Sexual and fertility-related adverse effects of medicinal treatment for cancer: a national evaluation among medical oncologists

Krouwel, E.M.; Kramer, Z.; Gordijn, R.; Nicolai, M.P.J.; Osanto, S.; Putter, H.; ... ; Elzevier, H.W. (2022)

Article / Letter to editor

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.

• Oncology
• Quality of life
• Fertility
• Sexuality
• Cancer drugs
• Adverse effects

• All authors: Krouwel, E.M.; Kramer, Z.; Gordijn, R.; Nicolai, M.P.J.; Osanto, S.; Putter, H.; Pelger, R.C.M.; Elzevier, H.W.
• Date: 2022-01-22
• Journal: Supportive Care in Cancer
• Volume: 30
• Pages: 4035 - 4047
• DOI: doi:10.1007/s00520-021-06721-9
• Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-021-06721-9