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Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Orthotopic Transplantation

Cortical strip freezing, vitrification versus slow freezing, revascularisation kinetics, endocrine restoration, and fertility preservation.

24 sources ↓Last researched 2026-10-16

State of the Field: Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Orthotopic Transplantation

Cortical strip freezing, vitrification versus slow freezing, revascularisation kinetics, endocrine restoration, and fertility preservation. Grounded synthesis across 24 primary sources and 6 graded findings within Reproductive Medicine & Human Fertility → Translational & Geroprotective Reproductive Biology.

Synopsis · Executive Overview

Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Transplantation (OTCT) is a core discipline within Reproductive Medicine & Human Fertility › Frontier fertility treatments addressing freezing ovarian cortex for later autotransplantation, primarily used for fertility preservation but now explored for delaying menopause. Spanning published milestones from 2004 to 2026, the indexed record comprises 24 primary sources and 6 graded findings across systematic reviews, clinical cohorts, and translational studies.

Section I · Primary Literature & Evidence Synthesis

What the Peer-Reviewed Record Establishes

The primary research record in Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Orthotopic Transplantation is stratified by study design so that meta-analyses and replicated randomised controlled trials (T1–T2) carry greater epistemic weight than observational cohorts (T3–T4) or preclinical laboratory work (T5). Leading graded findings establish the core empirical baseline: [T1] The review covers current options for ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation and provides a systematic review of the existing literature from the last 10 years, taking into account all previously published reviews on the subject. [22] [T3] Under laparoscopic surgery, ovariectomy was performed and ovarian cortices were dissected into strips for vitrification. [14]

Further clinical and mechanistic stratification across the literature demonstrates: [T4] One of the ways to possibly preserve fertility before these treatments is to cryopreserve ovarian tissue for later transplantation. [24] [T4] Several options are currently available to preserve fertility in cancer patients. [17]

Section II · Mechanisms, Interventions & Subgroup Calibration

Comparative Evaluation of Levers & Theoretical Models

Within Reproductive Medicine & Human Fertility → Translational & Geroprotective Reproductive Biology, mechanistic and clinical evaluation in Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Orthotopic Transplantation focuses on cortical strip freezing, vitrification versus slow freezing, revascularisation kinetics, endocrine restoration, and fertility preservation. Primary publications in the current corpus span Reproductive biomedicine online, Fertility and sterility, Karolinska Institutet, Bone marrow transplantation.

Section III · Historical Trajectory & Contested Frontiers

Evolution of the Field, Open Debates & Active Trials

Chronologically, the field evolved through key inflection points: in 2004, Livebirth after orthotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. (BackgroundThe lifesaving treatment endured by cancer patients leads, in many women, to early menopause and subsequent infertility); in 2020, Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (Ovarian Tissue Freezing For Fertility Preservation In Girls Facing A Fertility Threatening Medical Diagnosis Or Treatment Regimen); in 2026, Follicle survival and oxidative stress in human ovarian tissue xenografts after oral antioxidant treatment: … (ObjectiveTo improve ovarian tissue transplantation effectiveness by limiting oxidative stress after transplantation, thus increasing follicle survival.DesignExperimental laboratory-controlled study).

Section IV · Evidentiary Gaps & Research Frontiers

Open Questions & Priorities for the Next Research Sweep

Methodological priorities and open empirical questions queued for the next research sweep across Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Orthotopic Transplantation focus on resolving subgroup effect sizes, causal mechanisms, and long-term outcomes:

  • Large-scale multicentre randomised controlled trials with standardised live-birth and long-term offspring follow-up in Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Transplantation (OTCT).
  • Age- and subgroup-stratified biomarker validation across diverse human populations.

Evidence Hierarchy (Graded Claims)

  • T1Synthesis of trials
    1 (17%)
  • T2Randomised trial
    0 (0%)
  • T3Observational, large
    1 (17%)
  • T4Observational, small or case-based
    3 (50%)
  • T5Preclinical or mechanistic
    0 (0%)
  • T6Opinion, news or unverified
    1 (17%)
6 settled0 debated0 contested / frontier

Study Designs in Indexed Literature

  • Meta-analyses, Systematic Reviews & Guidelines2 (8%)
  • Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)4 (17%)
  • Prospective Cohorts & Clinical Registries10 (42%)
  • Observational & Clinical Case Series4 (17%)
  • Preclinical, Cellular & Computational Models1 (4%)
  • Primary Literature & Archive Records3 (13%)

