New findings presented at the 2026 International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology Congress indicate Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) may not accurately reflect ovarian reserve in women with cancer, particularly those with systemic inflammation.
An observational study analyzed over 330 women undergoing fertility preservation, including those with breast, hematologic, and other cancers. Researchers aimed to determine if Antral Follicle Count (AFC) or AMH better predicts ovarian response.
Women with blood cancers exhibited higher AFC and oocyte yield despite similar AMH levels compared to others. This discrepancy suggests that systemic inflammation, common in cancer patients, can suppress AMH secretion or accelerate its degradation, leading to an underestimation of true follicular reserve.
While AMH tests may present lower-than-actual values, AFC provided more reliable predictions for controlled ovarian stimulation response. Researchers advise clinicians to interpret low AMH cautiously in patients with hematologic disease and to integrate AFC and clinical factors into assisted reproduction counseling.