Effects of Oral Supplementation with Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol on Ovarian Functions in Female Long-Term Survivors of Lymphoma: Results from a Prospective Case–Control Analysis

Abstract

The progressive improvement of lymphoma treatment has led to an important prolongation of patient survival and life expectancy. The principal international scientific societies of oncology now therefore recommend that long-term survivors of lymphoma join fertility programs. Specifically, fertile-age patients should be assisted by a multidisciplinary team, including specialists dedicated to fertility preservation in oncology, in order to support the completion of their reproductive project. In the general population, the use of Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol (MI/DCI) has been demonstrated to be an effective choice to treat ovarian dysfunctions, with a consequent improvement in reproductive outcomes, so it may represent an adjuvant strategy for this purpose. We therefore conducted a pilot prospective case–control study to evaluate the potentialities of this nutritional supplement, with the aim of optimizing reproductive function in female long-term survivors of lymphoma. One group underwent oral supplementation with MI 1200 mg and DCI 135 mg per day for 12 months, compared with controls who underwent no treatment in the same period. After 12 months, FSH, LH, and progesterone levels, as well as oligomenorrhea and antral follicle count (AFC), were significantly improved in the MI/DCI group. In addition, a significantly higher mean value in FSH and LH and a significantly lower mean AFC value in the right ovary were observed in controls compared to the MI/DCI group. Despite the need for further investigation, MI/DCI could be considered a potential adjuvant strategy to restore ovarian function in female long-term survivors of lymphoma.