First report on successful delivery after retransplantation of vitrified, rapid warmed ovarian tissue in Europe

Research Question Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is one feasible option to preserve female fertility prior to cancer treatment. The slow freezing protocol represents the current standard approach, while vitrification has been suggested as a promising alternative. We report the follow-up and the first successful delivery after retransplantation of vitrified rapid warmed ovarian tissue in Europe. Design After having received the diagnosis breast cancer, ovarian tissue was removed laparoscopically and sent via overnight transportation to University Hospital Bonn for vitrification on site. The patient was treated with chemotherapy leading to ovarian failure. After 2 years, retransplantation of the vitrified rapid warmed tissue was conducted on site. Results 2 months after grafting, the patient reported regular menstrual cycles. After one subsequent month a clinical pregnancy occurred which ended in an spontaneous abortion at the 8th week of pregnancy. 6 months after grafting, another naturally conceived pregnancy was determined resulting in the birth of a healthy boy 14 months after retransplantation of ovarian tissue. Conclusions Complementing the successful deliveries of Suzuki (Japan) and Silber (USA) regarding vitrified tissue, our results confirm the high potential of this cryopreservation method in a clinical routine setting as an alternate approach to the widespread slow freezing method.