CentraLIVF

BLOG

New Research May Hold Key to Infertility, Cancer

Thanks to genome analysis tools, for the first time ever, experts were able to shed light on the sperm stem cell development process in humans. They believe their observations will not only assist in efforts to combat infertility, but also help understand the processes behind the development of certain cancers.

In a first such study on humans, a team of researchers from University of Utah Health and Huntsman Cancer Institute examined the stages of human sperm stem cell development and the genes involved. According to the scientists, the process is much more complicated than previously thought. The info obtained, study leader, U of U’s Chair of Oncological Sciences Prof Bradley Cairns, explained, will allow a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for development of infertility and certain men’s cancers.

The findings showed stem cells go through 4 distinct stages before finally maturing into sperm in a process called “differentiation”. Experts are hopeful the data they gathered will assist in treating not only infertility but also certain malignancies, such as prostate or testicular cancer, which infertile men are at a higher risk for.

Male Factor Infertility and Cancer

Multiple sources point to a link between male infertility and malignancies. For example, a large scale study that followed over 20 thousand men between 1967 and 1998 found that the incidence of aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason score over 8) was 2.6 times higher in the infertile group. These results were replicated in studies from this decade, which also discovered a connection between reproductive failure and testicular germ cell cancer.

Sperm Stem Cells – What’s Next?

Scientists now plan on determining the exact nature of changes that occur when the proper development of stem cells fails, causing them to turn into cancer cells instead. This will help experts identify the genetic mechanisms responsible for genitourinary cancers in men, and, hopefully, pave the way to better treatment and prevention techniques.

More from CentraLIVF

How to navigate infertility during the holidays

The holiday season is a joyful time for many, but if you’re facing infertility, it can also feel like an emotional obstacle course. This time of year often centres around family and togetherness, which can – unintentionally – bring feelings

Read more

How to support your partner during fertility treatments

Infertility is one of the most challenging experiences a couple can face. The emotional toll it takes can feel overwhelming. But it’s not just the treatments itself—it’s the strain it places on your relationship. As you navigate this difficult time,

Read more

Our partner clinics

Compass Fertility, based in Canberra, Australia, is lead by Dr. Nicci Sides and offers a boutique style of care, tailoring to the individual FERTILITY needs rather than standard protocols, something that is not offered elsewhere.

Fertility First is based in Hurstville, half an hour’s drive from Sydney CBD. Lead by Dr. Anne Clark, the first specialist in Australia to receive CREI qualification, Anne and the team provide a holistic approach to treatment, with continuity of care throughout your journey.

No1 Fertility is located in Melbourne, Victoria, and is lead by Dr. Lynn Burmeister. The clinic’s focus is to provide the best patient care and fertility treatment at an affordable cost. The clinics have the best and latest technology with state-of-the-art equipment and world-leading scientists.

Repromed Clinic is one of the country’s leading fertility clinics, delivering excellence in their standard of care, innovation, and pregnancy success rates. It is the only IVF clinic in South Australia to offer a complete range of care tailored to your needs, support, and fertility treatment options, onsite at their Dulwich purpose-built facilities.

Coastal IVF is located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of Queensland in Maroochydore. Lead by Dr. Paul Stokes, Coastal IVF’s friendly team provides a wide range of fertility treatments, pregnancy, and general gynaecological services, creating the best experience by offering individualised care tailored to your needs and diagnoses.

The Sydney CBD clinic is Monash IVF’s flagship clinic. With a premium day hospital on site, Monash IVF provide a holistic patient experience where everything is conveniently located under the one roof. The Monash IVF team comprises of a multi-disciplinary team of leaders in reproductive health, including fertility specialists, gynaecologists, fertility nurses, embryologists, counsellors and patient coordinators.

Located within Westfield Shopping Centre, Monash IVF Bondi Junction offers a full service clinic for those living or working in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Our full service clinic provides numerous options and services to women and couples. Monash IVF Bondi Junction comprises a multi-disciplinary team of Fertility Specialists, Fertility Nurses, Scientists, Counsellors and Patient Coordinators, meaning everything is right on your door step.

Located in western Sydney, Monash IVF Parramatta offers a full service clinic for those living or working in the western suburbs of Sydney.Our full service clinic provides numerous options and services to women and couples. Monash IVF Parramatta comprises a multi-disciplinary team of Fertility Specialists, Fertility Nurses, Scientists, Counsellors and Patient Coordinators, meaning everything is right on your door step.

Our clinic in Penrith is a full service clinic offering Fertility expertise to anyone in and around Greater Western Sydney, including: Springwood, Glenbrook, Mount Druitt, Erskine Park or Luddenham. Monash IVF Penrith comprises a multi-disciplinary team of Fertility Specialists, Fertility Nurses, Scientists, Counsellors and Patient Coordinators, meaning everything is right on your doorstep.

Monash IVF Albury offers a consulting location to anyone located in or around Southern New South Wales or Northern Victoria. Monash IVF Albury provides a convenient location to those living or working around Glenroy, East Albury, South Albury and North Albury.

At Monash – Brisbane, our diverse team of experts brings together unparalleled fertility care within your reach. United under one roof, our Fertility Specialists and Patient Coordinators are devoted to providing personalized guidance on your journey towards parenthood.

Our Monash IVF Rockhampton clinic has been a beacon of hope for the Central Queensland community since 2003, catering to those in Port Curtis, Fairy Bower, Gracemere, Alton Downs, and Norman Gardens.

Established in 1998, Monash IVF Gold Coast has been the beacon of hope for single women, couples, families, and LGBTQI couples, eliminating extensive travel to metropolitan Brisbane.