A. Tam1, Z. Huang2, E. Lopez Gonzalez3, T. Abuali1, N. Correnti4, T. A. DeWees5, S. Maroongroge1, B. Eastman3, S. M. Glaser1, S. V. Dandapani1, P. Lee6, J. Y. C. Wong1, K. Chan3, C. Lau3, W. Yip3, T. B. Dorff7, and Y. R. Li1; 1Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 2City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 3City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 4City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 5Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 6Department of Radiation Oncology, Lennar Foundation Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope National Medical Center, Irvine, CA, 7Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
Purpose/Objective(s): Treatments for prostate cancer (PCa) can profoundly impact sexual health (SH). Previous studies have found that PCa patients (pts) are concerned about their SH as a consequence of treatment. Discussing and addressing these concerns upfront can help set appropriate expectations and impact treatment decisions. Limited studies have explored if SH concerns are adequately addressed by their oncologists. There is presently a lack of understanding of how to best address these concerns. Materials/
Methods: This was a survey study of pts with newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve, PCa to characterize their SH concerns and identify opportunities to facilitate discussions with oncologists. Anonymous surveys were administered to pts from a comprehensive cancer center and its network sites. Pts were approached by our study team or self-recruited via flyers posted in our clinics during follow-up or consultation related to PCa treatment. Demographics such as age, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity were collected. Baseline sexual functions were assessed using International Index of Erectile Function. Pts were asked to rate statements about their SH concerns on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. Respondents were also asked to evaluate their past discussions with their oncologists. Demographics and survey results were summarized using descriptive statistics. This study was approved by our institutions review board. Results: From Dec 2023 to Feb 2024, a total of 36 pts participated in the study during this period, 25 (69%) pts met the screening criteria (i.e., excluded due to prior treatments) and proceeded to the actual survey. Of the 25 pts, the median age was 70 (range 52 to 83) years. A majority identified as (non-Hispanic) White (44%), heterosexual (91%), married/living with a partner (92%), and college-educated or higher (68%). Sixteen (64%) reported that they were currently sexually active, with 44% reporting some degree of satisfaction with their overall sex life. Only four (16%) pts reported having had prior SH conversations with their oncologists, and among these, the majority (75%) were satisfied with their discussions. A sizeable number of pts reported some degree of concern about the cancer treatment’s impact on their sexual performance (56%), libido (48%), erectile function (56%), and ability to satisfy their partner(s) (48%). The largest percentage (48%) of pts cited conversations with their oncologists as their preferred method of learning more about the impact of treatment on SH; others preferred educational brochures (32%) or referrals to SH specialists (20%). Conclusion: In this survey study, we found that SH concerns are common among patients with newly diagnosed PCa. Only a small percentage of pts have had discussions about SH with their oncologists, but many would like to discuss SH with their oncologists, suggesting an unmet need in care.
