DECREASED SEXUAL CAPACITY AFTER EXTERNAL RADIATION-THERAPY FOR PROSTATE-CANCER IMPAIRS QUALITY-OF-LIFE

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess to what extent patients t reated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer experience change in sexual functioning and to what extent this effects quality of life. M ethods and Materials: Information was provided by 53 men treated with radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. Assessment was made w ith the ''Radiumhemmets Scale of Sexual Functioning,'' which measures sexual desire, erectile capacity, orgasm, and to what extent a decreas e in any of these aspects of sexual functioning affects quality of lif e. Function before treatment was assessed retrospectively. Results: Se xual desire diminished among 77% after treatment, The erection stiffne ss decreased in 77%. Before external radiation therapy, 66% had an ere ction usually sufficient for intercourse. Half of the men lost this ab ility after treatment. Of those retaining orgasm after treatment, 47% reported a decreased orgasmic pleasure and 91% a reduced ejaculation v olume. Of all men, 50% reported that quality of life had decreased muc h or very much due to a decline in the erectile capacity following ext ernal radiation therapy. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that external radiation therapy for prostate cancer is associ ated with a reduction in sexual desire, erectile capacity, and orgasm functions, In a majority of patients this reduces quality of life. Pre viously, we may have underestimated the importance an intact sexual fu nction has for the quality of life in this patient category of elderly men.