A Longitudinal Study Evaluating Sexual Health Outcomes and Prioritization in Patients Undergoing Chemoradiation for Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer

McDowell, L; Gough, K; Fua, T; Coleman, A; Drosdowsky, A; Rischin, D; Corry, J

Author(s): McDowell, L; Gough, K; Fua, T; Coleman, A; Drosdowsky, A; Rischin, D; Corry, J;
Details: Publication Year 2024-03-15,Volume 118,Issue #4,Page 1018-1028
Journal Title: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: PURPOSE: The primary objectives were to describe the longitudinal course of sexual health in people undergoing curative (chemo)radiation therapy ([C)RT) for human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPVOPSCC) and identify factors associated with higher sexual satisfaction 12 months after (C)RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eligible participants from 3 sites were recruited to a prospective observational study between October 2020 and November 2021. Measures of sexual health (22-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Sexual Health Questionnaire), treatment outcome priorities (Chicago Priorities Scale), quality of life (30-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire), symptom burden (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck), emotional distress (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System - Anxiety and Depression), and facial appearance and appearance distress (FACE-Q) were administered before, at the end, and 3 and 12 months after (C)RT. RESULTS: Of 128 eligible participants, 100 were recruited; sexual health measure data were available for 89 of 98 patients alive at 12 months. Mean sexual satisfaction scores were 51.8 (SD = 26.6) before (C)RT. Mixed model results indicated a clinically significant reduction in sexual satisfaction by the end of (-25.4; 95% CI, -30.7 to -20.2) and 3 months after CRT (-12.2; -17.3 to -7.0) but not 12 months after CRT (-3.8; 95% CI, -9.0 to 1.4). Of 13 treatment outcome priorities, "keeping sexual function" had a median rank of 10 and 9 before and 12 months after (C)RT, respectively; 24% and 26% identified it as a top priority at these times. Cohabiting, having a sexual partner, being sexually active, higher global health status, lower sexual health issues, lower depression, and considering sexual function a top priority were associated with higher sexual satisfaction scores 12 months after (C)RT. CONCLUSIONS: Although affected acutely by (C)RT, average sexual satisfaction returned to near pretreatment levels after 12 months. Sexual function is considered a top survivorship priority by approximately one-quarter of patients with HPVOPSCC.
Publisher: Elsevier
Keywords: Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Quality of Life; *Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/therapy; Treatment Outcome; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; *Head and Neck Neoplasms
Department(s): Radiation Oncology; Health Services Research; Medical Oncology
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.10.006
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2024-04-09 12:02:06

Last Modified: 2024-04-09 12:02:24