‘President’s Medal’ for best medical graduate ‘Dr. B.C Roy’s award’ in 1999 for outstanding contribution towards medicine and field of specialty, ‘Vikas Ratan Award’ by Nations economic development & growth society 2002 ‘Chitsa Ratan Award’ by the International Study Circle, 2007 Felicitated by Agra medical college for ‘Outstanding contribution towards field of specialty Appointed by National Board of Examination as course director to award post doctoral Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine since 2007, and by FOGSI for basic as well as advanced infertility training since 2008 Member of Editorial board of ‘Worldwide IVF’ and peer reviewer for ‘Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences’ Over 15 publications in indexed journals and 20 chapters in textbooks for ob/gyn and reproductive medicine, delivered more than 250 guest lectures and orations in national and international conferences. Been part of team of doctors responsible for the first IVF baby born in 1991 and the first frozen oocyte baby born in 2009 in Northern India Prof. Dr. Abha Majumdar Director and Head Center of IVF and Human Reproduction Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, INDIA

Individualized controlled ovulation stimulation (iCOS) Prof. Dr. Abha Majumdar Center IVF and Human Reproduction Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi INDIA

Nobel Prize winner: The work of British physiologist Robert G. Edwards waited longest to be recognized. Robert G. Edwards His award for medicine comes 32 years after he figured out how to create the beginnings of human life outside the uterus through in vitro fertilization. Single oocyte Single embryo Single baby

IVF started to develop fast with the aim of maximizing pregnancy rates per cycle Higher number of oocytes and thus more embryos Use of unphysiological high doses of gonadotropins Time consuming protocols Higher costs Patient discomfort Higher risk of OHSS Very high risk of multiple gestation Rapid progression of protocols and technology technology

This magic wheel had to slow down technology

Definition of success in IVF started shifting from pregnancy rate per cycle towards achieving healthy singleton child per started course of treatment. For achieving this aim the first change had to be in the stimulation protocols with the aim of: Less oocytes less pain /stress less cost Less complications Obtaining a good oocyte / embryo/ implantation rate Further progression of technology aimed at minimizing complication rate yet maintaining optimal pregnancy rates technology

Future stimulation protocols Individualized COS (iCOS) Best live birth rate with low complication; OHSS Present milder stimulation protocols Mild stimulation regimes Aims at < 8 oocytes but needs very good lab conditions Past stimulation protocols Conventional regimes Aims at >8 oocytes but high complication OHSS Progression of technology

What does iCOS mean? A cycle with ovarian stimulation which gives the couple best chance of singleton pregnancy with lowest or no risk of OHSS and minimal chance of cycle cancellation (what ever the underlying diagnosis may be for which the couple has to undergo IVF)

Type of response expected Age Weight Ovarian reserve test Previous response to stimulation Underlying pathology for IVF Severe endometriosis Male factor Oocyte donor Preferences for mild stimulation Time constraints of patient Oncologic or pro-thrombotic conditions requiring low estrogen exposure in COS Hormonal imbalance PCOS/LH hyper-secretion Hypo-gonadotropic hypo- gonadism) Optimization of controlled stimulation protocols depend upon:

Type of response expected Age Weight Ovarian reserve test (ORT) Previous response to stimulation

Hyper responder Underlying PCOS Thin built Age < 30 FSH < 8miu/ml AMH> 25pmol/l AFC>12 Previous hyper response Normal responder Regular cycles Normal built Age < 37 FSH <12miu/ml AMH pmol/l AFC =7 to 11 Previous normal response Poor responder Regular or shortening cycles Obese Age >37 FSH > 12miu/ml AMH<5pmol/l AFC < 6 Previous poor response Identifying response

Optimizing treatment protocols for normal responder Long protocol (GnRH agonist down regulation followed by gonadotropin = 75 to 225 iu/day) Antagonist protocol (flexible / fixed protocol) Short agonist protocol

Optimizing treatment protocols for high responder / PCOS Antagonist protocol (fixed dose regime preferred) Short agonist protocol Long protocol Minimal stimulation protocols with clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins All protocols require low starting dose of FSH IU/day

Optimizing treatment protocols for poor responder GnRHa long protocol Conventional protocol GnRH agonist ‘stop’ or ‘mini’ dose protocol Antagonist protocol with flexible regime Short agonist protocol Flare agonist with antagonist with flexible protocol ( pre treatment: ocp days or antagonist 0.25mg/day from day 25 or estradiol valerate 4mg /day from day 22 of previous cycle for better cohort) Milder stimulation regimes Higher dose of FSH 150 to 300units per day Add LH or HMG to FSH

The Cochrane database of systemic reviews 2008 Treatment protocols for poor responders 6 comparison groups (9 trials analyzed)  Stop protocol vs. conventional GnRHa long protocol  GnRH antagonist vs. conventional GnRHa long protocol  Bromocriptine rebound protocol vs. GnRHa long protocol  GnRHa short protocol vs. GnRHa long protocol  GnRH antagonist vs. GnRHa short protocol  Low dose flare protocol vs. spontaneous natural

There is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of any particular intervention for ovarian stimulation or adjuvant therapy. Evaluation of interventions proposed have been performed in single, under-powered studies, which might not have allowed the detection of the true effect of the intervention. More robust data from good quality RCT’s with relevant outcomes are needed. Summary of results in poor responders The Cochrane database of systemic reviews 2008

Hormonal imbalance PCOS/LH hyper-secretion Hypo-gonadotropic hypo-gonadism

PCOS with LH hypersecretion  Ignore basal high LH levels and start with antagonist protocol  Down regulation with GnRH agonist followed by stimulation with gonadotropins (FSH)  Basal LH inhibition with antagonist for 2 days then stimulation with gonadotropins/antagonist protocol  Pre treatment with oral contraceptives for 1 to 3 months or ovarian drilling

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism  LH control not required no need of agonist or antagonist  Step up regime with HMG is the ideal treatment or rec FSH with rec LH  Luteal support mandatory with hCG as well as progesterone. Pretreatment with estrogen and progesterone cyclically for 6 to 9 months till the mid cycle endometrium appears ideal for implantation.

