(GENIE) A combined GENetic and follicle density risk prediction approach to identifying InfErtility risk in paediatric cancer patients

2022-08-25
Dr Rachel Conyers from The Murdoch Children's Research Institute is researching better risk prediction of long-term infertility in paediatric cancer patients.
Dr Rachel Conyers from The Murdoch Children's Research Institute is researching better risk prediction of long-term infertility in paediatric cancer patients.

Recipient: Dr Rachel Conyers
Institute: The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Funding: $301,752 July 2022 to June 2025

Infertility caused by childhood cancer treatment is a significant cause of distress and regret in paediatric and adolescent cancer survivors. The GENIE Project addresses the unacceptable toxicities that can result from cancer therapy. The growing efficacy of cancer therapies means an increased rate of survivorship. Now a focus on improving the quality of survivorship for paediatric and adolescent cancer patients is imperative.

The GENIE Project will allow for better risk prediction of long-term infertility in paediatric cancer patients undergoing therapy. Genetically informed risk prediction will allow accurate counselling in infertility risk, protective measures to be taken including fertility preservation, or therapeutic changes to avoid gonadotoxic therapies (chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical resection). Overall, this will result in improved long-term fertility prospects and patient survivorship.