Leukocyte Therapy for Infertility and Pregnancy Risks - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Leukocyte therapy and infertility?


Hello, doctor.
My wife has a history of miscarriage and is currently about 4-5 weeks pregnant.
However, she is experiencing intermittent abdominal pain.
In addition to taking medications to support the pregnancy, the clinic's physician suggested using leukocyte therapy (TIL) to reduce the risk of miscarriage.
However, we heard that leukocyte therapy is still in the clinical trial phase, so we are unsure about its safety.
Are there any other side effects? Where should we inquire for more information on this matter?

sho0926, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/09/06

Dr. Wei Fumao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Please consult a medical center, such as National Taiwan University Hospital, Veterans General Hospital, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, or National Cheng Kung University Hospital.

Reply Date: 2006/09/06

More Info


Leukocyte therapy, specifically Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, is an innovative approach that has been primarily studied in the context of cancer treatment. It involves the use of immune cells that have been extracted from a tumor and expanded in the laboratory before being reinfused into the patient to help fight cancer. However, its application in infertility treatment is still largely experimental and not widely accepted in clinical practice for this purpose.

In your case, where your wife is pregnant and has a history of miscarriage, it is understandable that you are seeking ways to reduce the risk of another miscarriage. However, it is crucial to approach this situation with caution. The safety and efficacy of leukocyte therapy for preventing miscarriage have not been established in clinical trials, and it remains a topic of ongoing research. The potential risks associated with this therapy, especially during early pregnancy, are not well-documented.
The abdominal pain your wife is experiencing could be due to various reasons, including normal pregnancy-related changes, implantation pain, or even more concerning issues such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. It is essential to monitor these symptoms closely and communicate them to her healthcare provider. While some abdominal discomfort can be normal in early pregnancy, any severe or persistent pain should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Regarding the safety of leukocyte therapy, since it is still in the experimental phase, there may be unknown side effects or complications that could arise, particularly in a pregnant patient. The immune system undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, and introducing additional immune cells could potentially lead to unintended consequences. Therefore, it is critical to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.

For reliable information and guidance, I recommend consulting with a specialized medical center or a fertility clinic that has experience in managing high-risk pregnancies and is knowledgeable about the latest research in reproductive immunology. Institutions such as major university hospitals or specialized fertility clinics can provide comprehensive evaluations and recommendations based on the most current evidence.

In addition to leukocyte therapy, there are other well-established treatments and interventions that can help reduce the risk of miscarriage, especially for women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss. These may include hormonal support, such as progesterone supplementation, lifestyle modifications, and addressing any underlying health conditions that may contribute to pregnancy complications.

In conclusion, while the idea of leukocyte therapy may seem promising, it is essential to approach it with caution, especially during pregnancy. The safety and efficacy of this treatment for infertility and miscarriage prevention are not yet fully understood. Therefore, it is best to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice and support based on your wife's specific medical history and current pregnancy status.

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