Underlying diagnosis Severe endometriosis Male factor Oocyte donor

Severe endometriosis

Administration of GnRH agonists for 3–6 months prior to IVF in patients with endometriosis increases clinical PR (4 fold) and the live birth rate significantly (9 fold). Meta analysis ESHRE 2005 ESHRE guidelines for endometriosis 2008 Cochrane data base systemic review 2006 Long term down regulation for 60 to 90 days before IVF for women with endometriosis is better than long protocol: 3 RCTs with 165 women (Evidence level 1b) Live BR/ woman OR 9.19: Clinical PR: OR 4.28

Male factor infertility Stimulated as per the response of female partner expected hyper - responder normal - responder poor-responder

Optimum stimulation for Oocyte donors

Donors for oocytes undergoing ovarian stimulation Improved donor satisfaction is likely to improve donor recruitment and retention Minimizing trips to the clinic; protocols to limit number of I/M injections; reduced risk of OHSS Reimburse expenses for lost work, travel, and child care; want to be treated with respect and appreciation;want information about outcome. A qualitative follow-up study of experiences with oocyte donors; A.L. Kalfoglou; Hum. Reprod. (2000) 15 (4):

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists versus antagonists for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in oocyte donors: a systematic review and meta-analysis Daniel Bodri; Fertility and Sterility, Volume 95, Issue 1, Pages , January 2011 No differences after donor stimulation with GnRH antagonist protocols (compared to long agonist) on number or quality of retrieved oocytes or ongoing pregnancy rate. USG follicle monitoring enough for follow up of donor cycles with antagonist protocol (serum E2 not necessary and lesser days of injections).

GnRH agonist trigger safe treatment option for egg-donors. No compromise on embryo quality and risk of OHSS reduces considerably. GnRH antagonist protocol with agonist trigger appears best for oocyte donors Anna Galindo, January 2009, Vol. 25, No. 1, Pages A. Sismanoglu et al, J. Assist Reprod and Genetics, 26; 5, M Melo et al, ReprodBioMedOnline,19; 4, October 2009, 486–492 J.C. Castillo et al, Reprod BioMed Online, Nov. 2011

Preferences for mild stimulation Time constraints of patient Oncologic or pro-thrombotic conditions requiring low estrogen exposure in COS

The ISMAAR proposal on terminology for ovarian stimulation for IVF

Preferences for mild stimulation and for couples with time constraints Conventional antagonist protocol Natural cycle or modified natural cycle IVF with counseling for single oocyte

Pro-thrombotic or Oncologic issues requiring low E2 during COS (estrogen sensitive malignancy: breast or endometrium)  Mild stimulation regimes  Letrozole daily with conventional doses of gonadotropins till hCG or GnRH agonist trigger ( aim is to keep E2 <500 pg /ml with dose of letrozole as high as 10mg/day) Cakmac H et al; Fertility Sterility; Vol 100, No. 6 Dec 2013

Fertility preservation before cancer therapy Protocols with alternative timing Luteal phase: Initiate luteolysis with 0.25mg antagonist for 2-3 days followed by COS. Random start: late follicular phase or luteal phase- start gonadotropins as per patient profile, add antagonist when secondary cohort >12 mm size, trigger hCG/agonist 2 consecutive stimulations in one menstrual cycle to maximize embryo preservation Cakmac H et al; Fertility Sterility; Vol 100, No. 6 Dec 2013 Turan V et al; Fertility Sterility; Vol 100, No. 6 Dec 2013

I. Prospective identification of ovarian response II. Determine co-existing hormonal imbalances affecting COS III. Determine underlying pathology which could change the need for protocol for optimal iCOS IV. Ensure complete safety for oocyte donors without compromising on oocyte quality V. Adopt protocols to fit the need of an individual patient as per time available to her for an ART cycle VI. Respect a woman’s desire of minimal stimulation VII. ICOS for patients with oncologic issues with urgent need for oocyte or embryo cryo preservation. VIII. Pro-thrombotic conditions or oestrogen dependent cancers at risk with high oestrogen levels during COS IX. Optimizing total reproductive potential of a couple by use of embryo cryopreservation technology. Summary of Pre-requisite for iCOS

ICOS in ART for maximizing success would eventually mean? A cycle with ovarian stimulation which gives the couple best chance of singleton pregnancy with lowest or no risk of OHSS and minimal chance of cycle cancellation (what ever the underlying diagnosis may be for which the couple has to undergo IVF)

OVULATION INDUCTION IS NOT ONLY A SCIENCE BUT ALSO AN ART OVULATION INDUCTION IS NOT ONLY A SCIENCE BUT ALSO AN ART