Kinnaird William, Kirby Prof. Michael, Schartau Dr. Patricia, Jenkins Prof. Valerie, Allen Dr. Stephen, Payne Prof. Heather

(244) PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS’ EXPERIENCE OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AND SUPPORT ACCORDING TO TREATMENT PATHWAY

  • Urology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
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Abstract Objectives Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common side effect of almost all prostate cancer (PCa) treatments. This study examined how men’s experience of sexual side effects and accessing information and support varied by treatment pathway. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed via email, social media and peer-support groups in collaboration with the charity Prostate Cancer UK. Results were analysed by treatment pathway: Radical Prostatectomy (RP), Radiotherapy (RT), Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) ± second line therapy (Androgen Receptor Targeted Agent, Chemotherapy, Radioisotope), and No Treatment (Active Surveillance, Watchful Waiting, Awaiting Treatment). Chi-square testing was used for categorical variable analysis. Results A total of 654 adult participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Sexual activity was ‘fairly/very important’ to the majority of men irrespective of treatment group. Sexual dysfunction was wide-ranging and common across almost all pathways, with men on combinations of treatment reporting problems most frequently [Fig 1]. Participants whose disease management involved RP were significantly more likely to have had discussions about SD with a healthcare professional (HCP) than those managed with RT and/or ADT alone (80.1% vs 43.3%, p<.001). Those discussions were also significantly more likely to have led to a referral for specialist sexual support (49.1% vs 26.6%, p<.001). However, there was dissatisfaction across groups, with a only minority of participants reporting they were ‘told everything I needed to know’ about SD and rating their care as ‘adequate’ [Fig 1]. Conclusions This study investigated a wide range of sexual problems across PCa treatment pathways. Findings suggest physical and psychological sexual side effects are common and distressing in all treatment groups. Men place high importance on sexual activity, but only a minority are satisfied with the information and support they receive. Unmet needs are greatest among men whose disease is managed in the oncological setting with RT and ADT. Conflicts of Interest Astellas Pharma Resaerch Grant UK-72-RG-41.

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