Groundbreaking Fertility Preservation Procedure at LHSC Offers Hope to Cancer Patients

On July 24, 2025, Julide Cakiroglu became the first adult patient in the London region to undergo a pioneering fertility preservation procedure at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). This novel approach, adapted from techniques used in pediatric gynecology, aims to safeguard the reproductive potential of cancer patients facing aggressive treatments that threaten their fertility.

Julide, a 33-year-old graphic designer, began experiencing alarming symptoms in late 2024, including extreme fatigue and unexplained bruising. After seeking medical attention at LHSC’s Victoria Hospital, she received a life-altering diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that necessitated immediate treatment. Despite her initial shock, Julide commenced chemotherapy followed by immunotherapy, which successfully put her cancer into remission. However, the subsequent requirement for a stem cell transplant posed a new challenge: the total body radiation needed for the transplant would irreversibly damage her ovaries, compromising her lifelong dream of having biological children.

"Julide’s case was particularly challenging," stated Dr. Jenny Ho, a hematologist/oncologist at LHSC. "Our focus was not only on saving her life but also on addressing the impact of her treatment on her future family plans. This underscores the deeply personal nature of cancer care, especially for younger patients."

In a race against time, Julide was referred to Dr. Krista Cameron, a gynecologist and fertility specialist at Omega Fertility Center. Dr. Cameron initially faced obstacles with traditional egg retrieval due to Julide’s ongoing medication, which inhibited her menstrual cycle. The urgency of the situation prompted Dr. Cameron to innovate rather than proceed with standard methods.

"There were a lot of ‘ifs,’" Dr. Cameron explained. "Given Julide’s unique circumstances, we needed an alternative that would not risk her health or future fertility."

This led Dr. Cameron to collaborate with specialists across Canada, ultimately connecting with Dr. Jennia Michaeli and her team at Mount Sinai Fertility, who were pioneers of Ontario’s only coordinated ovarian tissue cryopreservation program. By adapting a technique that had been initially developed for pediatric patients, the medical team proposed a laparoscopic oophorectomy, a surgical procedure that involved removing Julide’s ovary while preserving its blood supply until it could be safely stored.

"This was a highly coordinated effort among multiple specialists at different hospitals, demonstrating the power of collaboration in the face of complex medical challenges," Dr. Cameron remarked.

The surgery occurred in mid-June, marking a historic moment as the first laparoscopic oophorectomy performed on an adult for fertility preservation in the London area. The ovary was carefully transported to Mount Sinai, where it was screened for cancer cells and subsequently cryopreserved for potential future use.

"While no patient in Canada has yet undergone ovarian tissue reimplantation, this procedure has led to the successful births of hundreds of babies worldwide, fueling our optimism for Julide’s future," Dr. Cameron noted.

In the aftermath of Julide’s procedure, there is a renewed focus on establishing formal pathways for ovarian tissue cryopreservation at LHSC, ensuring that more patients have access to similar options. Julide expressed profound gratitude for the care she received, stating, "Dr. Cameron helped us plant a seed of hope during a very dark time. The idea that we might still have a chance to start a family someday is a gift beyond measure."

This case not only highlights the advancements in reproductive medicine in the context of cancer care but also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing the diverse needs of patients facing life-threatening illnesses. As the medical community continues to explore innovative solutions, Julide’s story serves as a beacon of hope for many others in similar circumstances.