Long-term sexual functioning in germ-cell tumor survivors.

backgroundSurvivors of germ-cell tumors (GCT) may suffer from long-term adverse consequences. Our study was conducted to assess a long-term sexual functioning in GCT survivors.

methodsGCT survivors (N = 170) from the National Cancer Institute in Slovakia completed a Sexual Function Questionnaire that was modified from PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction Questionnaire 9-year median follow up (range 5-32) as a primary exploratory aim. Study groups consisted of 17 survivors (10%) who had active surveillance (AS, controls), and 153 (90%) survivors who received treatment beyond orchiectomy (Tx), including cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CT, N = 132; 78%), radiotherapy to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes (RT, N = 12; 7%) or both (CTRT, N = 9; 5%).

resultsIn univariate analysis, treatment of any type resulted in difficulty to maintain erection during sexual intercourse compared to patients treated with AS (P = 0.04). Survivors who received CTRT had lower ability to achieve orgasm during sexual activities (P = 0.04) and they reported disappointment with their overall quality of sex life (P = 0.002). The number of attempts to initiate sexual intercourse did not differ. Sexual relationships caused none or mild anxiety and the desire to be sexually active was higher after CTRT (P = 0.05). Multivariable analysis confirmed that orgasmic dysfunction after ≥400 mg/m

conclusionsThis study identified an impairment in sexual function may represent an issue for long-term GCT survivors. Treatment with chemotherapy plus radiotherapy were associated with disappointment and stronger sexual desire, while a higher cumulative dose of cisplatin may be responsible for orgasmic dysfunction.