Ovarian Stem Cells: Will the Dream of Neo-Folliculogenesis After Birth Become Real?

Importance Ovarian stem cells (OSCs) represent a promising tool in reproductive medicine, particularly for the treatment of premature ovarian failure and fertility preservation. Objective Herein, we summarize the main characteristics of adult stem cells, their status, needs, and new challenges in the application in reproductive medicine. Evidence Acquisition Clinical studies have shown that OSCs transplantation can restore ovarian function and stimulate neo-folliculogenesis in patients with premature ovarian failure, enabling them to conceive naturally or through in vitro fertilization techniques. Moreover, OSCs gained increasing interest as a chance to preserve fertility in cancer patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments affecting their fertility, as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Results The recruitment of OSCs from fresh or thawed ovarian fragments coupled with their capability to differentiate in vitro to mature oocytes could provide a novel opportunity to verify their suitability to be expanded in vitro as oocyte like cells. Conclusions and Relevance Research into OSCs and their applications in reproductive medicine is still in its infancy, but the results so far are promising and offer new possibilities for patients suffering from premature ovarian failure or cancer. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians Learning Objectives After completing this activity, the learner will be better able to (1) describe the main characteristics of stem cells and the sources from which they can be isolated; (2) discuss the presence of OSCs in the ovary of adult women and how they can support the process of neo-folliculogenesis; and (3) explain how OSCs may be used as a possible therapeutic strategy for cancer patients or patients at risk of premature ovarian insufficiency.