The Oncology Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina's recommendations for fertility preservation in oncologic patients

Timur Cerić; Emir Sokolović; Berisa Hasanbegović; Anes Pašić; Zdenka Gojković; Jelena Vladičić Mašić; Nikolina Dukić; Inga Marijanović; Alma Mekić Abazović; Ibrahim Šišić; Dijana Koprić; Mustafa Hammami; Senad Bajramović; Taib Delić; Semir Bešlija

doi:10.17305/bjbms.2021.6977

Authors

Timur Cerić Clinic of Oncology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Emir Sokolović Clinic of Oncology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Berisa Hasanbegović Clinic of Oncology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Anes Pašić Clinic of Oncology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Zdenka Gojković Oncology Clinic, Clinical Center of Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Jelena Vladičić Mašić University Hospital Foča, Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nikolina Dukić University Hospital Foča, Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Inga Marijanović Oncology Clinic, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Alma Mekić Abazović Department of Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ibrahim Šišić Department of Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dijana Koprić Department of Oncology, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mustafa Hammami Department of Oncology, General hospital "Dr. Irfan Ljubijankić" Bihać, Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Senad Bajramović Clinic of Urology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Taib Delić Polyclinic Sunce, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Semir Bešlija Clinic of Oncology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3066-3871

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2021.6977

Keywords:

Fertility preservation, oncology, oncofertility, neoplasms, cryopreservation

Abstract

Malignancy is one of the major public health problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along with breakthroughs in specific oncological therapy, improving the quality of life of cancer patients and management of therapy-induced side effects need to be recognized as a priority in the comprehensive cancer patient care. Fertility loss after cancer treatment is a field requiring special attention due to its various consequences on patients themselves. Although oncofertility is well-recognized area of oncology, low- to middle-income countries are facing issues with its implementation in everyday practice. Increased awareness about fertility preservation is of high priority for all specialists who participate in the medical care of cancer patients. The absence of a systemic solution and lack of expertise led to the founding of Fertility Preservation Working Group of the Oncology Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have made recommendationsas an expert consensus with the ultimate goal of making the first step towards enhancement of oncofertility implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.