Indian Fertility Society- Vidarbha Chapter (IFS-VC) recently held a very relevant and first of its kind CME on ‘Cancer and Fertility Preservation’. At the outset, Dr. Shilpi Sud (Secretary IFS-VC and Director Safal Hospitals and Diva Fertility Centre) welcomed the dignitaries.
Dr. Anand Pathak, renowned senior most Oncologist of Nagpur, spoke on ‘Fertility Concerns in Cancer patients’ and highlighted the fact that not just the disease itself but the treatment modalities like chemotherapy, radiotherapy used for cancer treatment may lead to sexual dysfunction, gonado-toxicity and impaired reproductive function in both males and females. Therefore post-diagnosis and before undergoing treatment, timely intervention is needed to preserve the fertility potential of the patient. Dr. Sadhana Patwardhan (prominent IVF Specialist and Director of Nagpur Test Tube Baby Centre) spoke on ‘Clinical aspects of fertility preservation’. She threw light on the various protocols and cryopreservation options available to such patients. The session was chaired by Dr. Smita Gupte and Dr. Shilpi Sud.
Prof. (Col) Pankaj Talwar (Director and Head of ART Centre, Research and Referral Army Hospital, New Delhi) delivered a very informative and thought provoking lecture on ‘Techniques of Fertility Preservation’ He emphasised that fertility preservation is a team effort and the oncologists, gynaecologists, andrologists and psychologists all together play major roles in improving the post-remission quality of reproductive life of the patient. Holistic approach and coordination is the key to fertility preservation.
Dr. Amol Dongre (Medical Oncologist and Astt. Prof, IGGMC, Nagpur), spoke on ‘Challenges in Fertility Management’ and reiterated that proper counselling is necessary to make the patient and family aware of all facts to impart realistic options. This session was chaired by Dr. Nirmala Vaze and Dr. Kalidas Parshuramkar.
A panel comprising of oncologists, gynaecologists and embryologists had extremely interactive discussions on ‘Facts and Dilemmas in Fertility preservation’. The panel was moderated by Prof. (Col) Pankaj Talwar and the panellists were Dr. Darshana Pawar (Consultant IVF Specialist and Director Central India Fertility Centre and Well Women Clinic), Dr. Tanushree Jain (Consultant Gynecologic Oncosurgeon, National Cancer Institute, Nagpur), Dr. Naresh Jadhav (Consultant-Associate Medical Oncology, Nangia Speciality Hospital), Dr. Anita Salpekar (Senior Embryologist and Director, Nagpur Test Tube Baby Centre) and Dr. Bindu Chimote (Consultant Clinical Embryologist, Nagpur).
Dr. A. Ganju (Senior Haemotologist) and Dr. Natchandra Chimote (Seniormost Embryologist, Scientific Director Vaunshdhara Fertility Centre and Founder member IFS-VC) were prominently present
Nishad Chimote, Joint Secretary (IFS-VC) proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. Bindu Chimote conducted the proceedings.
