The rapid advancement in cancer treatment has led to a substantial increase in long-term survival among young patients with cancer. However, many survivors face a critical yet often overlooked challenge: the loss of fertility and reproductive endocrine function resulting from anticancer therapies. Despite growing awareness, a considerable gap persists between the urgent demand for fertility preservation and the availability of standardised accessible interventions worldwide. Against this backdrop, the launch of the International Alliance of Tumor-Fertility Preservation (ATFP) represents a pivotal step toward fostering international cooperation to address this pressing issue.
On 14 May 2026, during the 38th Annual Congress of the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE) in Algiers, Algeria, ATFP was officially established under the leadership of Professor Jianliu Wang from Peking University People’s Hospital. As the founding chair and a prominent figure in gynaecological oncology, Professor Wang has long championed innovative strategies for fertility preservation in patients with cancer.1–3 ATFP is the first official academic alliance dedicated to tumour-related fertility preservation within the ISGE framework, bringing together leading experts from over 20 countries across gynaecological oncology, reproductive medicine, gynaecological endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery.
Addressing an unmet need
Recent data highlight the rising incidence of gynaecological malignancies among women of reproductive age while mortality rates have declined, reflecting advances in cancer care. Nevertheless, a striking disparity remains: although 66% of young patients with cancer express concern about fertility loss, only about 20% receive professional counselling and merely 4% undergo fertility preservation interventions. This gap highlights the urgent need for multidisciplinary collaboration, standardised guidelines and enhanced global awareness.
ATFP responds to this challenge with a mission centred on protecting fertility and reproductive endocrine function through multidisciplinary cooperation, strengthening international academic exchange and advancing clinical research and standardised care. The alliance’s logo embodies its commitment to safeguarding both life and hope, aligning with the evolving paradigm of comprehensive cancer care (figure 1).
The official logo of the Alliance of Tumor-Fertility Preservation (ATFP).
Foundations and innovations
ATFP draws on foundational work by researchers in the field, with notable contributions from Professor Wang, who also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine. In a previous editorial, he envisioned the journal as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and global collaboration in women’s health, a vision now reflected in ATFP’s mission.4 The innovative ‘4R’ concept (Reversing tumours, Retaining organs, Restoring function and Realising fertility) has transformed endometrial cancer management from radical surgery toward organ-preserving strategies. The ‘Anti-Estrogen with Tri-Lowering Therapy/Paradigm’ protocol (progestin-based antagonism of oestrogen combined with glucolipid and calcium modulation) has achieved a complete response rate of up to 90% in fertility preservation for endometrial cancer.
These approaches have now been extended to breast cancer, haematological malignancies and bone and soft tissue sarcoma. Such achievements demonstrate the potential of patient-centred, tailored strategies and provide a robust foundation for ATFP’s global initiatives.
Goals and future directions
As outlined by Professor Wang during the launch ceremony, ATFP will focus on three core objectives in the coming years:
Training and education: Developing and disseminating standardised training modules on fertility preservation techniques, including minimally invasive surgery and cryopreservation, to build capacity among healthcare providers worldwide.
Protocol harmonisation: Establishing internationally harmonised clinical protocols to promote consistency and quality in fertility preservation practices across diverse healthcare settings.
Multicentre clinical trials: Facilitating collaborative trials to generate robust evidence on the safety, efficacy and long-term outcomes of fertility preservation strategies.
Professor Wang emphasised, “Let us join hands to bridge oncology and reproductive medicine, creating a world where life and fertility can coexist. Through openness and international collaboration, we can ensure that more young patients, regardless of geography, have the opportunity to embrace parenthood after overcoming cancer.”
Global endorsement
The alliance has drawn strong backing from professor Anneli Linnamägi, President of ISGE, warmly endorsed the initiative, noting that as cancer survival rates rise, the physician’s duty extends beyond saving lives. “Our responsibility is also to protect the quality of life, future opportunities, and the hope of young patients with cancer,” she remarked. She called for international guidelines, multicentre databases, educational activities, collaborative trials and a truly global network to advance fertility preservation. Professor Linnamägi expressed confidence that ATFP would serve as a vital platform for cross-border and cross-disciplinary cooperation, innovation, education and research, thereby elevating care standards and delivering greater hope to young women facing cancer worldwide.
The launch of ATFP exemplifies how regional expertise can catalyse global change. By integrating insights from high-incidence regions with diverse healthcare contexts, ATFP aims to develop adaptable, resource-conscious strategies, ensuring that fertility preservation is not a privilege but an attainable goal for patients everywhere.
Conclusion
The launch of the International ATFP represents both an academic milestone and a sustained commitment to holistic cancer care that honours both survival and quality of life. As cancer therapies evolve, our dedication must extend beyond curing disease to preserve hope, family, legacy and personal fulfilment for survivors. Through sustained collaboration, education and innovation, ATFP aspires to translate this vision into tangible outcomes for millions of young patients worldwide.
