Sexual Function and Wellbeing in Females With Rectal Cancer

Preoperative radiotherapy (RT) and pelvic surgery is recommended to many patients with rectal cancer. For women there are theoretical reasons to believe that the treatment may affect hormone levels, sexual function and wellbeing. To address these questions a longitudinal observational study was initiated where androgen levels and sexual function were assessed before treatment (baseline) and during a follow-up period of two years.

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Key information

Conditions

Rectal Cancer Colorectal Neoplasms Digestive System Diseases Digestive System Neoplasms Gastrointestinal Diseases Gastrointestinal Neoplasms Intestinal Diseases Intestinal Neoplasms Neoplasms Neoplasms by Site Rectal Diseases Rectal Neoplasms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden

About this study

Women with rectal cancer stage I to III planned for abdominal surgery was included in the study. Women treated with preoperative RT were assigned to the exposed group and women treated with surgery alone were assigned to the unexposed group.

142 participants were enrolled at five outpatient rectal cancer centres in Sweden between 2008 and 2013. Patient data, fasting venous blood samples and questionnaires regarding sexual function and well-being were collected at a baseline visit before start of oncologic treatment, 1 year after surgery and 2 years after surgery (only questionnaires). Women treated with preoperative RT for rectal cancer had an additional venous blood sample taken the day before surgery.

Changes in serum levels of testosterone and sexual function during follow-up was assessed and compared between exposed and unexposed participants.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Females diagnosed with rectal cancer stadium I-III, planned surgery with or without preoperative radiotherapy.

Exclusion criteria

Rectal cancer stadium IV
Previous radiotherapy to the pelvic region
Inability to provide informed consent.
Life expectancy less than 2 years.

Treatment and study plan

preoperative radiotherapy

Radiation

Preoperative radiotherapy (RT) was administered as either short course (5Gy x5) or long-course (2Gy x25 or 1.8 Gy x25 with or without 3 fractions of boost to the primary tumor and radiologically malignant lymph nodes) treatment with or without concomitant or sequential chemotherapy. Oncological treatment was decided at a multidisciplinary team conference.

Primary outcomes

Change in Serum Testosterone Levels Between Baseline and 1 Year After Surgery.

Time frame: Baseline, the week before surgery and 1 year after surgery.

Fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline visit (prior to oncological treatment) and 1 year follow-up. Participants treated with preoperative radiotherapy (RT) had an additional blood sample taken the day before surgery. Serum testosterone levels (T) were measured with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry using the LC-MS/MS Quattro Premier Xevo TQ MS (Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, USA). The total coefficients of variation (CVtot) were 7% at 2.8 nmol/L and 6% at 15 nmol/L.
Change in Sexual Function (Total FSFI Scores) Between Baseline and 2 Years Follow-up.

Time frame: Baseline, 1 year after surgery and 2 years after surgery.

Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The FSFI questionnaire is a 19-item multiple-choice, self-assessment tool validated for use in the general population as well as for patients with cancer. It covers six domains of sexual function in women; desire (2 items), arousal (4 items), lubrication (4 items), orgasm (3 items), satisfaction (3 items) and pain (3 items). Items scores between 0 or 1 to 5, with lower scores indicating worse function. A total FSFI score can be calculated when all items are completed. Minimal total score is 4 points and maximal score is 95 points, with lower scores indicating worse function. A total FSFI score of less than 26.55 points was used to define overall sexual dysfunction.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Karolinska Institutet

Other

Collaborators

Swedish Cancer Society

Registry information

Official study title

Sexual Function and Wellbeing in Females Diagnosed With Rectal Cancer

Important dates

Study start: 2008
Primary completion: 2013
Study completion: 2015
First posted: Oct 7, 2010
Registry last updated: Apr 9, 2021

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed