Patient-Reported Outcomes During Pelvic Radiation Therapy: A Secondary Analysis on Sexual Function From NRG-RTOG 1203

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has shown reduced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities compared to 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DRT) in cervical/endometrial cancer patients receiving postoperative radiation therapy (RT).
• Patient-reported sexual function (PR-SF) is a critical aspect of quality of life following cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a secondary analysis of patient-reported sexual function (PR-SF) in patients treated with IMRT versus 3DRT.
• To identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction after RT for cervical/endometrial cancer.

Main Methods:

• Patients from NRG-RTOG 1203 were randomized to IMRT or 3DRT.
• Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including sexual function were collected using FACT-Cx surveys at multiple time points.
• Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and repeated-measures logistic regression, were used to compare treatment groups and identify influencing factors.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in PR-SF were observed between the IMRT and 3DRT groups.
• Over time after RT, fear of sex decreased and interest in sex improved.
• GI toxicity, specifically abdominal pain, was associated with negative impacts on sexual function and body image concerns at 1 year post-RT.

Conclusions:

• PR-SF outcomes were comparable between IMRT and 3DRT treatment groups.
• Sexual interest improved and fear of sex declined over time following RT.
• Patients experiencing GI toxicity post-RT are at higher risk for diminished sexual function.