A man, in the United States, has received the world’s first sperm-making stem cell transplant, in a study aimed at restoring fertility among cancer survivors.
Jaiwen Hsu, who battled cancer as a child, had frozen his testicular cells with the hopes of preserving his fertility. During Hsu’s cancer treatment, his parents were introduced to Professor Orwig and the tissue preservation study that he was conducting. The researchers hoped that cryopreserving immature testicular tissues for young boys would preserve their future fertility.
For the trial, doctors transplanted Hsu’s sperm-forming stem cells, which were frozen during his treatment.
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“We’re not expecting a miracle result… What we expect is that the transplant of stem cells will produce a small amount of sperm and that to achieve a pregnancy with his partner, he would need a follow-up assisted reproductive technology, like IVF,” Professor Orwig said, news agency AP reported.
“The science behind it is so incredibly new that right now it’s kind of a waiting game,” said Hsu, of Vienna, Virginia. “It’s kind of eagerly crossing our fingers and hoping for the best.”
In a paper posted online this week, Orwig reported the injection, guided by ultrasound to the right spot, was safe and easy to perform.
If the transplant succeeds, Hsu should begin producing sperm. Hsu said even if his experimental transplant doesn’t work, it will guide further research. He’s grateful his parents years ago “made a call that gave me the option to make the choice for myself today.”
