[Erectile function after permanent prostate brachytherapy: A long term prospective study about 157 cases].
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the preservation of sexual function in the long-term in patients treated with brachytherapy using a validated self-questionnaire and determine the role of different clinical and therapeutic parameters.


METHODS
From December 1999 to June 2002, 157 consecutive patients treated by prostate brachytherapy have been selected for the study. A questionnaire of the EORTC "QLQ C30" assorted with the module "PR25" has been submitted before treatment and in the second quarter 2007. Hundred and twenty-eight patients returned their questionnaires (81.5 %). Statistical analysis was made with 64 patients. The median follow-up was 6 years (+/-0.57 year). The settings can interfere with sexual function were assessed: age, prostate volume, co-morbidity, adjuvant hormonal therapy, D 90, V 150 and V 240. Statistical analysis was made by way univariate ANOVA procedure and mode Chi(2) and multivariate (logistic regression), the variable being studied "conservation of sexual activity YES/NO".


RESULTS
The conservation rate of sexual function was 64 %. No variable can explain the loss of sexual function is reflected statistically significant (p<0.05). The most informative variable in the statistical analysis was the D 90 but is not seen as likely by a significant lack of power (p=0.08 in univariate analysis and p=0.2 in multivariate analysis).


CONCLUSIONS
Brachytherapy for prostate preserved sexual function in the long-term in 64 % of cases (64 patients) and is therefore an attractive alternative for patients wishing to preserve it.
Marçon
N
N
Service d'urologie, CHU de Nancy-Brabois, allée du Morvan, 54500 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France. marcon.nicolas@gmail.com
Cormier
L
L
Peiffert
D
D
Mangin
P
P
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D000368:Aged; D001918:Brachytherapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D019529:Sexuality; D013997:Time Factors