Current Research at the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science at Saint Barnabas
A number of research studies are currently underway at IRMS. All research activities at the Institute have been carefully reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Prior to enrollment in any study protocol, patients are carefully counseled by the medical staff – no work is initiated without the clear consent of each patient. Treatment-based research initiatives at the Institute always involve the application of novel procedures or techniques that are expected, based on scientific principles or previous research, to benefit the participating patient. The purpose of this type of research is to scientifically prove that the new procedure is beneficial, and to determine the degree of benefit.
Oocyte Cryopreservation
Human embryo cryopreservation has become a standard component of assisted reproductive technologies offered by reproductive endocrinologists and infertility specialists. It has been estimated that more than 100,000 babies have been born worldwide following cryopreservation. In contrast, the cryopreservation of human oocytes (eggs) has proven to be technologically more challenging. Until now, several protocols have been used for egg freezing, with generally lower success rates, resulting in the birth of fewer than 600 babies. One new and very promising protocol for freezing oocytes was developed at IRMS that utilizes a compound called choline chloride as part of the cryoprotecting medium. The IRMS laboratory and medical teams are now collaborating with the scientists at Tyho-Galileo Research Laboratories to utilize this technology for the potential benefit of IRMS patients.
In order to determine the benefit of the newly developed oocyte cryopreservation procedure, we are seeking patients to participate in a research study. For qualified individuals, IRMS is offering to provide a full range of assisted reproduction treatment for a nominal charge. Patient participants will undergo oocyte retrieval followed by oocyte cryopreservation; after a short period of cryostorage, the treatment cycle will resume with the thaw of the oocytes, followed by insemination via ICSI, embryo development in vitro, and embryo transfer. Early results of this research study are promising – we were delighted with the recent birth of the first babies to result from this study. To learn more about the cryopreservation work that is currently underway at IRMS, and to determine whether it may be a reasonable option for you, please call for an appointment to speak with a physician.
Comparison of Double Embryo Transfer (DET) with DET Combined with Preimplantation Genetic Selection for the Indication of Advanced Reproductive Age (37-42) in Patients Undergoing ART.
Studies performed at IRMS over the past 10 years have indicated that preimplantation genetic testing may improve IVF success rates by allowing the selection of genetically normal embryos for transfer. Such embryos are expected to have a higher chance of implantation. In collaboration with the scientists at Reprogenetics, we are recruiting patients to help us demonstrate whether PGS does improve success rates in routine IVF patients. Patients who require IVF treatment between the ages of 37 and 42, and who desire the transfer of no more than two embryos, may be eligible for this trial. Participants in this trial will be randomized, so that only half will actually receive the preimplantation genetic diagnosis. For this reason, any patient who would otherwise require PGD is not eligible. There will be no charge for the genetic diagnosis portion of the treatment. There are several other eligibility requirements for this study – to learn more, please call for an appointment to speak with a physician.