What's New
- April 2026Clinical trial auto-sync added: daily background sync from ClinicalTrials.gov with admin-configurable search criteria and pending review queue
- April 2026Exact vs. near-match distinction added to on-screen trial banner, detail modal, and medical assessment report PDF
- April 2026Admin panel reorganised: Add Protocol moved into Protocols tab; user management and settings consolidated under Settings tab
- January 2026Initial release: fertility risk stratification, preservation recommendations, and parental/medical assessment report generation
Purpose of This Tool
The Fertility Risk Assessment Tool was developed to provide standardized, evidence-based guidance for healthcare providers caring for pediatric and adolescent oncology patients. This tool addresses a critical gap in clinical practice by offering systematic fertility risk stratification, preservation recommendations, and real-time clinical trial matching at the point of care — surfacing relevant fertility-related trials the clinician may not have been aware of based on each patient's unique diagnosis and treatment profile.
Cancer treatment can significantly impact future fertility, and timely discussions about fertility preservation options are essential. However, the complexity of treatment protocols, varying risk levels across different diagnoses, and the time-sensitive nature of oncology care can make it challenging for providers to consistently offer comprehensive fertility counseling.
The Clinical Need
Advances in cancer treatment have dramatically improved survival rates for pediatric and adolescent patients, with current five-year survival rates exceeding 80%. As more young patients survive cancer, quality of life issues—including fertility—have become increasingly important considerations in their long-term care.
Despite established guidelines from organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommending early fertility discussions, studies show that many eligible patients do not receive adequate fertility counseling or preservation opportunities. Barriers include:
- Time constraints in busy oncology practices
- Lack of familiarity with fertility preservation options specific to pediatric populations
- Difficulty assessing fertility risk across diverse treatment protocols
- Limited access to reproductive specialists with pediatric expertise
- Urgency to begin cancer treatment, leaving little time for fertility consultations
How This Tool Helps
This tool streamlines the fertility risk assessment process by:
- Standardizing risk stratification: Using the Pediatric Initiative Network (PIN) framework from the Children's Oncology Group (COG) to categorize fertility risk as high, significant, minimal, or unlikely based on diagnosis, treatment protocol, and patient demographics
- Providing age-appropriate recommendations: Offering specific fertility preservation options tailored to pubertal status and gender
- Supporting informed consent: Generating patient-friendly educational materials that explain fertility risks and options in accessible language
- Facilitating documentation: Creating comprehensive assessment reports that can be shared with patients, families, and consulting reproductive specialists
- Enabling efficient workflow: Allowing providers to quickly assess fertility risk and generate appropriate referrals without extensive manual research
- Surfacing relevant clinical trials: Automatically identifying fertility-related clinical trials that may be eligible for the patient based on their diagnosis and treatment profile — including trials the clinician may not have been aware of — so that no opportunity for participation is overlookedSee it in action →
Evidence Base
This tool is grounded in evidence-based guidelines and consensus recommendations from leading organizations in pediatric oncology and reproductive medicine:
- Children's Oncology Group (COG) Pediatric Initiative Network (PIN) Risk Stratification System
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Guidelines on Fertility Preservation
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement on Fertility Preservation
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Recommendations for Fertility Preservation in Pediatric Patients
- International Society for Fertility Preservation (ISFP) Clinical Practice Guidelines
The risk stratification framework and fertility preservation options presented in this tool reflect current best practices as of January 2026 and are regularly updated to incorporate new evidence and emerging technologies.
Intended Users
This tool is designed for healthcare providers involved in the care of pediatric and adolescent oncology patients, including:
- Pediatric oncologists and hematologists
- Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in pediatric oncology
- Reproductive endocrinologists and fertility specialists
- Social workers and patient navigators
- Trainees in pediatric oncology and reproductive medicine
Important: This tool is intended to support—not replace—clinical judgment and individualized patient care. All fertility preservation decisions should be made in consultation with the patient, family, and a multidisciplinary care team that includes oncology and reproductive medicine specialists.
Disclaimer
This tool is provided for educational and clinical decision support purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical judgment.
Fertility risk assessments and preservation recommendations must be individualized based on each patient's specific clinical situation, treatment plan, institutional protocols, and personal values. Always consult with fertility specialists and follow your institution's guidelines when making fertility preservation recommendations.
The information in this tool is current as of January 2026. Treatment protocols and fertility preservation technologies continue to evolve. Users are responsible for staying informed about the latest evidence and guidelines in this rapidly advancing field.
Development & Contact
This tool was developed by the Pediatric and Adolescent Subcommittee of the Oncofertility Consortium in collaboration with pediatric oncology and reproductive medicine experts.
For questions, feedback, or suggestions for improvement, please use the Feedback button or contact Dr. Walsh directly.
Version 1.0 | Developed January 2026
