Sperm banking practices and barriers in post-pubertal males with ND high-risk ALL

Results from a cross-sectional survey of Children’s Oncology Group (COG) oncologists (N = 2,345) across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, evaluating sperm banking practices and barriers for post-pubertal males with newly diagnosed high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) prior to chemotherapy, were published in the Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology by Feuerstein and Appel.  

Key data: Of 572 respondents (25% response rate), 445 (78%) reported offering sperm banking to physically and developmentally able males with newly diagnosed ALL prior to chemotherapy. Most clinicians who offer sperm banking worked at medium- or large-sized institutions (86%). Overall, 331 respondents (58%) reported barriers to sperm banking, including insufficient time before chemotherapy (n = 89), patients being too sick (n = 56), a perceived lack of need given expected post-treatment fertility (n = 52), and logistical inpatient coordination difficulties (n = 44). Overall, 53% of respondents reported working at an institution with a dedicated oncofertility team; however, among clinicians who offer sperm banking, 43% practiced without one.  

Key learning: Sperm banking is widely offered to males with ALL before chemotherapy, but access is inconsistent and constrained by practical barriers such as time, illness severity, and institutional resources – highlighting the need for provider education and standardized systems to ensure equitable access.