PROTECTION OF THE SPERMATOGENESIS FROM SI DE-EFFECTS OF TESTICULAR CANCER-THERAPY

The deleterious effects of chimio or radio-therapy on spermatogenesis of men treated for testicular cancer are well known. Retroperitoneal l ymphadenectomy is a risk for ejaculation process, Semen cryopreservati on seems to be obligatory before any deleterious treatment, Prophylact ic measures do exist such as lead protection during x-rays therapy, dr ugs with less toxicity but similar efficiency, selective lymphadenecto my. Moreover, positive results were reported form realised in animals to prefect spermatogenesis. In men treated for testicular cancer, 4 pr otective studies were reported using either GnRH analogs (3 studies) o r medroxyprogesterone (one study). No protective effects were obtained in these trials, and the reasons for such failure are discussed. Fina lly, new potential possibilities of spermatogenesis protection are sug gested supported by the results of animal experiments or the occurrenc e of new drugs such as use of steroids, GnRH antagonist or testicular hypothermia.