Mosaic is the term assigned to embryos found to possess both normal and abnormal cells during preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). PGS is typically completed on day five of embryo development for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Through PGS, embryologists can detect, and often diagnose, potential chromosomal abnormalities including the presence of Down syndrome. Until very recently, any cell with noted defects was discarded and not considered for IVF transfer.

However, recent developments have led doctors to suspect that these abnormal cells may be viable for transfer after all. In this episode, Eric Forman, M.D., medical and laboratory director at Columbia University Fertility Center, joins host Mark P. Trolice, M.D., to discuss why there has been some success in the transfer of mixed quality (mosaic) embryos, and why many of the births have gone on to produce healthy, normal babies.

Tune in to discover:

  • What mosaic embryos are and where they come from
  • The benefits (and limitations) of preimplantation genetic testing
  • Why mosaic embryos may be viable for IVF transfer
  • When women and couples might consider using mosaic embryos for transfer

About Eric Forman

As the Medical and Laboratory Director at Columbia University Fertility Center, Eric Forman, MD, HCLD, oversees the medical practice as well as the IVF embryology and andrology laboratories. He also actively sees patients with infertility and those seeking to preserve their fertility. Dr. Forman has extensive clinical and laboratory research experience. He has published more than 40 articles in peer-reviewed journals on a wide range of topics in assisted reproductive technology (ART).

He has a special interest in using preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) to optimize IVF and improve selection for elective single embryo transfer (eSET). A randomized controlled trial he led demonstrated, for the first time, that transferring a single chromosomally-normal embryo can achieve the same live birth rates as transferring two untested embryos. After publication of this paper, eSET rates skyrocketed and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine references Dr. Forman’s study in its guideline on the number of embryos to transfer in IVF. He also has an interest in fertility preservation, and a study he led proved that egg freezing using the rapid vitrification technology does not increase the risk of genetic abnormalities in the resulting embryos. This study was cited as a “watershed in ART” by one of the world’s leading experts on cryopreservation.

About Mark P. Trolice, M.D.

Mark P. Trolice, M.D., FACOG, FACS, FACE is Director of Fertility CARE: The IVF Center in Winter Park, Florida and Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando responsible for the medical education of OB/GYN residents and medical students as well as Medical Endocrinology fellows. He is past President of the Florida Society of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) and past Division Director of REI at Winnie Palmer Hospital, part of Orlando Health.

He is double board certified in REI and OB/GYN, maintains annual recertification, and has been awarded the American Medical Association’s “Physicians’ Recognition Award” annually. He holds the unique distinction of being a Fellow in all three American Colleges of OB/GYN, of Surgeons, and of Endocrinology. His colleagues select him as Top Doctor in America® annually, one among the top 5% of doctors in the U.S. In 2018, he was awarded the “Social Responsibility Award” by the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. For ten years his foundation, Fertile Dreams, organized seminars to increase fertility awareness and granted national scholarships for those unable to afford in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

Dr. Trolice serves on committees for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology as well as the editorial advisory board of Ob.Gyn.News. He has conducted scientific studies with resultant numerous publications and been appointed a reviewer in many leading medical journals and textbooks. He has lectured at numerous physician and patient seminars around the country. In addition, he is interviewed regularly on TV news/talk shows, radio, podcasts, print/online magazines and newspapers on reproductive health topics. His current book is on the Infertility journey to be published by Harvard Common Press in mid-2019.