Prostatic irradiation-induced sexual dysfunction: a review and multidisciplinary guide to management in the radical radiotherapy era (Part I defining the organ at risk for sexual toxicities)

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Radiotherapy is a curative option that is administered via external beam radiation, brachytherapy, or in combination. Erectile, ejaculatory and orgasm dysfunction(s) is/are known potential and common toxicities associated with prostate radiotherapy. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians and/or scientists have written a three (3) part comprehensive review of the pathogenesis and management radiation-induced sexual dysfunction. Part I reviews pertinent anatomy associated with normal sexual function and then considers the pathogenesis of prostate radiation-induced sexual toxicities. Next, our team considers the associated radiobiological (including the effects of time, dose and fractionation) and physical (treatment planning and defining a novel Organ at Risk (OAR)) components that should be minded in the context of safe radiation treatment planning. The authors identify an OAR (i.e., the prostatic plexus) and provide suggestions on how to minimize injury to said OAR during the radiation treatment planning process.

Keywords: Ejaculatory dysfunction; Erectile dysfunction; Organ at risk; Orgasmic dysfunction; Prostate cancer; Radiation therapy.