Long-acting recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone in random-start ovarian stimulation protocols for fertility preservation in women with cancer

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and potential benefits of the use of long-acting recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a random-start protocol for fertility preservation in women with cancer. Material and methods: This is a retrospective before-and-after study performed between February 2013 and December 2015 in women who underwent ovarian hyperstimulation for oocyte cryobanking using a random-start approach. In the first part of the study period, the women were treated with daily recombinant FSH whereas in the second part the stimulation was initiated with long-acting recombinant FSH. The primary aim of the study was to compare the number of oocytes stored in the two study periods. In all, 140 women were ultimately selected. Results: Compared with daily recombinant FSH, the use of the long-acting compound was associated with a reduced number of injections (12.5 ± 3.5 vs. 16.4 ± 0.3; p < 0.001) and a longer duration of stimulation (11.4 ± 1.9 vs. 10.6 ± 1.9, p = 0.01). Conversely, the number of oocytes collected (13.7 ± 9.5 vs. 11.3 ± 7.0, p = 0.10) as well as those cryopreserved (11.0 ± 8.0 vs. 9.5 ± 5.8, p = 0.21) did not differ. Conclusions: The use of long-acting recombinant FSH in random-start protocols for fertility preservation appears to be a valuable option.