E M Krouwel1,2, Z Kramer3,4, R Gordijn5, M P J Nicolai6, S Osanto7, H Putter8, R C M Pelger1,2, H W Elzevier1,2. 1. Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands. 2. Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands. 3. Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands. z.kramer@lumc.nl. 4. Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands. z.kramer@lumc.nl. 5. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands. 6. Department of Urology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 7. Department of Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands. 8. Department of Medical Statistics, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anti-cancer drugs commonly adversely affect fertility and sexual function. Despite this, patients report a lack of counselling of these potential adverse effects. The aim was to determine Dutch oncologists' knowledge about the adverse effects of various cancer drugs on fertility and sexual function. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was sent to members of the Dutch Society for Medical Oncology (n = 433). The survey questions included various cancer drugs' adverse effects on fertility, ovulation, spermatogenesis, and sexual function. RESULTS: One hundred and five of 392 oncologists responded (26.8%). Oncologists were more aware of the adverse effects on fertility compared to sexual function. Drugs that were mostly believed to negatively affect fertility were cisplatin (n = 81, 80.2%), epirubicin (n = 78, 78.0%) and cyclophosphamide (n = 80, 77.7%). Regarding sexual function, most mentioned drugs were tamoxifen (n = 67, 65.7%), GnRH-agonists (n = 64, 63.4%) and cisplatin (n = 58, 57.4%). Oncologists with expertise in urology possessed more awareness regarding sexuality-related adverse effects (cisplatin p = 0.038, etoposide p = 0.025, ifosfamide p = 0.06, vinblastine p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Results revealed that oncologists have different beliefs about possible sexual and fertility-related adverse effects concerning medication resources and literature. Based on our results, oncologists do not possess sufficient knowledge to inform patients about sexual and fertility-related adverse effects.
BACKGROUND: Anti-cancer drugs commonly adversely affect fertility and sexual function. Despite this, patients report a lack of counselling of these potential adverse effects. The aim was to determine Dutch oncologists' knowledge about the adverse effects of various cancer drugs on fertility and sexual function. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was sent to members of the Dutch Society for Medical Oncology (n = 433). The survey questions included various cancer drugs' adverse effects on fertility, ovulation, spermatogenesis, and sexual function. RESULTS: One hundred and five of 392 oncologists responded (26.8%). Oncologists were more aware of the adverse effects on fertility compared to sexual function. Drugs that were mostly believed to negatively affect fertility were cisplatin (n = 81, 80.2%), epirubicin (n = 78, 78.0%) and cyclophosphamide (n = 80, 77.7%). Regarding sexual function, most mentioned drugs were tamoxifen (n = 67, 65.7%), GnRH-agonists (n = 64, 63.4%) and cisplatin (n = 58, 57.4%). Oncologists with expertise in urology possessed more awareness regarding sexuality-related adverse effects (cisplatin p = 0.038, etoposide p = 0.025, ifosfamide p = 0.06, vinblastine p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Results revealed that oncologists have different beliefs about possible sexual and fertility-related adverse effects concerning medication resources and literature. Based on our results, oncologists do not possess sufficient knowledge to inform patients about sexual and fertility-related adverse effects.