[Fertility and fecundity after chemotherapy for childhood cancer].

In 2011, the regular increase in survival of childhood cancer (overall survival [OS] 72% at 10 years) (Berger 2006) suggests that one of every 850 adults in Europe has had pediatric cancer. As these children become adults, their concerns with possible long-term disease complications and risks associated with therapy received increase. Adverse effects of cancer therapies include disorders of the endocrine system, cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction, renal and hepatic impairment, secondary malignant disease, and psychosocial difficulties. Significant deliberation must also be given to the potential effects of a treatment regimen on the future fertility of pediatric patients with cancer. We review the literature regarding fertility and chemical risk factors for hypofertility in these patients to increase awareness of and avoid long-term clinical consequences of chemical therapies.