Patient-Reported Sexual Function in Long-Term Survivors of Anal Cancer Treated With Definitive Intensity Modulated...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Pelvic chemoradiation is a standard treatment for anal cancer.
• This treatment can significantly impact patients' sexual function.
• Limited data exist on long-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs) regarding sexual function after intensity-modulated radiation and concurrent chemotherapy (CRT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess long-term sexual function patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients treated with CRT for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA).
• To identify factors associated with sexual function outcomes in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 148 eligible patients (alive and recurrence-free) treated with CRT for SCCA between 2010 and 2018.
• Validated questionnaires including PROMIS sexual function and satisfaction, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used.
• Clinical and dosimetric data were collected, and multiple regression models were employed to analyze factors associated with sexual function PROs.

Main Results:

• 112 patients (45.2%) completed the survey; 90% were women and 95.5% were white.
• The median interval since CRT was 51 months.
• Sexual activity was reported by 54.5% of men and 57.1% of women. Sexually active patients were significantly younger than inactive patients (P < .001).
• Median FSFI score for sexually active women was 20.2, and median IIEF-5 score for men was 14.

Conclusions:

• Patients treated with modern CRT for SCCA report significant long-term sexual dysfunction.
• Validated PROs indicate a substantial impact on sexual health.
• There is a clear need for interventions aimed at mitigating sexual toxicities and enhancing patient support following this treatment regimen.