A multimodal intervention to enhance sexual function and quality of life (QOL) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) survivors.

Abstract

191 Background: Although sexual dysfunction is a common long-term complication in allogeneic HCT survivors, interventions to address sexual dysfunction are lacking. Methods: We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a multimodal sexual dysfunction intervention to improve sexual function in allogeneic HCT survivors. Transplant clinicians systematically screened all HCT survivors ≥ 3 months post-HCT for sexual dysfunction causing distress using the NCCN Survivorship Guidelines. Those who screened positive attended monthly intervention visits with trained study clinicians that focused on 1) assessing sexual dysfunction; 2) educating and empowering patients to address this topic; and 3) implementing therapeutic interventions. We used the PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measure, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess sexual function, QOL, and mood at baseline and six months post-intervention, respectively. Results: 33.1% (50/151) of patients screened positive for sexual dysfunction causing distress. 94.0% (47/50) of patients who screened positive agreed to participate. We demonstrated significant improvement in patients’ satisfaction and interest in sex as well as sexual function including orgasm, erectile function, lubrication, and vaginal discomfort [Table 1]. Six of ten patients who were not sexually active prior to the intervention became sexually active post-intervention (P = 0.031). Patients reported improvement in their QOL and a trend toward lower depression (Table). Conclusions: The multimodal intervention to address sexual dysfunction appears feasible with encouraging preliminary efficacy for improving sexual function, QOL, and mood in allogeneic HCT survivors. Clinical trial information: NCT02492100. [Table: see text]