Sexual dysfunction prior to high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Psychology
• Sexual Medicine

Background:

• High-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are linked to psychological issues, including sexual dysfunction.
• Limited prospective data exists on sexual dysfunction before BMT, with a lack of baseline information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively assess sexual function in patients immediately before undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and BMT.
• To identify the prevalence and specific parameters of sexual dysfunction in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• The Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning (DISF) was used to assess 30 patients prior to BMT.
• Patient data included malignancy type (primarily hematological) and transplant type (allograft recipients).

Main Results:

• 47% of patients exhibited global sexual dysfunction, and 60% had abnormalities in at least one sexual function parameter.
• Sexual dysfunction correlated with ejaculatory and erectile problems, but not amenorrhea.
• Cancer-related psychological issues were associated with sexual dysfunction.
• A control group of cancer inpatients showed similar sexual dysfunction rates, suggesting cancer/therapy as the cause, not the transplant prospect.

Conclusions:

• Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent issue in patients awaiting BMT.
• The findings underscore the importance of baseline quality of life and psychological assessments before BMT.
• Further research is needed to determine if interventions can mitigate pre-BMT sexual dysfunction.