What is the primary purpose of fertility preservation for cancer patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapy?

• A. To enhance chemotherapy effects
• B. To preserve future fertility before gonadotoxic therapy via oocyte/embryo cryopreservation or ovarian tissue cryopreservation
• C. To reduce cancer risk
• D. To speed up treatment

Answer: (B)

Preserving future reproductive potential before gonadotoxic cancer therapy is the main goal. Treatments like certain chemotherapies and radiation can permanently damage the ovaries and cause infertility, so the aim is to secure a chance to have biological children later by freezing eggs or embryos (oocyte/embryo cryopreservation) or freezing ovarian tissue (ovarian tissue cryopreservation). These options are chosen based on age, time available before treatment, and cancer type; egg/embryo freezing requires ovarian stimulation and a short delay, while ovarian tissue freezing can be done with little to no delay and is usable in prepubertal patients or when time is limited, though it has different success rates and considerations. This purpose is distinct from trying to enhance chemotherapy effects, reduce cancer risk, or speed up treatment.