Reproductive Health Research Studies
Moores Cancer Center is actively engaged in research to address and improve reproduction health and fertility in cancer survivors. If you would like to participate in a study, click the study name for more information and contact details.
Fertility and Parenthood After Cancer (FAPAC) Study
Thank you for your interest! This study is not currently recruiting participants. Please see below for other study opportunities.
About this study
More and more young girls and women are surviving cancer and looking toward the future. Many wonder about their ability to have children and the possibility of becoming a mother. Right now, there is limited information to help patients and their healthcare providers navigate these complex issues. This survey was developed as a way to learn more about the reproductive experiences of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Our hope is that this research will lead to improvements in the way clinicians address fertility and parenthood concerns with their young patients and help researchers to understand the potential impact of these issues on long-term quality of life.
We are conducting an online survey to find out more about young female cancer survivors’ reproductive health and their concerns and feelings toward pregnancy and parenthood now or in the future.
Who can join this study?
Young women between ages 15-35 who are cancer survivors diagnosed at least one year ago.
What happens if you choose to participate?
You will complete one online survey. The survey takes about 20 minutes and includes questions about your cancer diagnosis, reproductive health, future reproductive plans, concerns about fertility and parenthood as a cancer survivor, and personal well being.You will receive a $20 gift card if you contact us after you complete the survey.
How can I join?
If you are 15-17 years old:
Please contact us at 858-822-0768 or ayastudy@ucsd.edu for more information.
If you are 18-35 years old:
Before you complete the online interest form, please read the consent agreement. Once you agree to the consent agreement, you will be given access to the interest form which is a brief form you will complete to enable us to determine your eligibility to participate. If you are eligible, you will be given access to the anonymous, Web-based survey.
Principal investigator
Jessica Gorman, PhD, MPH, jgorman@ucsd.edu
This study is funded by the American Cancer Society and has been approved by the UCSD Institutional Review Board.
Ovarian Reserve Testing in Young Cancer Survivors
About this study
We know that cancer treatment can cause loss of fertility or premature menopause. We are studying when and how best to test for ovarian function in young cancer survivors.
Who can join?
Young women between ages 18-35 who are cancer survivor
What happens if you choose to participate?
You will be asked to keep track of your periods during these 3 months. You will undergo ovarian reserve testing by blood draws and pelvic ultrasound at the start and end of these 3 months. If you are using birth control pills, patches or a vaginal ring, you will be asked to come off for 3 months.
All study testing and ultrasounds will be provided. You will be compensated $40 for each visit (up to $120) for your participation.
How can I join?
Please contact us at 858-822-0768 or ayastudy@ucsd.edu for more information.
Principal investigator
Irene Su, MD, MSCE, hisu@ucsd.edu
This study is funded by the American Cancer Society and has been approved by the UCSD Institutional Review Board.
Fertility Information Research Study (FIRST) 
About our study
The FIRST project is a national fertility preservation registry for young women facing cancer treatments. We will examine how different cancers and treatments affect the reproductive health of young survivors. Joining the FIRST project is a unique chance to be part of a national effort to collect information on fertility and other women’s health issues in young female cancer survivors.
Who can join the study?
Young women ages 18-44 who have had a cancer diagnosis or received cancer treatment.
What happens if you choose to participate?
FIRST is an observational study. Participants will be asked to answer a women’s health questionnaire on a yearly basis.
How can I join?
Please contact FERTLINE, the national fertility preservation hotline, at 866-708-FERT (3378).
Principal investigator
Irene Su, MD MSCE, hisu@ucsd.edu
This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health and has been approved by the UCSD Institutional Review Board.
Predictors of Ovarian Insufficiency Through Serial Exams (POISE) in Young Breast Cancer Patients
About our study
This is a 5-year observational study to identify pre-chemotherapy hormonal, genetic and ovarian imaging markers that can predict ovarian failure and characterize the course of ovarian function after chemotherapy. This tool has the potential to assist young breast cancer patients and their physicians in making treatment decisions that would impact cancer survival and reproduction.
Who can join the study?
Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (Stages 0-3) who are age 45 and younger, premenopausal, and have a uterus and at least one ovary are invited to participate.
What happens if you choose to participate?
Participants are observed for 5 years from diagnosis and are asked to record menstrual pattern and undergo periodic blood draws.
How can I join?
Please contact us at 858-822-6790 or poisestudy.ucsd@gmail.com for more information.
Principal investigator
Irene Su, MD MSCE, hisu@ucsd.edu
This study is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the National Institutes of Health and has been approved by the UCSD Institutional Review Board.
Oncofertility Consortium Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation Study
About our study
This is a nationwide study to develop new strategies for fertility preservation, involving freezing a woman’s ovarian tissue before she begins chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. The goals of the study include how best to freeze ovarian tissue and how to remove and mature eggs from ovarian tissue for future use.
Who can join the study?
Women between ages 18 and 40 who are preparing to undergo cancer treatment that may impact fertility are invited to participate.
What happens if you choose to participate?
Participants will undergo surgical removal of one ovary. The ovarian tissue will be frozen and stored to provide an option for future use after completion of cancer treatment.
How can I join?
Please contact FERTLINE, the national fertility preservation hotline, at 866-708- FERT (3378).
Principal investigator
Jeffrey Chang, MD, rjchang@ucsd.edu
This study is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and has been approved by the UCSD Institutional Review Board.
Ovarian Reserve After Cancer: Longitudinal Effects (ORACLE) Study
About our study
This is an observational study to find out how cancer treatment affects the number and quality of eggs left in the ovary after radiation and chemotherapy. The study is in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania.
Who can join the study?
Newly diagnosed female cancer patients between the ages of 7 and 45 are invited to participate.
What happens if you choose to participate?
Participants are observed for 18 months from diagnosis and are asked to record menstrual pattern and undergo periodic blood draws.
How can I join?
Please contact us at 858-822-6790 or poisestudy.ucsd@gmail.com for more information.
Principal investigator
Jeffrey Chang, MD,
rjchang@ucsd.edu
This study is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and has been approved by the UCSD Institutional Review Board.