1. Sexual and fertility-related adverse effects of medicinal treatment for cancer; a national evaluation among medical oncologists.
- Author
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Krouwel, E. M., Kramer, Z., Gordijn, R., Nicolai, M. P. J., Osanto, S., Putter, H., Pelger, R. C. M., and Elzevier, H. W.
- Subjects
PROFESSIONS ,SEXUAL dysfunction ,FEMALE reproductive organ diseases ,CROSS-sectional method ,ANTINEOPLASTIC agents ,INFERTILITY ,GONADOTROPIN releasing hormone ,CISPLATIN ,EPIRUBICIN ,CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE ,TUMORS ,DRUG side effects ,MALE reproductive organ diseases ,TAMOXIFEN ,ONCOLOGISTS ,CHEMICAL inhibitors - Abstract
Background: Anti-cancer drugs commonly adversely affect fertility and sexual function. Despite this, patients report a lack of counselling of these potential adverse effects. The aim was to determine Dutch oncologists' knowledge about the adverse effects of various cancer drugs on fertility and sexual function. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was sent to members of the Dutch Society for Medical Oncology (n = 433). The survey questions included various cancer drugs' adverse effects on fertility, ovulation, spermatogenesis, and sexual function. Results: One hundred and five of 392 oncologists responded (26.8%). Oncologists were more aware of the adverse effects on fertility compared to sexual function. Drugs that were mostly believed to negatively affect fertility were cisplatin (n = 81, 80.2%), epirubicin (n = 78, 78.0%) and cyclophosphamide (n = 80, 77.7%). Regarding sexual function, most mentioned drugs were tamoxifen (n = 67, 65.7%), GnRH-agonists (n = 64, 63.4%) and cisplatin (n = 58, 57.4%). Oncologists with expertise in urology possessed more awareness regarding sexuality-related adverse effects (cisplatin p = 0.038, etoposide p = 0.025, ifosfamide p = 0.06, vinblastine p = 0.000). Conclusion: Results revealed that oncologists have different beliefs about possible sexual and fertility-related adverse effects concerning medication resources and literature. Based on our results, oncologists do not possess sufficient knowledge to inform patients about sexual and fertility-related adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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