Plain-English translation of NCT02972801 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial offers men and boys facing cancer or other serious diseases the chance to have testicular tissue removed and frozen before they receive treatments that could make them infertile. The frozen tissue would be stored safely for you, and in the future, doctors may be able to use it to help restore fertility. This is especially important for young boys who cannot freeze sperm the traditional way.
Many cancer treatments and other medical therapies can permanently damage or destroy the testicles' ability to produce sperm, leaving survivors infertile. While sperm freezing works for some men, it is not possible for preadolescent boys or men who cannot produce sperm. This study exists to offer another option — preserving testicular tissue now so that emerging fertility treatments in the future might give survivors a chance to have biological children.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you qualify, you will undergo a testicular tissue biopsy — a minor surgical procedure to remove a small sample of tissue from your testicle. Before the procedure, you'll have a full physical exam and screening blood tests for infectious diseases. The tissue collected will be divided: some frozen and stored for your future use, and some used for research to help develop better fertility preservation methods. You will be required to stay involved in the study's long-term follow-up to track outcomes.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Sep 24, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
University of Pittsburgh
Collaborators
Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Chicago
Enrollment target
~1,500 participants
Started
January 2010
Primary completion
December 2029
Sex
Male only
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in April 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Jen Anglin
University of Pittsburgh/University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.