This year, the Summer Olympics are scheduled to be held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, throughout the month of August. However, several athletes, coaches, staff, and journalists have decided to stay home this year, citing concerns for Zika virus infection. Brazil is currently experiencing a Zika virus outbreak with over 148,00 suspected cases of Zika virus disease as of May 2016 [1]. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Zika virus disease is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain. While in a healthy individual, Zika virus disease may only cause a mild illness, less is known about its effects in the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with underlying health problems. Perhaps most concerning is the risk of associated birth defects, such as microcephaly, which can occur if a pregnant woman is infected with Zika virus.

Dr. Mahmoud Salama, Assistant Professor, Professorship-Fellow at Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany, who is also an Oncofertility Global Partners Network representative from Egypt and Germany, recently published an article in Clinical Reviews of Oncology/Hematology. The article 'Updates in preserving reproductive potential of prepubertal girls with cancer: Systematic review' appears in the July issue of the journal and discusses the advantages and disadvantages associated with fertility preservation options for prepubertal girls.  Ultimately, the authors offer insights on the best FP options for prepubertal girls and and further discuss some medical and ethical considerations, as well. Below is the abstract.

The Oncofertility Consortium hosts monthly Virtual Grand Rounds as a way to connect researchers, clinicians, and others from across the globe to discuss emerging research and clinical services in the field of oncofertility and beyond. With this technology, a single presenter broadcasts video and data slides and viewers ask text-based questions that can be answered in real-time. An unlimited number of viewers can join these online presentations from anywhere around the world, allowing for the oncofertility community to act quickly to develop shared practices within the expanding community.