M42’s HealthPlus Fertility and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi perform ovarian tissue cryopreservation procedure
HealthPlus Fertility, a renowned leader in fertility care and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, both part of the M42 group, has performed an ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) procedure on a single 32-year-old Emirati patient with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The procedure was carried out at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where the patient is receiving her cancer treatment, and under the supervision of HealthPlus Fertility’s team of experts.
OTC is a pioneering technique that offers hope to women undergoing cancer therapy by preserving their fertility potential. The procedure, which was brought to the region by HealthPlus Fertility, involves the careful removal and preservation of ovarian tissue, which can later be re-implanted to restore fertility once cancer treatment is completed.
Dr. Monika Chawla, Medical Director at HealthPlus Fertility, said: “We are thrilled to have achieved this milestone, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. This marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive fertility preservation solutions to our patients. The teamwork displayed by both teams was truly remarkable. It was a proud moment for all of us to witness their dedication and expertise in ensuring the successful, life-changing treatment of the patient’s ovarian tissue preservation.”
The procedure’s success was enhanced by seamless teamwork between the medical, surgical and embryology teams at HealthPlus Fertility and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Malini Sharma, Staff Physician, Gynecology, Surgical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “We are proud to be part of this multidisciplinary and collaborative effort between our oncology team, surgical team and HealthPlus Fertility. This pioneering ovarian tissue cryopreservation marks a significant leap forward in patient care, offering women undergoing cancer treatments new hope by providing the opportunity to preserve their fertility and plan for a family in the future.”
Dr. Wael Ismail Madkour, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fertility & Reproductive Endocrinology (IVF) Consultant at HealthPlus Fertility Center said: “Infertility following cancer treatments is considered a major quality of life issue. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation are important options for fertility preservation in adult cancer patients who need immediate chemotherapy. Ovarian tissue freezing is the only option for preserving the fertility of prepubertal patients with cancer. This procedure can make motherhood possible for cancer survivors.”
During the surgery, the surgeon removes a part of or one of the ovaries. Once extracted, the tissue is cut into thin strips, soaked in a preservative solution and then transported to the laboratory for freezing.
The procedure itself uses ultra-low temperature ‘cryogenic’ freezers to safely preserve the ovarian tissue. Once the patient is completely cured and planning to start a family, the frozen ovarian tissue can be transplanted back into her pelvis, allowing normal ovarian function and egg production to resume, and for younger patients, the chance of pregnancy — either through spontaneous conception or via IVF after the transplantation of ovarian tissue — is higher than 50 percent.
OTC represents a vital option for patients diagnosed with cancer who wish to protect their fertility. HealthPlus Fertility remains committed to advancing reproductive medicine and providing compassionate care to patients navigating fertility challenges.
