全球精子库“天花板”爆雷,上百个家庭陷入癌症噩梦
虎嗅APP·2025-12-17 13:42

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant crisis in the Danish sperm donation industry, particularly focusing on the European Sperm Bank, which has faced severe reputational damage due to a genetic mutation linked to cancer found in children conceived using its donor sperm [7][8][12]. Group 1: Background of the European Sperm Bank - The European Sperm Bank, established in 2004, is one of Denmark's largest sperm banks and has been known for its rigorous screening processes and diverse donor selection [5][12]. - Denmark is a leading sperm exporter, with a significant portion of sperm used in fertility treatments across Europe, including countries like Belgium and the UK [12]. Group 2: The Genetic Mutation Incident - A rare and highly carcinogenic genetic mutation (TP53 mutation) was discovered in a donor's sperm, which has led to at least 197 children being conceived across 14 countries, with 23 confirmed to carry the mutation [7][8][10]. - The mutation is associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, significantly increasing the risk of various cancers from a young age [11]. Group 3: Regulatory and Ethical Implications - The incident has raised questions about the regulatory framework governing sperm banks and the adequacy of current screening technologies, which failed to detect the mutation due to its low prevalence in the donor's sperm [18][24]. - There is a lack of consensus among EU countries regarding the maximum number of families a single donor can assist, leading to potential overuse of certain donors [21][22]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The European sperm market is projected to exceed £2 billion by 2033, driven by increasing demand for assisted reproductive technologies [12][26]. - The article highlights the ethical dilemmas and risks associated with sperm donation, emphasizing the need for improved transparency and regulation in the industry [24][27].