Effects of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy agents effect dividing cells and can cause permanent damage to the ovarian follicles (eggs) and lead to premature ovarian failure and infertility. Their effects depend on the class of agents, dosage given, and the age of the patient. Chemotherapy agents are often classified according to the degree of toxicity to the ovary and are classified as high, intermediate or low/no risk.

High risk drugs:

Cyclophosphamide
Busulfan
Nitrogen mustard
L-phenylalanine mustard
Procarbazine
Melphalan
Cholarambucil

Intermediate risk drugs:

Doxorubicin
Vinblastine
Cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C)
Cis-platinum
Carmustine
Lomustine
VP-16 (etoposide)

Low or no risk drugs:
 

Methotrexate
5-Fluorouracil
Vincristine
Bleomycin
Actinomycin D