Exploring and expanding options for the reproductive future of cancer survivors
Core Centers
The Oncofertility Consortium® is a national, interdisciplinary initiative designed to explore the reproductive options for patients diagnosed with cancer or other serious diseases. Experts in diverse fields from across the nation have come together within the Oncofertility Consortium® to share ideas and work toward a set of common goals. The Oncofertility Consortium® was initiated at 4 core centers, each of which brings a specific set of strengths and skills to the overall effort:
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While spanning over 50 sites nationwide, the core of the Oncofertility Consortium® rests at Northwestern University's Chicago and Evanston campuses. Northwestern University has a long history in reproductive research and medicine, with researchers and clinicians working towards a greater understanding of the mechanisms of normal fertility and infertility in both men and women. Researchers at Northwestern have a broad range of interests, from developing new methods to preserving and growing human follicles in vitro, to an interdisciplinary inquiry into the sociological, ethical, and economic implications of oncofertility, culminating in the development of a new curriculum to train the next generation of oncofertility scholars. Northwestern University also serves as the administrative core to the Oncofertility Consortium, providing support, vision, and key resources as well as facilitating communication and collaboration between the member centers. |
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Oncofertility Consortium® researchers at the University of California, San Diego are finding ways to strengthen the collaboration and communication between oncologists and reproductive endocrinologists in order to provide cancer patients with the best possible options for preserving their fertility before they begin treatment. This research team also spearheaded the creation of the National Physicians Cooperative (NPC), which acts as the interface between basic science researchers and cancer patients. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego are also working with their colleagues at Northwestern to better understand the social and ethical implications of oncofertility. |
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Oncofertility Consortium® efforts at the University of Pennsylvania are focused on the development of cutting-edge training programs for reproductive endocrinologists and residents in the new discipline of oncofertility. Team members are investigating methods for measuring fertility in young cancer patients.
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Investigators at the Oregon Health & Science University are recognized worldwide for their contributions to reproductive research in the nonhuman primate. The Oregon group was the first to use orthotopically transplanted ovarian tissue to achieve a successful pregnancy in primates, and is now collaborating with others within the Oncofertility Consortium® to develop methods for preserving and growing primate follicles in the lab. |
