Sexual function in males after radiotherapy for rectal cancer

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2010 Mar 15;76(4):1012-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.03.075. Epub 2009 Oct 31.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Erectile Dysfunction / blood
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway
  • Penile Erection / physiology
  • Penile Erection / radiation effects*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Rectal Neoplasms / blood
  • Rectal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Rectal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Testosterone