Research led by Orwig shows promising results in testicular tissue transplantation, specifically in cases involving patients who have undergone cancer treatment. The feasibility and safety are supported by ultrasound findings. Over the years, the team has collected testicular tissue from children, paving the way for future transplants. A new technique intends to mature preserved tissue into sperm. While some patients may opt for stem cell transplants, others with whole tissue samples can choose between options, offering hope for fertility restoration.
"The method was safe and that it was feasible," Orwig says. Ultrasounds show that Hsu's testicular tissue was unharmed by the procedure and his hormone levels are in the normal range.
Transplanting immature testicular tissue is an alternative approach that researchers are exploring. The hope is that the tissue will mature and eventually produce sperm.
To retrieve the sperm, a sliver of tissue is cut away from the skin-a less invasive procedure than the stem cell transplant, which requires opening up the testis.
Other patients who froze whole pieces of tissue will have the option of trying either the stem cell or tissue transplant.
#testicular-tissue-transplant #fertility-preservation #stem-cell-research #clinical-trials #sperm-production
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