The first national study on managing female fertility preservation in Tunisian prepubertal girls and women with cancer: Where are we in 2023?

Abstract

Abstract Background The incidence of cancers is increasing worldwide. Female patients of prepubertal age as well as those of reproductive age are eligible for fertility preservation (FP). The lack of literature data focusing on the state of the art of managing fertility preservation among Tunisian women with cancer encouraged us to conduct the current study. Methods This descriptive, observational and multicentric national study was conducted online. A survey containing 24 questions was sent to 529 Tunisian oncologists and hematologists covering all the Tunisian territory. Two reminders were sent by e-mail 2 weeks later each. Results A total of 74 responses were received and analyzed. The answering rate was 13.9%. Infertility risks were discussed with patients of reproductive age by 66.2% of all physicians surveyed, and 62.2% referred patients to a fertility center before beginning treatments. The most mentioned FP technique was oocyte cryoconservation (60.8%). Collaborating with a fertility center was the most recommended way to enhance the effectiveness of FP according to the interviewed physicians. A percentage of 2.7% of practitioners considered themselves knowledgeable in FP techniques. Conclusion This study is to the best of our knowledge the first national survey to explore oncofertility management in Tunisia. This showed that the FP field is still in the processing range. We recommend in light of these results, the establishment of national guidelines to provide cancer patients with the appropriate information with regard to FP. A more effective collaboration between cancer and fertility centers is also needed for better management of fertility preservation for female patients in Tunisia.