5156 - Erectile dysfunction in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Background

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) can cause sexual dysfunction as an adverse effect in male patients. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can also result from adverse effects of targeted therapy of mRCC, such as fatigue, pain, anorexia, asthenia or hypothyroidism. The objective of the study was to evaluate the rate of ED in a male population with mRCC.

Methods

One hundred thirty-two male patients with clear cell mRCC were enrolled. All patients were evaluated for erectile function with the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) before and after the first cycle/month of the first-line targeted therapy with sunitinib, pazopanib, bevacizumab+IFN, sorafenib, or temsirolimus.

Results

Median age was 59 years (range 43–67 years). 89 (67%) patients had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. At baseline, IIEF-5 mean score was 19 (SD, 2.6). Patients with 2 and more IMDC risk factors (39%) had a lower IIEF-5 mean score (14; SD, 3.3). 99 (75%) patients reported a negative change in their sexual life since the start of the targeted therapy. 35 (27%) patients had no sexual activity. After the first treatment cycle/month IIEF-5 mean score reduced to 8 (SD, 1.9), which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The IIEF-5 scores were not associated with a type of anticancer treatment (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Prospective evaluation in a large cohort of patients with mRCC revealed mild ED (19/25) in the treatment-naive male population and severe ED (8/25) after the first cycle/month of the first-line targeted therapy. Significant decrease in erectile function should be considered as a potential adverse event in male patients undergoing treatment of mRCC with targeted agents.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.