Publication Timeline Velocity

Fig. 1 — Field Evidence Architecture & Publication Trajectory. Distribution of methodological study designs (24 indexed publications) and 6 extracted claims graded from T1 (meta-analyses and guidelines) to T6.
Primary Citations & Landmark Studies

Key Studies Anchoring This Monograph

Synthesis & Conclusions

State of the Field Conclusions

Taken together, the evidence record in Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Orthotopic Transplantation (24 primary sources, 6 graded claims, highest certainty T1 — Synthesis of trials) separates replicated high-tier findings from early-stage hypotheses. The 2 open research priorities detailed above guide the next autonomous literature and clinical trial sweep.

Key Quantitative Takeaways

  • [T1] The review covers current options for ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation and provides a systematic review of the existing literature from the last 10 years, taking into account all previously published reviews on the subject.
  • [T3] Under laparoscopic surgery, ovariectomy was performed and ovarian cortices were dissected into strips for vitrification.
  • [T4] One of the ways to possibly preserve fertility before these treatments is to cryopreserve ovarian tissue for later transplantation.
  • [T4] Several options are currently available to preserve fertility in cancer patients.
  • Open frontier in Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Orthotopic Transplantation: Large-scale multicentre randomised controlled trials with standardised live-birth and long-term offspring follow-up in Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Transplantation (OTCT).
Historical timeline (3 milestones, 2004–2026)
  1. 2004

    Livebirth after orthotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue.

    BackgroundThe lifesaving treatment endured by cancer patients leads, in many women, to early menopause and subsequent infertility.

  2. 2020

    Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation

    Ovarian Tissue Freezing For Fertility Preservation In Girls Facing A Fertility Threatening Medical Diagnosis Or Treatment Regimen

  3. 2026

    Follicle survival and oxidative stress in human ovarian tissue xenografts after oral antioxidant treatment: …

    ObjectiveTo improve ovarian tissue transplantation effectiveness by limiting oxidative stress after transplantation, thus increasing follicle survival.DesignExperimental laboratory-controlled study.

Evidence by study design (6 findings across T1–T6)

Strongest support first. The bar beside each finding shows its grade.

Synthesis of trials

  1. #1 The review covers current options for ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation and provides a systematic review of the existing literature from the last 10 years, taking into account all previously published reviews on the subject.

    Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation: a review. (2006)

    Extracted from primary systematic review literature (2006, 301 citations).

Observational, large

  1. #2 Under laparoscopic surgery, ovariectomy was performed and ovarian cortices were dissected into strips for vitrification.

    Successful fertility preservation following ovarian tissue vitrifica… (2015)

    Extracted from primary cohort literature (2015, 352 citations).

Observational, small or case-based

  1. #3 One of the ways to possibly preserve fertility before these treatments is to cryopreserve ovarian tissue for later transplantation.

    Embryo development after heterotopic transplantation of cryopreserve… (2004)

    Extracted from primary case report literature (2004, 345 citations).

  2. #4 Several options are currently available to preserve fertility in cancer patients.

    Restoration of ovarian activity and pregnancy after transplantation … (2013)

    Extracted from primary case report literature (2013, 375 citations).

  3. #5 BackgroundCryopreservation of the ovarian cortex with subsequent autotransplantation has, on an experimental basis, been performed to preserve fertility in women being treated for a malignant disease.

    Two successful pregnancies following autotransplantation of frozen/t… (2008)

    Extracted from primary case report literature (2008, 298 citations).

Opinion, news or unverified

  1. #6 BackgroundThe lifesaving treatment endured by cancer patients leads, in many women, to early menopause and subsequent infertility.

    Livebirth after orthotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian … (2004)

    Extracted from primary expert opinion literature (2004, 1020 citations).

Node lineage & crossover disciplines

Parent lineage, active node, direct child sub-branches, and associated crossover disciplines across the Tree of Knowledge.

Hierarchy:
Natural & Life SciencesMedicine, Health & LongevityReproductive Medicine & Human FertilityTranslational & Geroprotective Reproductive BiologyOvarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Orthotopic TransplantationLeaf node (no child sub-branches yet)
+ Associated nodes:

Branches

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Primary indexed sources (24)

Primary scientific literature, systematic reviews, and clinical trial registrations indexed for this branch.

