Sexual function after three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for prostate cancer: results from a dose-escalation trial.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to provide information about sexual function (SF) after three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for prostate cancer while taking important factors into account that influence SF.


METHODS
Between June 1997 and February 2003, a total of 268 patients from a randomized dose-escalation trial comparing 68 Gy and 78 Gy agreed to participate in an additional part of the trial that evaluated SF.


RESULTS
At baseline 28% of patients had erectile dysfunction (ED). After 1 year, 27% of the pretreatment potent patients had developed ED. After 2 years this percentage had increased to 36%. After 3 years it almost stabilized at 38%. Satisfaction with sexual life was significantly correlated with ED. After 2 years one third of the pre-treatment potent patients still had considerable to very much sexual desire and found sex (very) important. No significant differences were found between the two dose-arms. Potency aids were used on a regular base by 14% of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
By taking adjuvant hormonal therapy (HT), HT during follow-up and potency aids into account, we found a lower percentage of ED after 3D-CRT than reported in previous prospective studies. A large group of patients still had sexual desire, considered sex important and 14% used potency aids after 3D-CRT.
van der Wielen
Gerard J
GJ
Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. g.vanderwielen@erasmusmc.nl
van Putten
Wim L J
WL
Incrocci
Luca
L
D000368:Aged; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003075:Coitus / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008418:Masturbation / Q000523:psychology; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000502:physiology*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal
D006728:Hormones