Young Women With A Diagnosis Of Sarcoma: Decisions Related To Disease Treatment And Infertility Options

Abstract

Women suffering from sarcoma are often presented with the devastating news that they may experience infertility during or after chemotherapy and radiation treatment for the disease. Because of this, they must make the difficult decision to either go through with the treatments or explore options to preserve their fertility. Many of these women may be planning to have a family with biological children but undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment might make those plans impossible. This study examined therapeutic advances for preserving fertility in women while maintaining a therapeutic regimen for treatment of the disease. This research also examined the extent to which these patients have a full understanding of these treatments and if they are adequately informed of all of the available options from which to choose. This comprehensive review of the literature examined the psychological effects of potential infertility resulting from sarcoma treatment on women (18-44 years old) and their families. This study also explored the resources available to patients suffering from psychological effects of sarcoma treatment and infertility and the efficacy of these resources. The overall purpose of this study was to further examine the possible treatment options for these patients with an emphasis on the methods and resources to help them navigate this devastating diagnosis.