Exosomes and Ovarian Protection

With cancer rates rising and chemotherapy’s reproductive side effects becoming a major concern, preserving female fertility is a pressing need. Oncofertility offers hope by protecting the ability to have children after cancer treatment. This project investigates whether exosomes from cord blood stem cells (CBSC-EVs) can protect and restore ovarian function damaged by cisplatin chemotherapy. CBSC-EVs carry regenerative and protective bioactive molecules that may counteract chemotherapy-induced harm. Using human ovarian granulosa cells and sheep granulosa cells and oocytes as models, the study will assess their effects on cell viability, proliferation, senescence, oocyte meiotic division, and developmental competence following in vitro fertilization. The goal is to provide scientific evidence for a novel, cell-free, regenerative therapy to preserve fertility during or after chemotherapy. If successful, this work could pave the way for innovative, less invasive interventions that safeguard reproductive health and improve quality of life for female cancer survivors.

Pediatrics and Women Center of Excellence at KFSHRC.