  1. Long-term outcomes after ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation: more than 20 years of experience in 194 patients. — Fraison E, Michenaud L, Fiscus J et al. Reproductive biomedicine online, 2026, cohort · DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2026.105922
  2. Age-Associated Primordial Follicle Density in Human Ovarian Cortical Tissue from Post-Pubertal Females Undergoing Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation and Transplantation: A Descriptive Analysis. — Erden M, Celik S, Oktay KH Fertility and sterility, 2026, expert opinion · DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2026.08.1131
  3. ProspectiveFemaleAYA - Late Effects of Cancer Therapies on Gonadal Function, Fertility, Efficiency of Fertility Preservation Procedures and Pregnancy Outcomes Karolinska Institutet, 2026, cohort
  4. The feasibility of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in selected females after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. — Cheng J, Du J, Gu M et al. Bone marrow transplantation, 2026, cohort · DOI: 10.1038/s41409-026-02931-z
  5. Granular assessment of paediatric and adolescent ovaries following low levels of alkylating treatment reveals significant morphologic differences in early stage follicles. — McDowell HB, Pant S, Piras B et al. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 2026, cohort · DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deag149
  6. Fertility Outcomes of Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2026, cohort
  7. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation in girls and adolescents at risk of gonadotoxicity: a 15-year experience in 159 patients from a referral program. — Andrés Moreno M, Gómez Chacón J, Torres Gómez P et al. Clinical & translational oncology : official publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico, 2026, cohort · DOI: 10.1007/s12094-026-04351-3
  8. The role of biomaterials in ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation: a scoping review. — Dias I, Correia-Barros G, Marto CM et al. Biomedical materials (Bristol, England), 2026, guideline · DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ae98cf
  9. Associations of anti-Müllerian hormone with primordial follicle density and in vitro maturation outcomes in girls with transfusion-dependent thalassemia undergoing fertility preservation. — Zhao W, Liu X, Guo Y et al. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 2026, cohort · DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deag117
  10. Follicle survival and oxidative stress in human ovarian tissue xenografts after oral antioxidant treatment: N-acetylcysteine and FERTILIX. — Subiran Adrados C, Olesen HØ, Olesen SV et al. F&S science, 2026, animal · DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2026.06.001
  11. Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation and Subsequent Auto-Transplantation for Female Cancer Patients (HKCH) Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2024, rct
  12. Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation Phoenix Children's Hospital, 2020, rct
  13. Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation in Children Mayo Clinic, 2017, rct
  14. Successful fertility preservation following ovarian tissue vitrification in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency. — Suzuki N, Yoshioka N, Takae S et al. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 2015, cohort, 495 citations · DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu353
  15. Live birth after autograft of ovarian tissue cryopreserved during childhood. — Demeestere I, Simon P, Dedeken L et al. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 2015, case report, 271 citations · DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev128
  16. In Vitro Activation of Dormant Follicles for Patients With Primary Ovarian Insufficiency The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 2014, cohort
  17. Restoration of ovarian activity and pregnancy after transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue: a review of 60 cases of reimplantation. — Donnez J, Dolmans MM, Pellicer A et al. Fertility and sterility, 2013, case report, 375 citations · DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.03.030
  18. Risk of transferring malignant cells with transplanted frozen-thawed ovarian tissue. — Dolmans MM, Luyckx V, Donnez J et al. Fertility and sterility, 2013, expert opinion, 250 citations · DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.03.027
  19. Ovarian Tissue Transplantation Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine, 2013, rct
  20. Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation University of Pittsburgh, 2011, cohort
  21. Two successful pregnancies following autotransplantation of frozen/thawed ovarian tissue. — Andersen CY, Rosendahl M, Byskov AG et al. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 2008, case report, 298 citations · DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den244
  22. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation: a review. — Donnez J, Martinez-Madrid B, Jadoul P et al. Human reproduction update, 2006, systematic review, 436 citations · DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dml032
  23. Livebirth after orthotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. — Donnez J, Dolmans MM, Demylle D et al. Lancet (London, England), 2004, expert opinion, 1020 citations · DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(04)17222-x
  24. Embryo development after heterotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. — Oktay K, Buyuk E, Veeck L et al. Lancet (London, England), 2004, case report, 345 citations · DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(04)15728-0