Sexual dysfunction after radical radiation therapy for prostate cancer: a prospective evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the rate of loss of potency after radiation therapy (RT).


METHODS
Two hundred ninety men with localized prostate cancer were evaluated prospectively before and after RT to the prostate alone for change in erectile function. Data were collected before treatment by way of a questionnaire using a simple three-tier potency scale and after RT by the clinician at each follow-up visit.


RESULTS
At 12 months, 62% of men (90 of 146) who were potent before RT preserved their potency; at 24 months, this figure was 41%. Men who had "normal" potency before RT were statistically significantly more likely to remain potent after RT.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that detailed knowledge of potency rates before and after RT is important for current decision-making and for evaluating new treatment techniques.
Division of Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia.
S L
SL
Turner
K
K
Adams
C A
CA
Bull
M P
MP
Berry
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires