Frozen Ovarian Tissue Enabled Pregnancy After 25 Years
A record-setting case shows how cryopreservation can help those who lost fertility due to cancer treatment.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Pregnancy
Kassandra Bacon gave birth to a son on September 9, 2026, using ovarian tissue that had been frozen for 25 years. The procedure marks the longest recorded storage period for egg tissue leading to a successful pregnancy.
Why it matters
This case highlights the potential of long-term cryopreservation for patients facing fertility-damaging cancer treatments. It underscores a significant advancement in reproductive medicine for survivors of conditions like Hodgkin lymphoma.
A 44-year-old patient achieved pregnancy using tissue frozen for 25 years, an interval surpassing previous medical records for cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplants. Globally, approximately 350 babies have been born following similar procedures.
The players
Kassandra Bacon
A Hodgkin lymphoma survivor who became the first patient to achieve pregnancy using ovarian tissue stored for 25 years.
Addenbrooke's Hospital
A clinical center in Cambridge, UK, where the patient's tissue was originally collected and frozen in 2001.
Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic
A specialized reproductive health center that managed the storage of the patient's ovarian tissue for two decades.
The details
The process involves harvesting ovarian tissue, which is then cryopreserved and later grafted back onto the patient's ovaries. Once transplanted, the tissue regains blood supply and responds to the body's natural hormones to restore a menstrual cycle and facilitate egg release. In this case, the tissue was collected when the patient was 18, prior to high-dose chemotherapy that caused irreparable ovarian damage.
Timeline
May 2001: Ovarian tissue was harvested and frozen at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
May 2024: The transplant operation was performed in Israel.
December 25, 2025: A positive pregnancy test was confirmed.
September 9, 2026: The patient gave birth to a healthy child.
Health Landscape
This achievement sits within the broader field of fertility preservation, which has seen 350 successful births worldwide through tissue transplantation. It marks a departure from historical norms regarding how long reproductive tissue can be stored while remaining viable for future conception.
For those facing chemotherapy that may affect fertility, discussing ovarian tissue preservation with a reproductive specialist before treatment is essential. It is worth noting that such procedures are complex, involve significant costs, and require personalized planning with a physician.
The takeaway
Advancements in cryopreservation are expanding options for long-term fertility management for cancer survivors. Patients concerned about future reproductive health should consult with an oncologist or fertility specialist as early as possible to evaluate available preservation options.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Pregnancy and fertility technology.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
