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07 January 2010 Sexual function does not decline in prostate cancer patients receiving external beam radiation therapyIn men, prostate cancer is the most common cancer other than skin cancer. It can be effectively treated using multiple methods, including radical prostatectomy, brachytherapy and EBRT, so the long-term side effects are often used by patients and doctors as deciding factors for a prostate cancer treatment options. It is known that the main side effects of prostate cancer treatment is they can affect vital male functions. Amongst some of the more common side effects from prostate cancer treatments, we can list changes in sexual function, but the degree to which EBRT affects function varies widely, depending on the study. In a first of its kind study, researchers at the Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and colab., evaluated 143 prostate cancer patients receiving EBRT who completed baseline data on sexual function before treatment and at follow-up visits. Patients were analyzed on sexual drive, erectile function, ejaculatory function and overall satisfaction for a median time of about four years. The study authors concluded that the strongest predictor of sexual function after treatment was sexual function before treatment and the only statistically significant decrease in function occurred in the first two years after treatment and then stabilized with no significant changes thereafter. The study pointed that treatment-related side effects, especially sexual function, have a significant effect on a patient's quality of life and satisfaction with their overall outcome. The results of this study was published in the January 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology and allow patients and their partners to have a fuller understanding of the long-term sexual side effects of EBRT and what they can expect after treatment, which should aid in deciding on a treatment course. Source: American Society for Radiation Oncology NOTE: Issues on this site regarding prostate cancer and treatment options, are provided for information only, and are not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. Prostate-Report.org does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment. |
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