ABSTRACT
Surprise is sometimes expressed at the rapid development of gonadal tissue cryopreservation and transplantation and its tentative application for patient care. The cryopreservation techniques, however, rest on principles and protocols that are well-established for other cells and tissues. The greater challenge is to realize the fertility potential of the frozen material, although there is still a need for improving freezing and thawing protocols, including evaluation of vitrification. Tissue transplantation is a relatively inefficient procedure and research needs to focus on ways of minimizing the loss of cells from ischemia and safeguarding patients from risks of residual cancer cells. These goals could be achieved by producing mature gametes from immature germ cells in culture, but the prospects of effectively and safely implementing such a technology are still remote. Meanwhile, transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue offers some hope for patients, including children, who wish to preserve their fertility.
