5 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
Premature ovarian failure, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), or premature menopause, affects 1-2% of women under 40. The diagnosis is typically made based on high levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and absent or irregular menstrual periods. It leads to infertility and menopause-like effects (hot flashes and thin bones) due to low estrogen levels. POI can result from various factors such as genetic conditions, autoimmune diseases, or previous medical treatments like chemotherapy. Treatment of POI usually involves hormone replacement therapy and, if pregnancy is desired, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) using an egg donor. However, IVF may not be an option for everyone due to personal, religious, ethical or financial reasons. Recent advances in medicine have identified ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) as a potential solution. OTT involves transplanting either fresh or frozen ovarian tissue into the pelvic area, where it can begin functioning again. Studies in animals and humans have shown success in restoring hormonal function and even achieving pregnancies in some cases. Initial human trials of ovarian tissue transplants from another individual began with identical twins and have since expanded to include non-identical siblings with compatible tissue matches using immunosuppression. Success rates of OTT have been promising, with multiple live births reported between identical twins. Long-term studies indicate that transplanted tissue can remain functional for up to eight years. Ovarian tissue transplantation offers a promising avenue for women with POI to help restore fertility and hormonal function. Continued research and refinement of tissue techniques are essential to improve outcomes and expand access to this innovative treatment option. This study will enroll 10 participants who will undergo ovarian tissue transplantation donated by a non-identical sister using an immunosuppression protocol at University Hospitals.
Postmenarchal female cancer patients scheduled to undergo cancer therapy may enroll in this study to assess changes in existing and novel surrogate measures of fertility potential before, during and after chemotherapy. Measures of fertility potential to be tested include ultrasound imaging for antral follicle counts and ovarian volumes, endocrine evaluation, and assessment of oxidative stress.
This study will examine the impact of manual physical therapy on endocrine function in women diagnosed as being infertile due to elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (10 mIU/mL or higher) on days 2-5 of their menstrual cycle. It is hypothesized that the manual physical therapy will decrease FSH levels.
This study was designed to allow inpatient and outpatient evaluation of women with a variety of reproductive and endocrine-related disorders for purposes of research and physician education. The evaluations may include ultrasound examinations, blood, saliva, and/or urine samples. In some cases, specific laboratory or X-ray studies will be performed to confirm the diagnosis or assist in the treatment of the patient. These additional tests will be conducted within the guidelines of current gynecologic practice. In some cases, the patient will receive medical or surgical treatment for their disorder. The purpose of this study is to provide an opportunity for physicians to evaluate women with medical conditions of reproduction. These evaluations and treatments will support clinical training and research for the accredited training program in reproductive endocrinology at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).\<TAB\>
The purpose of this study is to assess the results of ovarian tissue freezing, such as resumption or initiation of menses (menstruation: the discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus that happens about every 4 weeks in females who are not pregnant) and pregnancy, prior to starting chemotherapy or radiation treatment (commonly used for cancer treatment or for other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis). Females who are about to undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer or these other medical conditions may stop having menses and may not be able to produce a biological child. Girls who have not achieved puberty and are exposed to chemotherapy (alkylating agents) or radiation treatment, the risk is up to 22-50%. In contrast, girls older than 10 years, or who have achieved puberty, experience acute ovarian failure in over 50% of the cases. By freezing and preserving ovarian tissue will help prevent these outcomes. In fact, when you are considered cured of your disease, you will have another surgical procedure where your own ovarian tissue will be transplanted back to you. This surgery will increase the possibility of resuming/initiating menses and the chance to have a pregnancy.