EP1110\u2005Sexual dysfunction impairment in gynaecological cancer survivors: systematic review

Abstract

Introduction/Background Gynecological cancer treatment often leads in subsequent sexual function impairment both in short-term and long-term outcomes.Main objective was to perform a systematic review of relative publications concerning sexual dysfunction parameters in gynaecological cancer patients, namely endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and vulvar cancer. Methodology A systematic review was performed in Pubmed and Scopus databased regarding the period 2016–2018. Searching strategy used for the systematic review included the words ‘sexual[tiab] AND endometrial cancer/carcinoma[tiab] OR cervical cancer/carcinoma [tiab] OR ovarian cancer/carcinoma [tiab] OR vulvar cancer/carcinoma’ regarding the period 2016–2018. Primary and secondary outcomes of studies were comprehensively reviewed and summarized for each kind of cancer. Results There were overall 211 abstract retrieved, of which 22 studies were finally included in the systematic review. Main outcome of studies reporting on endometrial cancer (N=5) was that post-operative radiation significantly affects the majority of scored sexual function parameters, while laparoscopic approach was associated with favourable outcome. Studies reporting on ovarian cancer (N=3) concluded that salpingooophorectomy significantly affected sexual desire, while hormonal replacement therapy mitigated the detrimental effect. Regarding cervical cancer (N=8), the detrimental effect of radiotherapy on vaginal atrophy and dyspareunia was outlined, while minimally invasive surgery was indicated by one study to be associated with reduced pain intercourse and sexual function impairment. Finally, BMI, physical activity, smoking and coexisting pathology were also indicated to affect measured scale scores regarding sexual dysfunction parameters. Conclusion The majority of gynaecological cancer patients suffers from severe sexual function impairment, therefore indicating the need to implement strategies mitigating and improving post-operative and post-radiation status of these patients. Minimally invasive surgery, hormonal replacement therapy and improvement of co-morbidities may significantly improve outcomes. Disclosure Nothing to disclose