CN53 - Sexual function in survivors of hematological malignancy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is one of the treatments for patients with hematological malignancies that improves prognosis and survival. Sexual dysfunction following AHSCT is common and affects survivors’ quality of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the sexual function (SF) of survivors of hematological malignancy and AHSCT and to compare it with the SF of healthy individuals.

Methods

A multicenter, quantitative, and cross-sectional study was conducted. Through convenience sampling,127 adults (56 women and 71 men) and survivors of hematological malignancy, who underwent AHSCT from 6 months to 5 years, were recruited from 5 hospitals in Athens,Greece.Also,134 healthy adults were recruited (60 women and 74 men). Survivors and controls completed demographic and clinical data and a male or female SF assessment tool [International Index Erectile Function (IIEF) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) respectively].

Results

Female survivors had a mean of 44 years of age and male ones, 47 years. The median time from transplant was 3 years and the majority had Hodgkin's lymphoma. According to the FSFI, female survivors had a moderate level of SF, with better functioning area “pain” (mean: 4.0 ± 1.74) and worse “orgasm” (mean: 3.19 ± 1.52). According to the IIEF, male survivors had a high level of SF, with better functioning area “erection” (mean: 22.54 ± 8.70) and worse “overall satisfaction” (mean: 6.94 ± 2.47). When comparing SF in survivors with healthy females, it was found that the healthy ones had statistically significantly higher scores in all FSFI subscales (p < 0.0005). Also, healthy males had statistically significantly higher scores on “erection” (p = 0.003), “desire” (p = 0.004), “intercourse satisfaction” (p = 0.003), “overall satisfaction” (p = 0.012) and on the total score (p = 0.013) of the IIEF, compared to survivors. Although male and female survivors had affected SF, there was no statistically significant differences between SF in the male and female survivor groups.

Conclusions

Survivors of AHSCT had impaired SF to varying degrees and areas of functionality, thus indicating the importance of sexual well-being and the implementation of integrated sexual care plans in survivorship.

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.