Findings from a Swiss study show there is a slightly elevated risk of cancer in children created using frozen embryos. The study was published Sept. 1 in PLOS Medicine.
The Results
The study evaluated the medical records of 7.9 million children born in northern Europe around Denmark. The study included 22,630 born after a frozen-thawed transfer and 172,000 born with all types of assisted
reproductive technology.
Forty-eight of the children born after using the frozen-thawed transfer method developed cancer. Scientists said there is no indication that children conceived using assisted reproductive technology are at a higher risk for cancer, although the risk rose when looking at those born using frozen embryos versus fresh embryos.
It didn’t evaluate those born as the result of using frozen eggs or sperm without fertilization versus fresh or comparing cancer risks of using those methods with traditionally impregnated women.
Children who developed cancer had primarily tumors in the central nervous system or leukemia. The severity of the cancers weren’t disclosed in the news release about the study.
The Future
Researchers state there would need to be additional studies to discover and confirm a link between using a frozen-thawed transfer method for impregnation and cancer. The theory is that something about the process of fertilization and impregnation using this method affects biological mechanisms that cause an underlying risk.
However, there are no conclusions as to how one is related to the other or even that there is a definite link, even though studies indicate there is.
Conclusion
Couples who are considering assisted reproductive technology should inquire about the risks of each method and that includes the risk and future health of the child produced by these methods. Your fertility doctor will be able to explain how they reduce risk.
This study shouldn’t keep you from exploring these methods as the risk is only slightly elevated.
