Oncofertility: Bridging Reproductive Medicine and Cancer Care With Meaghan Delaney, MD, MA
Expert Perspectives · Keira Smith · 2026-03-02
Fertility preservation is an essential component of comprehensive cancer care for patients of reproductive age. As treatment regimens grow more complex—and survivorship expands—oncology clinicians increasingly play a pivotal role in helping patients navigate how cancer therapy may impact their ability to build a family in the future. In this discussion, Dr. Meaghan Delaney, Co‑Director of the Oncofertility Program at Boston IVF, shares insights on the program’s approach, the options available, and how clinicians can better support patients through these conversations.
How Cancer Treatment Impacts Fertility
Cancer therapies vary widely in their potential effects on reproductive function. “Some treatments negatively affect the ovaries and testicles and affect fertility long‑term,” Dr. Delaney explained. Alkylating agents remain among the most gonadotoxic, while other agents may primarily delay conception. Long courses of hormone‑modulating or immunosuppressive medications can also significantly impact reproductive potential.
Boston IVF’s Oncofertility Program is designed to meet this complexity with rapid, coordinated care. Patients are seen promptly and are supported by a comprehensive multidisciplinary team. “At Boston IVF, we counsel patients on how to navigate their treatment options and what that means for their long-term fertility,” Dr. Delaney shared. “We can get people in within 24 to 48 hours for a consultation with one of the physicians, and then we have a team of financial coordinators, nurses, and other navigators to help patients get started as soon as possible.”
Fertility Preservation Options
For reproductive‑aged women, standard fertility preservation options include oocyte cryopreservation and embryo cryopreservation, both of which are supported by extensive data. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is available for prepubertal patients, though still considered experimental. Boston IVF is actively developing its own ovarian tissue cryopreservation program. For males, sperm cryopreservation remains the standard. Testicular tissue cryopreservation, similarly experimental, is considered for prepubertal boys.
Sometimes patients can have their surgery and then have their fertility preservation cycle prior to starting adjuvant chemotherapy. The optimal time with the best chance for success is to undergo fertility treatment prior to any chemotherapy/gonadotoxic medications.
Why Early Referral Matters
Fertility preservation requires swift coordination, but even rapid programs need time. An egg or embryo freezing cycle typically requires about two weeks. “We need to fit in the 2-week treatment for fertility preservation prior to the patient having surgery or starting their treatment. The sooner we can talk to them, the better,” said Dr. Delaney. Early referral protects oncology timelines while giving patients meaningful reproductive choices.
Emotional Support and Resources
Facing cancer while simultaneously navigating fertility preservation can be overwhelming. Boston IVF integrates mental health and wellness services, including licensed therapists and acupuncture, into patient care. “It’s hard to go through cancer treatment and then have fertility preservation on top of that, so we try to support them in any way we can,” Dr. Delaney underscored.
Financial support is also critical. There are many financial options such as Gaia, the first provider of value-based family building, and Patientfi, a leading patient-friendly financing platform that helps people access life-changing healthcare with flexible, transparent monthly payment options. Many patients qualify for coverage, grants, or donated medications. Programs such as Livestrong, Chick Mission, and Team Maggie for a Cure can help reduce the financial burden.
Starting the Conversation
Dr. Delaney urges clinicians to routinely introduce fertility considerations when discussing chemotherapy, radiation, or prolonged hormonal therapy, regardless of assumptions about patient interest. “Even if you think they may not want children, it’s worth mentioning,” she advises. “And if they do want to pursue it, the sooner we can talk to them, the better.” Helpful resources for both patients and clinicians include the Oncofertility Consortium, SaveMyFertility, and MyCancerFertility.org.
Boston IVF also works directly with patients’ oncology teams to align treatment plans. “Our whole team is incredibly passionate about taking care of cancer patients and helping them alleviate their fertility worries,” Dr. Delaney explained. “We’re happy to work with providers if they have questions and make sure that patients’ cancer treatments and fertility treatments are in line with their overall goals.”
Key Takeaways
Introduce fertility preservation early—timing is critical.
Don’t assume patients are uninterested; offer the discussion universally.
Coordinate closely with reproductive specialists to maintain oncology timelines.
Direct patients to reputable financial and educational resources.
Incorporate multidisciplinary support—medical, emotional, and logistical—to improve patient experience and outcomes.
About Dr. Delaney
Meaghan Delaney, MD, MA, is the Co-Director of the Oncofertility Program at Boston IVF, a part of IVI RMA North America. She is double board-certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility. Dr. Delaney specializes in all aspects of fertility care, and her research interests include analyzing disparities in fertility knowledge and care among different demographics.