Successful ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) procedure performed in UAE

UAE—HealthPlus Fertility, a recognised leader in fertility care, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, both under the M42 group, have collaborated to perform an ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) procedure on a 32-year-old Emirati woman diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system.

The procedure took place at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where the patient was undergoing her cancer treatment, with HealthPlus Fertility’s team overseeing the process.

OTC is an innovative technique offering hope to women undergoing cancer treatment by preserving their fertility.

 The procedure, introduced to the region by HealthPlus Fertility, involves the careful extraction and preservation of ovarian tissue, which can later be re-implanted after cancer therapy, allowing patients to regain their fertility.

During the surgery, a portion or the entirety of an ovary is removed.

The extracted tissue is then sliced into thin strips, soaked in a preservative solution, and transported to the lab for cryogenic freezing.

Ultra-low-temperature freezers are used to safely preserve the ovarian tissue for future use.

Once the patient has completed her cancer treatment and is ready to start a family, the frozen ovarian tissue can be transplanted back into her pelvis, allowing the ovaries to resume normal function, including egg production.

For younger patients, the likelihood of pregnancy—either through natural conception or via IVF after the ovarian tissue is transplanted—exceeds 50 percent.

Dr. Monika Chawla, Medical Director at HealthPlus Fertility, expressed her delight over this achievement, highlighting the collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

She emphasized that this success represents a significant advancement in their mission to offer comprehensive fertility preservation solutions.

Dr. Chawla also praised the dedication and teamwork of both medical teams, stating that the procedure was a proud moment for everyone involved in ensuring the patient’s ovarian tissue was successfully preserved.

Dr. Malini Sharma, a Staff Physician in the Gynecology Department at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, echoed this sentiment, commending the multidisciplinary collaboration between the oncology, surgical, and fertility teams.

 She noted that this pioneering ovarian tissue cryopreservation marks a major leap forward in patient care, offering women undergoing cancer treatments renewed hope by giving them the chance to preserve their fertility and plan for a family in the future.

Dr. Wael Ismail Madkour, a Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Fertility & Reproductive Endocrinology (IVF) at HealthPlus Fertility Center, also shared his thoughts on the significance of the procedure.

He explained that infertility following cancer treatments is a significant quality-of-life concern for patients.

According to Dr. Madkour, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation are crucial fertility preservation options for adult cancer patients requiring immediate chemotherapy.

He further emphasized that for prepubertal cancer patients, ovarian tissue freezing is the only available option to preserve fertility, potentially allowing them to become mothers later in life.

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