Fertility under fire: how chemotherapy harms the ovaries and the science fighting back?
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity remains a formidable off-target consequence of anticancer regimens, creating a critical barrier to the preservation of ovarian endocrine and gametogenic function in female patients. This review dissects the molecular and cellular cascades that underpin chemotherapy-driven ovarian insult—including DNA double-strand breaks, mitochondrial depolarization, accelerated primordial follicle activation, and oxidative stress—and critically evaluates emerging cytoprotective modalities. By synthesizing current mechanistic insights with pre-clinical and early-phase clinical data, we outline innovative strategies poised to mitigate ovarian damage without compromising oncological efficacy.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Reproductive Biology and Fertility
Ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment
Cancer Risks and Factors
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Ovarian Research
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 48–48
- Publication date
- 7 January 2026
- Language
- EN