Gonadal Tissue Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation in Children with a Disorder of Sex Development
Erin Rowell
Summary
The purpose of this study is to offer gonadal tissue freezing and storage to children who are diagnosed with a disorder of sex development (DSD), who are at increased risk of infertility and certain malignancies (cancer). This study involves the storage of gonadal tissue that is being removed for medical reasons (e.g. prevention of cancer development). It includes the processing and freezing of this gonadal tissue, hopefully for potential future use. The tissue will then be stored long-term until the child wishes to try to use the tissue.
Description
DSD are conditions in which there is incongruence in an individual's chromosomal, gonadal, or phenotypic sex (refers to sex as determined by an individual's internal or external genitalia and expression of secondary sex characteristics).Different DSD diagnoses have varying degrees of risk for future malignancy. The treating doctor has or will discuss with the participant the risk of developing cancer due to the child's specific diagnosis, and help decide whether this option is in the best interest of the child, and if there are other options to consider (e.g. leaving gonadal tissue in place an…
Eligibility
- Age range
- Up to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Individual \< 30 years of age * Children diagnosed with a disorder of sex development who have any risk for malignancy in their gonadal tissue or will have their gonads removed for another clinical indication Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant children * Patients likely to retain inherent fertility and reproductive function * Children deemed high risk for perioperative complications * Patients 12-18 unable to provide assent (i.e. significant psychiatric problems/cognitive delay) * Patients 18 and older unable to provide consent (i.e. significant psychiatric problems/cognit…
Interventions
- ProcedureGonadectomy
Gonadal tissue being removed for risk of malignancy may be cryopreserved for fertility preservation
Location
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoChicago, Illinois