Ovary graft could reverse premature menopause

Scientists have transplanted ovarian tissue into a woman for the first time. In a procedure that had only been carried out in animals, ovarian tissue, which had previously been removed from a woman and frozen, was transplanted back into her body.

The breakthrough was made by Professor Roger Gosden of Leeds University and Kutluk Oktay of New York Methodist Hospital who will report on their progress at a conference of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in Toronto this week.

The patient was a 30-year old American woman, Margaret Lloyd-Hart, who had her ovaries removed as a result of various medical conditions. Some of her ovarian tissue had been frozen in the hope that one day it might be possible to replace it. Ms Lloyd-Hart found Professor Gosden through the Internet. He had already carried out such ovarian transplant operations in animals.

The main application of the procedure is likely to be in young women facing cancer treatment. Radiation treatment destroys fertility but removal and storage of ovarian tissue before treatment could give them the hope of being able to produce eggs and hormones naturally. Women suffering from premature menopause and women who want to extend their reproductive years are also potential beneficiaries if this operation proves successful.

Healthy ovarian tissue was grafted back into Ms Lloyd-Hart in February when she was 29. It is not yet clear whether transplanting ovarian tissue can restore fertility but in Ms Lloyd-Hart's case there is some preliminary evidence that it may. In response to hormone stimulation her re-implanted ovary produced an egg. However, her menstrual and ovulation cycles have yet to return. Scientists believe it will take between six and nine months to tell if the grafted tissue is working normally and producing hormones.

Ovarian tissue transplants are not controlled by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority whose remit only covers mature eggs and sperm. Ovaries contain immature eggs. However, Professor Gosden is anxious to establish guidelines for the appropriate use of the procedure.