Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation

This observational study is exploring ways to preserve fertility for women up to age 39 who are facing medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation that could cause infertility. The study focuses on ovarian tissue cryopreservation (freezing ovarian tissue) for those who can't use other fertility preservation methods like freezing eggs or embryos. The goal is to develop better techniques for freezing ovarian tissue and cells, and to keep this tissue available for you if you choose to try to restore your fertility in the future. Success will be measured by how well these preservation techniques work over 10 years. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 500 participants.

Study design: This is an observational study with no specified phase, aiming to enroll 500 participants. It is designed to learn about fertility preservation techniques.
What's involved: Participants will undergo a surgical procedure to remove an ovary. You will also have infectious disease and fertility-based lab work drawn.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: The primary goals of the study will be measured at 10 years, indicating a long-term follow-up period.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation

Recruiting

Not specifiedUp to 39Observational

University of Pittsburgh

~500 participants

Updated 2026-03-04 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:Infectious Disease LabworkFertility-Based Labwork

At a glance

Recruiting sites

1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Develop techniques for long-term preservation of female ovarian function through cryopreservation (freezing) of ovarian tissue and/or cells prior to therapies that are likely to cause infertility (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation).

Measured over [10 years]

+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Cancer

Autoimmune Diseases

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states

Pennsylvania1

Study leadership

Kyle Orwig, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh/ University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Who to contact

Rachel Neelley, BA

[email protected]

4126417475 · ext. 1

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Be female age less than 40 years old.

Unable or unwilling to make use of oocyte or embryo banking alone.

Be scheduled to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, drug treatment and/or radiation for the treatment or prevention of a medical condition or malignancy with risk of causing permanent and complete loss of subsequent ovarian function.

Or, have a medical condition or malignancy that requires removal of all or part of one or both ovaries.

Or, Have newly diagnosed or recurrent disease. Those who were not enrolled at the time of initial diagnosis (i.e., patients with recurrent disease) are eligible if they have not previously received therapy that is viewed as likely to result in complete and permanent loss of ovarian function.

Have two ovaries if undergoing elective removal of an ovary for fertility preservation only.

Exclusion

Diagnosed with psychological, psychiatric, or other conditions which prevent giving fully informed consent.

Diagnosed with an underlying medical condition that significantly increases their risk of complications from anesthesia and surgery.

What this trial measures

Develop techniques for long-term preservation of female ovarian function through cryopreservation (freezing) of ovarian tissue and/or cells prior to therapies that are likely to cause infertility (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation).[10 years]
Treatment with specific chemotherapeutic agents and regimens induces prolonged absence of menstrual cycle in women of reproductive age. Sterilizing agents are thought to act directly on the ovary and produce premature ovarian insufficiency. Techniques will be developed through utilizing scientifically proven standards for long-term preservation of ovarian tissue and/or cells prior to gonadotoxic treatment.
Maintain cryopreserved ovarian tissue and/or cells for participating patients as a resource for future elective procedures to attempt fertility restoration.[10 years]
Ovarian tissue containing immature oocytes has been successfully cryopreserved in several animal models. When thawed, this tissue can be grafted into a host with resumption of both endocrine and reproductive function. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has the important advantage of not requiring controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, thus, eliminating the delay in cancer therapy as well as elevated estradiol levels in patients with hormone sensitive cancers. After cancer therapy, participants can utilize their frozen ovarian tissue for transplantation or other applications, as eligible.

Trialytics