Abstract 3726: Sexual function following surgery with or without intracavitary vaginal brachytherapy for early stage endometrial carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this research study is to describe the effects of intracavitary vaginal brachytherapy (IVB) on sexual function and quality of life of women with early stage endometrial cancer. Methods: 156 women, ages 20-75, with FIGO stage I to II endometrial cancer from 2002-2007 treated with surgery alone or surgery and IVB were identified and mailed questionnaires. Quality of life and sexual function were measured using the previously validated European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Cervix Cancer module, and the Sexual function-Vaginal changes Questionnaire. Pertinent data from prior surgery and radiation treatments were abstracted. Fisher's exact tests were used to evaluate the association of the variables. Results: In total, 87 surveys (56%) were returned. 70 patients completed the survey, 17 in the IVB arm and 53 in the surgery alone arm. In general, the overall quality of life was excellent in both treatment arms, with few patients reporting anxiety, depression, pain, or limitations of activities of daily living. However, 12% of patients treated with IVB (2/17) reported difficulty controlling their bowels compared to 8% of surgery alone patients (4/53) (p=0.037) and 30% (5/ 17) vs. 13% (7/ 53) reported edema in one or both legs (p=0.040). 55% of respondents had not been sexually active in the previous month (11/17, 65% IVB and 27/52, 52 % surgery) (p=0.6). Of sexually active patients (45%, N=31), 43% of IVB (3/7) and 42% (11/26) of surgery alone patients complained of vagina dryness during sexual activity (p=0.935) and 29% (2/7) vs. 20 % (5/25) felt their vagina was short (p=0.635). While 29% in both cohorts reported vaginal tightness, 14% of patients in both treatment groups described intercourse as painful. Sexual activity was enjoyable for only 43% (3/7) of the IVB patients and 60% (17/28) of the surgery alone patients (p=0.549). Conclusions: Overall the quality of life of women with early stage endometrial cancer is excellent following surgery or IVB. Patients treated with IVB report more bowel toxicity and lower extremity edema. Patients in both treatment arms report similar vaginal changes that affect sexual function. It is anticipated that additional data from other institutions participating in the study will allow more definitive exploration of these issues. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3726.