Preterm Birth Risk Higher in Women Exposed to Childhood Cancer Therapy: Study Finds
Written By : Medha Baranwal
Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2025-09-02 15:30 GMT | Update On 2025-09-02 15:30 GMT
Advertisement
France: Pregnancy outcomes in cancer survivors are drawing growing attention—and a new study adds an important concern. Women exposed to chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood face a significantly higher risk of preterm birth, according to recent research published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology.
The systematic review and network meta-analysis, led by Eloise Fraison and colleagues from the University Hospital of Lyon, France, examined whether cancer treatments administered before the age of 25 impact later pregnancies. While survival rates for childhood and young adult cancers have improved, the long-term reproductive health consequences remain insufficiently understood.
For this purpose, the researchers analyzed data from studies published between 1990 and April 2023 using MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included women who received chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy before age 25 and later became pregnant. The primary outcome evaluated was live-birth rate, while preterm birth was among the key secondary outcomes. A random-effect frequentist network meta-analysis was performed, and sensitivity analyses addressed potential biases.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.