Final Results From a Longitudinal Observation Study Evaluating Sexual Health and Facial Appearance and Distress in Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer Survivors Treated With Chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE: This communication reports on the complete results of a prospective study evaluating sexual health and appearance-related outcomes in human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPVOPC) survivors treated with (chemo)radiation therapy ((C)RT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS: One hundred patients with HPVOPC scheduled to receive curative-intent (C)RT were enrolled into a longitudinal observational study between October 2020 and November 2021. Sexual health was measured using the 22-item European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Sexual Health Questionnaire and appearance-related issues were measured using FACE-Q Appearance and Appearance distress modules. Questionnaires were administered before (C)RT, in the last week of treatment (week 7), and 3, 12, and 24 months after (C)RT. Linear mixed models estimated mean differences at follow-up assessments compared with before (C)RT.

RESULTS

Global tests of differences across time provided moderate-to-strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no differences for all 22-item EORTC Sexual Health Questionnaire scales/items, apart from sexual pain and insecurity with partner (both P > .10). Compared with before (C)RT, the remainder of item/scale scores indicated worse sexual health in the last week of treatment, convalescing to pretreatment levels by 3 months (importance of sexual activity, worry incontinence), 12 months (sexual satisfaction, libido, fatigue affecting sex life), or 24 months (treatment affecting sex life, confidence in erection) after treatment. On average, feeling less masculine scores did not return to pretreatment levels by the final assessment. Appearance distress, but not facial appearance, was worse in the last week of treatment but improved by 3 months after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Most sexual health outcomes impacted by (C)RT return to pretreatment levels by 3, 12, or 24 months. Temporary appearance distress was reported at the end of treatment. This communication provides multidimensional sexual health data to strengthen counseling of patients with HPVOPC.