open access

Vol 92, No 4 (2021)
Research paper
Published online: 2021-03-04
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A crosscut survey on reproductive health in Lithuanian childhood cancer survivors

Egle Stukaite-Ruibiene1, Mantas Jurkonis12, Robertas Adomaitis1, Zana Bumbuliene13, Zivile Gudleviciene3, Gilvydas Verkauskas14, Kestutis Zagminas1, Rasa Vaiciuniene2, Jelena Rascon12
·
Pubmed: 33757149
·
Ginekol Pol 2021;92(4):262-270.
Affiliations
  1. Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuania
  2. Center for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Vilnius University, Lithuania
  3. Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vilnius University, Lithuania
  4. Center of Children’s Surgery, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Vilnius University, Lithuania

open access

Vol 92, No 4 (2021)
ORIGINAL PAPERS Gynecology
Published online: 2021-03-04

Abstract

Objectives: Sexual dysfunction was reported to compromise the quality of life in childhood cancer survivors. The aim of
our study was to evaluate the reproductive health in long-term pediatric cancer survivors by conducting a crosscut survey.
Material and methods: Childhood cancer survivors over 18 years of age, who were in remission for more than 5 years,
were invited to complete a gender-specific questionnaire surveying on their reproductive health. Demographic and treatment
data were retrieved from their medical records. Treatment modalities were reviewed for its potential gonadotoxicity.
Results: 34 (17 males and 17 females, respectively) from 346 addressed survivors (9.8%) completed the questionnaire. Median
age and follow-up after diagnosis was 27 (18–35) and 14 (3–25) years, respectively. Some respondents reported sexual
concerns: 11.8% males experienced problems with penetration, two males (11.8%) who underwent semen analysis were
found to be azoospermic. Similarly, 11.8% females reported delayed puberty, the average age of menarche was 14 (12–17)
years, 29.4% females reported irregular menstrual cycles. Cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) differed significantly
between the patients treated for leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors (3000 vs 4352 vs 6660 mg/m2, respectively, p = 0.014).
Conclusions: Low prevalence of sexual dysfunction, fertility related disorders or delayed puberty in childhood cancer
survivors was found. However, the results should be interpreted with caution taking into account a low response rate.

Abstract

Objectives: Sexual dysfunction was reported to compromise the quality of life in childhood cancer survivors. The aim of
our study was to evaluate the reproductive health in long-term pediatric cancer survivors by conducting a crosscut survey.
Material and methods: Childhood cancer survivors over 18 years of age, who were in remission for more than 5 years,
were invited to complete a gender-specific questionnaire surveying on their reproductive health. Demographic and treatment
data were retrieved from their medical records. Treatment modalities were reviewed for its potential gonadotoxicity.
Results: 34 (17 males and 17 females, respectively) from 346 addressed survivors (9.8%) completed the questionnaire. Median
age and follow-up after diagnosis was 27 (18–35) and 14 (3–25) years, respectively. Some respondents reported sexual
concerns: 11.8% males experienced problems with penetration, two males (11.8%) who underwent semen analysis were
found to be azoospermic. Similarly, 11.8% females reported delayed puberty, the average age of menarche was 14 (12–17)
years, 29.4% females reported irregular menstrual cycles. Cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) differed significantly
between the patients treated for leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors (3000 vs 4352 vs 6660 mg/m2, respectively, p = 0.014).
Conclusions: Low prevalence of sexual dysfunction, fertility related disorders or delayed puberty in childhood cancer
survivors was found. However, the results should be interpreted with caution taking into account a low response rate.

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Keywords

late effects; long-term survivors; pediatric cancer; reproductive health; sexual dysfunction

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About this article
Title

A crosscut survey on reproductive health in Lithuanian childhood cancer survivors

Journal

Ginekologia Polska

Issue

Vol 92, No 4 (2021)

Article type

Research paper

Pages

262-270

Published online

2021-03-04

Page views

1179

Article views/downloads

833

DOI

10.5603/GP.a2021.0027

Pubmed

33757149

Bibliographic record

Ginekol Pol 2021;92(4):262-270.

Keywords

late effects
long-term survivors
pediatric cancer
reproductive health
sexual dysfunction

Authors

Egle Stukaite-Ruibiene
Mantas Jurkonis
Robertas Adomaitis
Zana Bumbuliene
Zivile Gudleviciene
Gilvydas Verkauskas
Kestutis Zagminas
Rasa Vaiciuniene
Jelena Rascon

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