Sunfert Offers Cancer Patients Hope With Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation

Sunfert- Dr Faizal

Sunfert International Fertility Centre is the First Private Oncofertility Hub in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 23 January 2024 – Sunfert International Fertility Centre, a pioneer in reproductive medicine, introduces Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (OTC) in Malaysia. This groundbreaking technology allows female cancer patients to preserve their fertility, marking Sunfert as the first private fertility center in the country to offer this innovative service.

Dr Wong Pak Seng, Founder and Director of Sunfert Group says, “Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation is a revolutionary technique that plays a vital role in preserving fertility for female cancer patients.

“By safeguarding their ability to have children in the future, these women and young patients empower themselves to fulfil their dream of a family when they are ready. Sunfert can make the dream of parenthood a reality, even in the face of medical challenges.”

The OTC technique by Sunfert

Associate Professor Dr Mohd Faizal bin Ahmad, Fertility Specialist at Sunfert

Introduced in Denmark and Europe 25 years ago, the Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (OTC) technique involves laparoscopic harvesting of the ovary’s cortical layer containing eggs. Not requiring medication, it eliminates potential side effects. The process, taking 15-20 minutes, freezes the ovary in a titanium device at -190 degrees Celsius for 10-20 years. After cancer clearance, the tissue can be transplanted for conception.

Associate Professor Dr Mohd Faizal bin Ahmad, a Fertility Specialist at Sunfert, emphasises that OTC is well-suited for pre-pubescent girls who may be diagnosed with cancer, as they typically lack mature eggs suitable for freezing.

“OTC is also a great option for women in their reproductive years who are suddenly diagnosed with cancer and need to start chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments right away. Compared to alternative methods such as embryo and egg freezing, OTC offers a less invasive and more time-efficient procedure. This procedure allows female cancer patients to preserve their fertility and maintain their hope of having children in the future.”

Preserving Fertility

Dr Mohd Faizal believes that preserving fertility is an important consideration for patients, especially for those in the minority age group of under 18 years old, as cancer can significantly impact their prognosis.

He says early awareness is crucial because childhood cancer has shown excellent survival rates, with over 70% of patients surviving primary cancer treatments. However, the quality of life, specifically in terms of fertility, can potentially be reduced. “Therefore, it is essential to prioritise fertility preservation to ensure that these patients have the opportunity to have children in the future and maintain a higher quality of life post-treatment.”

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