In vitro fertilization contributes to neoplasm risk in offspring

In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment carries potential harm, with a recent study showing an association with offspring neoplasm risk. Specifically, the risk is greater among offspring returned as fresh embryos, at an earlier embryotic stage (cleavage stage), or after three or more aspirated oocytes.

The population-based retrospective cohort study looked at all offspring born at the Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) in southern Israel between the years 1995 and 2018. Data were obtained from a summary of the couple’s medical records, delivery records, and offspring neoplasm diagnoses.

The analysis comprised 1,583 offspring exposed to IVF treatment and 5,874 matched offspring conceived spontaneously.

Benign neoplasm was documented in 14 individuals in the exposed group and in 21 in the nonexposed control group (0.9 percent vs 0.4 percent). Meanwhile, malignancies occurred in 17 and 29 individuals, respectively, with the incidence being much higher among those conceived via IVF (1.1 percent vs 0.5 percent).

The association between mode of conception and elevated risk of offspring neoplasm persisted despite controlling for confounding factors, such as mode of delivery and pregnancy complications (eg, hypertensive disorder, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm delivery).

In the IVF-exposed group, the increased risk for neoplasm was evident among offspring who were transferred as fresh embryos, at an earlier stage of development (cleavage stage), or after three or more aspirated oocytes.