Sexual function in males after radiotherapy for rectal cancer.
OBJECTIVE
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
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).


CONCLUSIONS
RT for rectal cancer is associated with significant long-term effects on sexual function in males.
Bruheim
Kjersti
K
Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål Cancer Centre, 0407 Oslo, Norway. Kjersti.bruheim@medisin.uio.no
Guren
Marianne G
MG
Dahl
Alv A
AA
Skovlund
Eva
E
Balteskard
Lise
L
Carlsen
Erik
E
Fosså
Sophie D
SD
Tveit
Kjell Magne
KM
D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D013739:Testosterone