Abstract
The use of chemotherapeutic agents during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood has a detrimental effect on ovarian functions, leading to a decrease in ovarian reserves, thus adversely affecting fertility. Alkylating agents are one of the most frequently used groups of chemotherapeutics in this age group. An important and effective chemotherapeutic drug, procarbazine is used to treat brain tumors and Hodgkin lymphoma in children, adolescents, and young adults. This agent is also an indispensable component of combination-type chemotherapy. Procarbazine has a detrimental impact on ovarian reserve by directly targeting the oocyte or indirectly through somatic cell destruction. Evidence gathered thus far indicates that procarbazine's mode of action in the ovaries may involve apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This review seeks to clarify the processes by which procarbazine might induce apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, hence affecting ovarian reserve and functioning.
Overview
- The study explores the impact of chemotherapeutic agents, specifically procarbazine, on ovarian functions in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.
- The agent is commonly used to treat brain tumors and Hodgkin lymphoma in this age group and has a detrimental effect on ovarian reserves, ultimately affecting fertility.
- The study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which procarbazine induces apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, leading to a decrease in ovarian reserve and functioning.
Comparative Analysis & Findings
- Procarbazine has been found to directly target the oocyte or indirectly through somatic cell destruction, leading to a decline in ovarian reserve.
- Evidence suggests that procarbazine's mode of action may involve apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the ovaries.
- Further research is needed to better understand the processes by which procarbazine induces these mechanisms and affects ovarian function.
Implications and Future Directions
- The study highlights the importance of considering the potential impact of chemotherapeutic agents on ovarian reserve and fertility in young patients.
- Future research should focus on developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of procarbazine and other alkylating agents on ovarian reserve.
- Pregnancy and fertility counseling should be integrated into the treatment plan for pediatric and young adult patients receiving procarbazine therapy.