Effects of Head and Neck Cancer Treatments on Gonadal Function in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients

[摘要] Otorhinolaryngologists often encounter and treat adolescents and young adults (AYA;aged 15–39 years) with cancer. Thus, it is important for them to recognize the impactof cancer treatment on the fertility of patients from this generation. In this retrospective review, we evaluated 60 AYA patients who were diagnosed with head and neckcancer at our department. Regarding the risk of gonadal toxicity due to cancertreatment, according to the classification by The Japan Society of Clinical OncologyClinical Practice Guidelines 2017 for Fertility Preservation in Childhood, Adolescent,and Young Adult Cancer Patients, one and three patients were found to be at high andintermediate risks, respectively. However, the risk of gonadal toxicity was notadequately explained in the guidelines; hence, they need to be revised. To preservethe fertility of AYA patients with head and neck cancer, patient information should beshared with appropriate obstetrics and gynecology or urology specialists beforetreatment. Furthermore, it is important to build a reproductive medicine networkand ensure prompt collaboration with oncologists before initiating cancer treatment.

[关键词] AYA;head and neck cancer;oncofertility