The Effect of Radiation on Semen Quality and Fertility in Men With Prostate Cancer

Many younger men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. These patients are often choosing radiation therapy as their primary treatment. The effect of this therapy on fertility will have a direct impact on their decision about therapeutic options and fertility preservation. The researchers hypothesize that when patients are treated with radiation for localized prostate cancer, infertility can occur due to direct damage to seminiferous tubules affecting sperm quality.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Prostate Cancer Genital Diseases Genital Diseases, Male Genital Neoplasms, Male Male Urogenital Diseases Neoplasms Neoplasms by Site Prostatic Diseases Prostatic Neoplasms Urogenital Diseases Urogenital Neoplasms

Age range

18 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Observational

Primary location

University Health Network

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada

About this study

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant disease among men. Many young men are diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. Some of these men are choosing to manage their prostate cancer with radiation therapy. The radiation therapy delivers minimal dose exposure to adjacent organs. We hypothesize that when patients are treated with radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer, decreased fertility can occur due to damage of seminiferous tubules, which may affect sperm quality. This study will assess the impact of radiation therapy on semen and seminal fluid.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Subjects with histologically confirmed low risk to moderate stage prostate cancer (Gleason 6 - 7) treated with brachytherapy or external beam radiation
> 12 months ago

Exclusion criteria

Subjects with a prior history of infertility
Subjects who have undergone vasectomy
Subjects who have received LHRH therapy for prostate cancer < 6 months ago
Subjects who have received anti-androgens < 3 months ago
Subjects using alpha blockers within 7 days of specimen provision
Subjects who have taken finasteride or dutasteride within the previous 4 months.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Radiation on Semen Quality and Fertility in Men Treated With External Beam Radiation or Brachytherapy for Early Stage Prostate Cancer

Important dates

Study start: 2007
Primary completion: 2008
Study completion: 2008
First posted: Jul 4, 2007
Registry last updated: Dec 22, 2015

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.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed