The Effect of Systemic Chemotherapy on Ovarian Function: A Prospective Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective: Premenopausal women with breast cancer are at risk of developing ovarian failure after chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigatethe negative effects of systemic chemotherapy on ovarian function in premenoupausal women with breast cancer.Materials and Methods: Thirty-one premenopausal women with operable breast cancer aged between 26-48 years were enrolled in this prospectivecohort study to investigate preliminary results. Additional 69 patients’ data will be included after the completion of all five measurements. The change inserum Antimullerian Hormone (AMH) levels, mean ovarian volumes (MOV) and antral follicle counts (AFCs) at 3–month intervals were recorded to evaluate ovarian function. Women who had at least one pretreatment and four post-treatment measurements in one year follow-up period were included in thestudy. Decision of chemotherapy regimen was taken by the Tumor Board.Results: Thirty-one patients had all five AMH, MOV and AFCs results. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between 1st - 5th AMHlevels (p=0.006) and 1st - 5th AFCs during the follow-up period (p