[Male gonadal dose in adjuvant 3-d-pelvic irradiation after anterior resection of rectal cancer. Influence to fertility].

Abstract

Germinal epithelium is very sensitive to low-dose irradiation, according to a negative fractionation effect. It is known that gonadal total doses of 1 Gy with single doses of 0.03-0.05 Gy can result in a temporary azoospermia with following recovery in most cases. If gonadal total doses exceed 1.5 Gy a substantial increase in irreversible azoospermia must be expected. With respect to the data reported in the literature our measured mean gonadal total dose of 1.60 Gy will lead with high probability to an irreversible infertility. Because of the small number of patients in our study, the data must be interpreted with caution, however, it is very important in patient's informed consent to draw attention to the high risk of infertility. The possibility of sperm cryoconservation should be discussed with the patient.