm directly into the egg. After IVF or ICSI, fertilized eggs are allowed to develop into embryos. Embryos can then be transferred fresh or frozen. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) can be performed at a later date.
ARTs have been used for several decades. ARTs are considered relatively safe. Some studies suggested that ARTs may have long-term effects on children. One of these effects may be an increased cancer risk. However, it is unclear if there is a higher risk of cancer in children born after ARTs.
Methods & findings
This study included 1,085,172 children. Their records were obtained from a registry from Denmark. These included children born to fertile (non-ART) and infertile (ART) women. The authors analyzed the rates of cancer in this group of children. This was compared to the ART type. The effect of each ART was calculated.
There was no association between any fertility treatment and cancer risk in children. However, children born after FET had a 2.43 times higher risk of cancer compared to children born from fertile women. Leukemia and sympathetic nervous system tumors were the most common.
There was no association between the risk of cancer in children and the use of other ARTs such as IVF, ICSI or hormonal treatment.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that the cancer risk was greater in children born after FET, but no other ART was associated with an increased risk of cancer in children.
The fine print
This study was based on medical records. This means some information was not available for analysis. There may be other factors that could affect cancer risk in children born after ART. More controlled, long-term studies are needed.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding infertility treatment please discuss this with your doctor.
Published By :
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Date :
Dec 10, 2019
