Clinical Research Directory

Implementation of the Begin Exploring Fertility Options, Risks and Expectations (BEFORE) Decision Aid

The Begin Exploring Fertility Options, Risks and Expectations (BEFORE) decision aid was created to support fertility discussions and decision-making for young breast cancer patients in Canada. While decision aids are valuable as an adjunct to consultations with health care providers, successful implementation in clinical settings following development remains low. This goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention (a one-hour webinar targeted to oncology nurses introducing the BEFORE decision aid, and posters and handouts in clinical settings) on health care provider recommendations of fertility tools to young breast cancer patients. The main question aims to answer: \- What is the proportion of patients who were planning or were unsure about having future children who reported their health care provider recommended fertility tools following the intervention? Data from a fertility questionnaire that young breast cancer patients are completing as part of an ongoing prospective cohort study in Canada will be used to answer the main question.

Weight-loss Drug for Fertility-Sparing Treatment of Atypical Hyperplasia and Low-grade Cancer of the Endometrium

The incidence of endometrial cancer is increasing at an alarming rate. This trend parallels the rising rate of obesity, the most significant risk factor for endometrial cancer. Young women with obesity and endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia who want to maintain their fertility are treated with progestin therapy, such as progestin intra-uterine device (pIUD), which is associated with a mediocre response rate and high recurrence rate, and does not address the underlying cause, obesity. Therefore, the investigators want to assess whether the addition of a weight-loss drug to pIUD will improve their oncologic, reproductive and metabolic outcomes.

Survey of Patients Who Received Fertility Preservation Counseling and Underwent Testicular Tissue Cryopreservation Prior to Gonadotoxic Treatment During Childhood or Peripuberty

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can lead to spermatogonial stem cell depletion in pre- and peripubertal boys, potentially resulting in infertility during adulthood A testicular biopsy is considered a safe procedure performed in children prior to gonadotoxic treatment as part of a fertility preservation strategy. At the time of the procedure, parental involvement is essential-both in their role as legal guardians and due to the limited cognitive capacity of young boys to fully comprehend fertility preservation counseling. Long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate the impact on fertility outcomes, psychological well-being, and overall satisfaction. The aim of this survey is to assess the perceived impact of fertility preservation counseling and the physical and emotional effects of undergoing testicular biopsy in this population, with the goal of identifying opportunities to improve patient experience and clinical care for future patients.