Volume 76, Issue 4 , Pages 1012-1017, 15 March 2010
Sexual Function in Males After Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer
Purpose
Knowledge of sexual problems after pre- or postoperative radiotherapy (RT) with 50 Gy for rectal cancer is limited. In this study, we aimed to compare self-rated sexual functioning in irradiated (RT+) and nonirradiated (RT-) male patients at least 2 years after surgery for rectal cancer.
Methods and Materials
Patients diagnosed with rectal cancer from 1993 to 2003 were identified from the Norwegian Rectal Cancer Registry. Male patients without recurrence at the time of the study. The International Index of Erectile Function, a self-rated instrument, was used to assess sexual functioning, and serum levels of serum testosterone were measured.
Results
Questionnaires were returned from 241 patients a median of 4.5 years after surgery. The median age was 67 years at survey. RT+ patients (n = 108) had significantly poorer scores for erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction with sex life compared with RT– patients (n = 133). In multiple age-adjusted analysis, the odds ratio for moderate–severe erectile dysfunction in RT+ patients was 7.3 compared with RT– patients (p <0.001). Furthermore, erectile dysfunction of this degree was associated with low serum testosterone (p = 0.01).
Conclusion
RT for rectal cancer is associated with significant long-term effects on sexual function in males.
Radiotherapy, Rectal cancer, Sexual function, Erectile dysfunction, Late effects
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This work was supported by a research grant from the South Eastern Norway Health Authority and with support from the Norwegian Colorectal Registry and the Norwegian Cancer Registry.
Conflicts of interest: none.
PII: S0360-3016(09)00909-2
doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.03.075
© 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Volume 76, Issue 4 , Pages 1012-1017, 15 March 2010
