Egle Stukaite-Ruibiene1, Mantas Jurkonis1,2, Robertas Adomaitis1, Zana Bumbuliene1,3, Zivile Gudleviciene3, Gilvydas Verkauskas1,4, Kestutis Zagminas1, Rasa Vaiciuniene2, Jelena Rascon5,6. 1. Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuania. 2. Center for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Vilnius University, Lithuania. 3. Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vilnius University, Lithuania. 4. Center of Children's Surgery, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Vilnius University, Lithuania. 5. Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuania. jelena.rascon@santa.lt. 6. Center for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Vilnius University, Lithuania. jelena.rascon@santa.lt.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Sexual dysfunction was reported to compromise the quality of life in childhood cancer survivors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reproductive health in long-term pediatric cancer survivors by conducting a crosscut survey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Childhood cancer survivors over 18 years of age, who were in remission for more than 5 years, were invited to complete a gender-specific questionnaire surveying on their reproductive health. Demographic and treatment data were retrieved from their medical records. Treatment modalities were reviewed for its potential gonadotoxicity. RESULTS: 34 (17 males and 17 females, respectively) from 346 addressed survivors (9.8%) completed the questionnaire. Median age and follow-up after diagnosis was 27 (18-35) and 14 (3-25) years, respectively. Some respondents reported sexual concerns: 11.8% males experienced problems with penetration, two males (11.8%) who underwent semen analysis were found to be azoospermic. Similarly, 11.8% females reported delayed puberty, the average age of menarche was 14 (12-17) years, 29.4% females reported irregular menstrual cycles. Cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) differed significantly between the patients treated for leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors (3000 vs 4352 vs 6660 mg/m2, respectively, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Low prevalence of sexual dysfunction, fertility related disorders or delayed puberty in childhood cancer survivors was found. However, the results should be interpreted with caution taking into account a low response rate.
OBJECTIVES: Sexual dysfunction was reported to compromise the quality of life in childhood cancer survivors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reproductive health in long-term pediatric cancer survivors by conducting a crosscut survey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Childhood cancer survivors over 18 years of age, who were in remission for more than 5 years, were invited to complete a gender-specific questionnaire surveying on their reproductive health. Demographic and treatment data were retrieved from their medical records. Treatment modalities were reviewed for its potential gonadotoxicity. RESULTS: 34 (17 males and 17 females, respectively) from 346 addressed survivors (9.8%) completed the questionnaire. Median age and follow-up after diagnosis was 27 (18-35) and 14 (3-25) years, respectively. Some respondents reported sexual concerns: 11.8% males experienced problems with penetration, two males (11.8%) who underwent semen analysis were found to be azoospermic. Similarly, 11.8% females reported delayed puberty, the average age of menarche was 14 (12-17) years, 29.4% females reported irregular menstrual cycles. Cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) differed significantly between the patients treated for leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors (3000 vs 4352 vs 6660 mg/m2, respectively, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Low prevalence of sexual dysfunction, fertility related disorders or delayed puberty in childhood cancer survivors was found. However, the results should be interpreted with caution taking into account a low response rate.
Entities:
Keywords:
late effects; long-term survivors; pediatric cancer; reproductive health; sexual dysfunction
Authors: M E Madeleine van der Perk; Eglė Stukaitė-Ruibienė; Marry M van den Heuvel-Eibrink; Jelena Rascon; Žana Bumbulienė; Goda Elizabeta Vaitkevičienė; Annelies M E Bos Journal: BMC Cancer Date: 2022-04-25 Impact factor: 4.638