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