2023-06-02 08:00:00
From 17 May 2023, the removal, freezing and replacement of ovarian tissue is insured care for women of childbearing age with a cancer diagnosis that requires prompt treatment. Until now, this procedure has not been reimbursed because of uncertainty about its effectiveness and safety. Worldwide research of 568 women provides new evidence. On the basis of this, the National Health Care Institute judges that this care is effective and can be included in the basic health insurance package. This is reported by the National Health Care Institute.
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer can cause serious damage to the ovaries in women, resulting in infertility. If, due to the nature and severity of the cancer, there is no time for hormonal oocyte freezing treatment, tissue from the ovary can be removed and frozen to be reinserted later.
Start treatment quickly
In the Netherlands, about 100 to 150 women have to start their cancer treatment as soon as possible, so there is no time to lose. The international study of 568 women shows that 28 percent of them became pregnant after their ovarian tissue transplant and had one or more healthy children.
The Dutch Association for Obstetrics and Gynecology (NVOG) finds it very hopeful news for women that this treatment is now insured care. prof. Dr. Mariëtte Goddijn: “When you are young, diagnosed with cancer and have a desire to have children, you have a lot to deal with in a short period of time. This treatment increases the chance that women can still become pregnant after cancer treatment.”
Ensure appropriate care
The Zorginstituut attaches a number of conditions to the reimbursement of ovarian tissue transplantation to ensure that the treatment is offered and delivered appropriately. Agreements have been made about this with the NVOG. For example, ovarian tissue is only frozen if there is a high risk of infertility in the forthcoming cancer treatment. And after the treatment, replacement only takes place if the woman has a current desire to have children, but is infertile.
Careful removal, freezing and reinsertion procedure
The removal, freezing and replacement of ovarian tissue must be done very carefully and in a controlled manner in order to preserve the quality of the tissue. For this reason, the procedure is only offered in specialized centers and performed according to international guidelines.
By: National Care Guide
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