Gonadal Dysfunction in Male Long-term Survivors of Malignant Lymphoma; Vitality-Obs

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Hodgkin Lymphoma are two aggressive lymphomas often treated with doxorubicin containing chemotherapy. Doxorubicin is an anthracycline and is known to be toxic to both Leydig Cells of the testes and hormone-producing cells of the hypothalamus. Therefore patients treated with this drug are at risk of developing hypogonadism. Standard follow-up programs do not include investigation of hormone levels. With this study we aim to investigate the extent of hypogonadisme in patients treated with anthracycline containing chemotherapy, to clarify whether it is relevant to include serum testosterone in standard follow-up programs.

Our Hypothesis:

Hypothesis 1: A significant proportion of long-term male survivors of HL and DLBCL have impaired QoL due to sexual dysfunction.

Hypothesis 2: A significant proportion of long-term male survivors of HL and DLBCL have reduced levels of testosterone.

Hypothesis 3: A significant relationship between QoL, sexual dysfunction and testosterone levels exists.

To clarify the extent of hypogonadisme a single blood test including s-total-testosterone will be drawn once, and levels below age adjusted reference levels will be classified as hypogonadisme. To assess patients sexuality and quality of life, 3 questionnaires will be filled out; the EORTC QLQ-C30 for general quality of life, EORTC SHQ-22 for sexual health and IIEF-5 for sexual function.

To evaluate whether normal reference levels are sufficient in the examination of lymphoma survivors, included men with serum testosterone in the lower part of the normal reference interval will be offered further hormonal evaluation at the department of growth and reproduction at Copenhagen University hospital. Blood test results will be evaluted by this research group.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18-65 years at follow-up
• Male
• Verified diagnosis of de novo DLBCL or classical HL diagnosed between April 2008 and April 2018 according to WHO classification.
• Completed curative intent first line treatment with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy with or without consolidating radiotherapy, with disease in complete remission at EOT-PET/CT at least one year prior to inclusion.
• Literate in Danish

Exclusion criteria

• Concurrent low-grade lymphoma
• Current or prior lymphoproliferative disease of the central nervous system (CNS)
• Current or prior lymphoproliferative disease of the testes
• Mental or physical conditions that are expected to prevent the necessary "compliance" and/or "adherence" in relation to the study procedures.
• Treatment with second line chemotherapy or high dose therapy.
• Current or prior anabolic steroid drug abuse