Search

Simple Summary: Gynecological cancers affect many women of reproductive age, necessitating the development of fertility preservation methods to fulfill family planning. Consequently, providing treatment options that preserve fertility in women diagnosed with gynecological cancers has become a crucial component of care for survivors. This leads to improved quality of life, allowing survivors to become mothers even in the seemingly adverse circumstances posed by cancers. However, although there are guidelines on fertility preservation in the context of neoplasms, physicians do not routinely consider it and do not discuss these options with their patients. It is important for patients to be informed about the available options for fertility preservation and to be encouraged to make informed decisions in collaboration with their medical team. Standardized guideline recommendations for onco-fertility should be considered in the future. We explore possible methods that can be employed for obtaining a pregnancy after gynecologic cancer treatment, including more exotic ones like uterine transplant. (1) Background: Currently, an increasing number of women postpone pregnancy beyond the age of 35. Gynecological cancers affect a significant proportion of women of reproductive age, necessitating the development of fertility preservation methods to fulfill family planning. Consequently, providing treatment options that preserve fertility in women diagnosed with gynecological cancers has become a crucial component of care for survivors. (2) Methods: We conducted an extensive search of relevant scientific publications in PubMed and Embase databases and performed a narrative review, including high-quality peer-reviewed research on fertility after being treated for gynecologic cancers, reporting pregnancy rates, birth rates, and pregnancy outcomes in cancer survivors as well as therapeutic options which partially preserve fertility and methods for obtaining a pregnancy in survivors. (3) Discussion: The medicine practiced today is focused on both treating the neoplasm and preserving the quality of life of the patients, with fertility preservation being an important element of this quality. This leads to an improved quality of life, allowing these women to become mothers even in the seemingly adverse circumstances posed by such a pathology. However, although there are guidelines on female fertility preservation in the context of neoplasms, an analysis shows that physicians do not routinely consider it and do not discuss these options with their patients. (4) Conclusions: Advancements in medicine have led to a better understanding and management of gynecological neoplasms, resulting in increased survival rates. Once the battle against these neoplasms is won, the issue of preserving the quality of life for these women arises, with fertility preservation being an important aspect for women who have not yet fulfilled their family planning desires at the time of diagnosis. It is important for patients to be informed about the available options for fertility preservation and to be encouraged to make informed decisions in collaboration with their medical team. Standardized recommendations for onco-fertility into guidelines should be taken into consideration in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for approximately 5% of all cancers, with high-risk types causing nearly all cervical cancer cases. While cervical cancer is the most recognized outcome of HPV infection, the virus also contributes to vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and head and neck cancers. HPV types 16 and 18 are the primary culprits in these malignancies. HPVs exhibit strict host specificity and encompass over 100 types, some linked to benign conditions like genital warts. The viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 play a crucial role in cancer development by inhibiting tumor suppressor genes. HPV-related diseases manifest in various ways, from common conditions like anogenital and plantar warts to rare presentations such as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, conjunctival papillomas, and middle ear carcinomas. The clinicians must recognize this diversity to ensure the accurate diagnosis and management. Preventive measures, particularly large-scale vaccination, are essential to reduce the incidence and complications of HPV-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1) is the first infectious agent proven to cause cancer, and it is considered among the most potent carcinogens for humans. HTLV-1 is estimated to have infected 5-10 million individuals, with only about 5% of people that contract the virus expected to de)velop any associated disease. Within Europe, Romania appears to be the only region endemic to HTLV-1. There are two primary diseases associated with HTLV-1, T-cell leukemia/ lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM), or tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). Each is linked to a distinct mode of transmission: ATL with breastfeeding, and HAM/TSP with blood transfusion. The main ways of viral transmission are from mother to child by breastfeeding, via blood transfusions, or through sexual intercourse. Vertical infection rate has been found to be 14.2%. In Romania, HTLV is included in the screening for blood donors, but not in prenatal screenings. Vertically transmitted infections can be reduced with up to 87% by avoiding breastfeeding. New research supports the effectiveness of prenatal screening followed by avoiding breastfeeding in reducing new cases of HTLV in endemic areas, and such measures must be taken in Romania as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]