Assisted reproductive technology is effective for but does not affect the prognosis of young patients with breast cancer: Experience in a single institution

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) helps women preserve fertility after chemotherapy for cancer treatment. We examined the long-term survival of patients with early breast cancer who did or did not receive ART, as well as post-treatment pregnancy and childbirth rates. Our study consisted of 44 young patients (<= 35 years of age). Eight patients were pregnant post-treatment; however, none of these patients received ART intervention. ART intervention prevented patient omits of necessary treatment to avoid adverse events. It did not affect the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Technical improvements are needed to increase the likelihood of pregnancy after breast cancer treatment.