Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common solid tumor in young adults. 95% of patients are cured, but they may experience late adverse effects (anxiety, fear of recurrence, and sexual dysfunction) with an impact on daily life. We attempted to assess Patient Reported Outcomes (PROMs), long-term sexual disorders, and difficulties in achieving fatherhood in a cohort of TC survivors, as well as their possible correlation with previous cancer treatments.
Different questionnaires, such as the Impact of Cancer (IOC) and the Body Image Scale (BIS), were used to investigate the distinct areas of the PROMs. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF15) and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) focused on sexuality and fertility. Patients were prospectively recruited between February 2020 and February 2022.
144 participants completed all the questionnaires. Results showed a good QoL, a moderate fear of TC recurrence, a good satisfaction with their personal body image, low incidence of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. 19.5% of patients who had a testicular implant reported general dissatisfaction. Only 18% of patients had unsuccessfully attempted fatherhood, while the majority had not yet tried, and 23.4% succeeded. A low percentage of patients used procedures assisted reproduction and adoption.
This trial supports the use of various questionnaires as a multifactorial tool capable of investigating all the aspects of long-term cancer survivorship. The assessment of medical and psychosocial sequelae is an essential part of patient care and is important for the development of a comprehensive care plan for TC survivors.
Patient preference and adherence. 2022 Dec 23*** epublish ***
Davide Bimbatti, Eleonora Lai, Francesco Pierantoni, Marco Maruzzo, Aichi Msaki, Chiara De Toni, Michele Dionese, Alessandra Feltrin, Umberto Basso, Vittorina Zagonel
Oncology 1 Unit, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy., Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy., Hospital Psychology Unit, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy.