Evaluating the Effectiveness of Ovarian Tissue Vitrification for Fertility Preservation

Fertility preservation is crucial for reproductive-aged women and prepubescent girls undergoing cancer treatments that threatens ovarian function. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) provides distinct advantages, particularly for young patients and those requiring immediate treatment, as it avoids ovarian stimulation. This thesis investigates OTC with emphasis on vitrification, a rapid method that avoids ice crystal formation but carries toxicity risks and limited clinical validation. It broadens OTC’s scope beyond oncology, compares vitrification with slow freezing, and refines tissue preparation methods in sheep models, and translates findings through a human case report, aiming to refine protocols and evaluate clinical potential.