Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists: where do we stand?

The article describes the current knowledge on gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) in fertility preservation. Numerous studies are now available and have formed the basis of meta-analyses in recent years. There is currently no molecular explanation for the effective action of GnRHa in the preservation of fertility. However, evidence from animal models suggests that the chemotherapeutic agent with which GnRHa is combined could be crucial to its preserving effect. According to current knowledge, the use of GnRHa significantly reduces the rate of premature ovarian failure. It may also have a positive effect on fertility. At present, there is no evidence to support the suspicion that GnRHa reduces the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy in hormone receptor-positive cancer. GnRHa' s efficacy and safety in fertility preservation need to be definitively elucidated in further investigations.