MedPath

Fertility Preservation in Breast Cancer Patients

Phase 4
Completed
Conditions
Breast Neoplasms
Fertility
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT02661932
Lead Sponsor
Erasme University Hospital
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate efficiency and safety of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) associated with an aromatase inhibitor (letrozole) for fertility preservation in breast cancer patients.

Detailed Description

Patients enrolled in this study undergo standard or "random start" ovarian stimulation with Gonadotropins using antagonist protocol before the beginning of chemotherapy. Ovulation is triggered in all patients with a GnRH agonist since amendment P2015/091 (Decapeptyl 0,2mg).

At oocyte retrieval, aspirated follicular fluid is separated from the flush medium for hormonal assays, and oocytes are denuded for ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or vitrification. Cumulus cells are collected for subsequent analysis of oocyte quality gene expression.

A. Primary objective of the study is to evaluate efficiency of letrozole associated ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation in breast cancer patients in terms of oocyte maturation rate.

Patients' results for primary endpoint are prospectively compared to infertile patients undergoing COS without letrozole.

B. Secondary objectives of the study aim to evaluate safety of the protocol:

1. Estradiol and progesterone levels at ovulation triggering, ovulation and during luteal phase after oocyte retrieval (days 3 and 8)

2. The risk of disease relapse will be assessed by long-term follow-up of these patients (up to 5 years) as well as an evaluation of circulating tumoral DNA before and after ovarian stimulation.

3. Finally obstetrical outcomes will also be recorded.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
65
Inclusion Criteria
  • Breast cancer female patients of less than 41 years old
  • Addressed to fertility preservation Unit before starting chemotherapy
Exclusion Criteria
  • Metastatic breast cancer
  • Known premature ovarian failure
  • Basal FSH > 20 IU(International Unit)
  • Surgical contra-indications

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Letrozole associated COSLetrozoleBreast cancer patients undergo fertility preservation with letrozole associated COS for oocyte collection. Letrozole is administered orally (5mg/day) during the entire stimulation protocol until ovulation triggering.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Oocyte maturation rateAt oocyte collection (48 hours after last administration of letrozole, following COS protocol).

Following letrozole associated COS, oocytes are collected and evaluated for maturation rate (%).

These results are prospectively compared to infertile patients undergoing similar COS (GnRH antagonist protocol) without letrozole.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Hormonal levelsduring stimulation at ovulation trigger and oocyte retrieval and during luteal phase (days 3 and 8)

Estradiol and Progesterone levels are measured on serum samples to confirm the effect of COS associated with letrozole on hormonal levels

Circulating tumoral DNAAt enrollment (before letrozole associated COS) and at oocyte retrieval (48 hours after last administration of letrozole, following COS protocol)

3 EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetra-Acetic Acid) tubes are collected for plasma extraction. 1 EDTA tube is collected for whole blood.

Circulating tumoral DNA will be assessed on plasma samples according to primary tumoral mutation screening. Whole blood will used as reference.

Obstetrical outcome: malformation rateThrough study completion: data collection at 2 and 5 years after letrozole associated COS

Malformation will be evaluated in patients who conceive with a previously vitrified oocyte (following letrozole associated COS): malformation assessment during prenatal morphology ultrasound and/or at birth

Neonatal outcomes: gestational age at birthThrough study completion: data collection at 2 and 5 years after letrozole associated COS

Neonatal outcomes will be evaluated in patients who conceive with a previously vitrified oocyte (following letrozole associated COS): gestational age at birth. Preterm delivery is defined by birth \< 37 weeks gestation.

Comparison of breast cancer recurrence rate in patients who underwent letrozole associated COS with an oncological control group2 and 5 years after letrozole associated COS

Oncological follow-up for relapse risk assessment will be carried out at 2 and 5 years of follow-up by medical chart review. Local, contralateral and/or distant recurrence of the disease will be reported.

These data will be compared to a control group matched for age and type of disease who were diagnosed with breast cancer during the same period but did not undergo letrozole associated COS for fertility preservation.

Ovarian reserveAt enrollment, 2 and 5 years after letrozole associated COS for fertility preservation

AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) are assessed on blood samples to evaluate the gonadotoxicity of chemotherapy.

Neonatal outcomes: delivery procedureThrough study completion: data collection at 2 and 5 years after letrozole associated COS

Neonatal outcomes will be evaluated in patients who conceive with a previously vitrified oocyte (following letrozole associated COS). Delivery procedure is defined as spontaneous, instrumental or cesarean section

Neonatal outcomes: birth weightThrough study completion: data collection at 2 and 5 years after letrozole associated COS

Neonatal outcomes will be evaluated in patients who conceive with a previously vitrified oocyte (following letrozole associated COS). Birth weight will be reported in grams.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Erasme-CUB

🇧🇪

Brussels, Belgium

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath