Shiho Kuji, Mohd Faizal Ahmad, Syamel Muhammad, Sarita Kumari, Romelyn Imperio-Onglao, Shohei Iyoshi, Masato Yoshihara, Siew Fei Ngu, Allen Gideon Tan, Sanghoon Lee, Pinyada Panyavaranant, Jennifer Ko, Very Great Eka Putra, Min-Hyun Baek, Rudrika Chandra, Yu Xue, Doris R Benavides, Tingyan Shi, Navamol Lekskul, Angela Cho, Biswajit Dash, Ling Lim, Christine Shan-Chi Chiu, Reeta Mahey, Se Ik Kim, Virgilio M Novero, Geon Woo Lee, Emiri Miyamoto, Motohiro Chosokabe, Motoki Takenaka, Kensuke Sakai, Kosuke Shigematsu, Jae-Weon Kim, Hiroaki Kajiyama, Nao Suzuki
Inter regions differences were observed in the adoption of advanced assisted reproductive technologies for BOT and in the prioritization of FP. Because the oncologic safety of these approaches remains supported by limited evidence, further studies are required before their widespread implementation in clinical practice. In addition, consensus based on robust evidence, including oncologic outcomes, is needed regarding the management of recurrence and post-childbirth treatment strategies.
OBJECTIVE: To examine current practices of fertility preservation (FP) and infertility treatment after fertility-sparing surgery for borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) across Asian regions.
METHODS: A cross-national survey was conducted among gynecologic oncology experts in 10 Asian regions (Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines) using a 7 survey questions assessing ovarian function monitoring, FP timing and methods, and management after childbirth or recurrence.
RESULTS: Ovarian function was routinely monitored in 7 of the 10 regions (70%), although the methods and duration of follow-up varied. Oocyte pickup was performed intraoperatively in 5 of the 10 regions (50%) and postoperatively in 7 of the 10 regions (70%). Three of the 10 regions (30%) routinely performed completion surgery after childbirth, which appeared to be less common in high-income regions. FP in recurrent BOT was considered feasible in 8 regions (80%).
CONCLUSION: Inter regions differences were observed in the adoption of advanced assisted reproductive technologies for BOT and in the prioritization of FP. Because the oncologic safety of these approaches remains supported by limited evidence, further studies are required before their widespread implementation in clinical practice. In addition, consensus based on robust evidence, including oncologic outcomes, is needed regarding the management of recurrence and post-childbirth treatment strategies.