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Long-Term Toxicities of Adolescent and Young Adult...
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Long-Term Toxicities of Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Cervix Cancer Who Underwent Radiation Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Purpose/Objective(s) Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cervical cancer who undergo radiation therapy are at risk of significant long-term health sequelae. This study seeks to evaluate long-term toxicities and their impacts on survivors. Materials/Methods Patients treated for cervical cancer with radiation therapy between ages 18-39 in the years 2000-2009 from any center in our province were eligible. 100 patients with current mailing addresses were identified and mailed a package containing a questionnaire devised by a multi-disciplinary team including open-ended questions, and validated patient-reported quality of life surveys for cervical cancer patients, the EORTC QLQ-30 and CX-24. Results A total of 22 responses were received. The mean age of respondents was 53.1 years (range: 41-62). The mean age at treatment was 35.6 years (range: 25-40), and the average time since treatment was 17.0 years (range: 12-22). The majority (73%) were married or common-law. A relationship status change following cancer treatment was reported by 32%, and 60% noted a change in sexual function/desire as the cause. Most respondents (77%) had children prior to treatment, with a mean of 2 children (range: 1-4). A single respondent had a child after treatment through adoption. Fertility preservation prior to treatment was discussed with 41% of respondents and offered to 36%. Nearly all respondents (86%) had used hormone replacement (HRT) therapy since treatment completion, with 23% still using HRT. EORTC scores are calculated on a scale of 0-100 with higher scores being positive for quality of life and functioning and worse for symptoms. Mean Quality of Life score was rated as 63.9. Most patients maintained adequate functional status, with mean scores of 84.4, 83.3, 67.1, 70.6, and 77 for physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. Elevated symptom scores include sexual/vaginal functioning (53.5), sexual worry (55.6), diarrhea (38.1), body image concerns (41.7), peripheral neuropathy (39.7), and menopausal symptoms (38.1). A wide array of bothersome symptoms were reported by patients in the open-ended questions. Most frequent (32%) was symptoms related to sexual and vaginal health. Other common symptoms include permanent bowel changes (27%), bladder changes (27%), mood disorders (27%), and lymphedema (18%). Multiple respondents (18%) commented on regrets for not pursuing fertility preservation or explicit statements that more thorough fertility counselling should be offered prior to treatment. Conclusion Long-term survivors of AYA cervix cancer who participated in this study have significant late toxicities. Many patients experience ongoing sexual health concerns, GI issues, body image concerns, mood disorders, premature menopausal symptoms and fertility issues. Respondents in our study indicated a desire for improved fertility counselling.

Authors

Pritchard AG; Altas M; Tinker A; Kong I; Goddard K; Lim P; Hamilton SN

Volume

114

Pagination

pp. e461-e462

Publisher

Elsevier

Publication Date

November 1, 2022

DOI

10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.07.1704

Conference proceedings

International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics

Issue

3

ISSN

0360-3016

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