INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF
CancerGenetics
An Examination of the Potential Cancer Risks Associated with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
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Melina Nehzat,1,*
1. Islamic Azad University
- Introduction: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has emerged as a prevalent form of assisted reproductive technology aimed at facilitating conception for individuals facing fertility challenges. Although ICSI has enabled numerous individuals to achieve parenthood, there exists a persistent discourse regarding its possible long-term health ramifications, particularly concerning the cancer risk in progeny. Numerous investigations have scrutinized the correlation between fertility treatments, including ICSI, and the incidence of cancer development in children. Comprehending the potential risks is essential for couples contemplating ICSI, as well as for healthcare professionals tasked with providing informed counsel.
- Methods: This review article amalgamates the findings from the extant literature regarding the potential nexus between ICSI and cancer risk in children. The analysis is predicated upon the data elucidated in the selected documents, which encompass studies that explore the following dimensions: 1. Correlation between fertility treatment and cancer risk in children 2. Risks of congenital anomalies and pediatric cancer associated with conception via assisted reproductive technology 3. Likelihood of live birth following IVF/ICSI interventions in female early-onset cancer survivors 4. Correlation between prolonged in vitro culture to the blastocyst stage and the risk of pre-malignant gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) subsequent to IVF/ICSI.
- Results: The extant literature concerning the potential association between ICSI and cancer risk in children reveals a heterogeneous landscape. Some research has suggested a slightly higher chance of certain cancers, like retinoblastoma and hepatoblastoma, in kids born via assisted reproductive methods, particularly ICSI. Conversely, other investigations, including one evaluating a substantial UK national database, reported no significant correlation between extended embryo culture to the blastocyst stage (a prevalent practice in ICSI) and the risk of pre-malignant GTD, such as molar pregnancy. It is imperative to acknowledge that the underlying fertility complications, parental age, and various lifestyle factors may also influence the identified associations, necessitating further research to elucidate these intricate relationships.
- Conclusion: The prevailing evidence concerning the potential association between ICSI and cancer risk in children remains inconclusive. While certain studies have proposed a plausible augmented risk, the overall findings are characterized by variability. Continuous research and longitudinal monitoring of health outcomes are crucial for yielding more definitive insights. Couples contemplating ICSI are advised to engage in discussions regarding the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare practitioners to arrive at an informed decision. Also, larger and prolonged studies are required to advance our comprehension of the detailed interactions between assisted reproductive technologies, including ICSI, and the incidence of cancer in children
- Keywords: Icsi, cancer, risk,
