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Ovarian Transplantation

Since the 1950's there has been interest and ongoing research in the field of ovarian transplantation. Recently, research advances in cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, immunosuppression and angiogenic factors have renewed interest in the field. These advances, combined with an increased number and longevity of chemotherapy survivors, new donor egg technologies, and a doubling in the number of menopausal women over the next decade, make ovarian transplantation a technology that could benefit thousands of patients.

Recently SEFC has expanded into the area of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and ovarian transplantation to help women with malignant diseases avoid premature ovarian failure, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy. The process involves removing and freezing pieces of ovarian tissue prior to chemotherapy. After chemotherapy the ovarian tissue can be transplanted back helping to restore ovarian function. This program was developed by Dr. John Schnorr and has been approved by the Investigational Review Board at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Schnorr's work in ovarian tissue cryopreservation and ovarian transplantation was awarded the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's highest award, "General Program Prize Paper" in San Diego, California, October 2000 and was published in Human Reproduction, January 2002.

Southeastern Fertility Center is currently conducting studies analyzing the longevity of ovarian tissue after transplantation. Studies are also being performed to analyze different methods for cryopreservation of ovarian tissue to determine which method is optimal for ovarian tissue, hormone production, and egg production. The results of these studies can be used to help women who undergo premature ovarian failure from chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders, or other unknown etiologies. In the future, patients may also have the ability to "bank" ovarian tissue for future use in reproduction or for hormone replacement therapy.