Sexual dysfunction in females treated with peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation: review of literature.

BACKGROUND

Peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation (PBPCT) is a therapeutic modality used in the anti-tumorous treatment of hemato-oncological diseases and solid tumors. Apart of that, it is also used in therapy of non-malignant and hereditary diseases.

AIM: As is the case with other treatments, PBPCT also affects not only the disease process but also the quality of life (QoL).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In the last decade of 20th century, several QoL studies among patients treated with PBPCT were undertaken and an influence on particular dimensions of QoL was observed. One of closely watched aspects was sexuality in patients treated with PBPCT.

RESULTS

Sexuality and its expression belong to very important aspects of human behavior. It is also a very sensitive and sensible aspect, so with no doubts it is affected by the diagnosis of neoplasm and cancer treatment.

CONCLUSION

Physical and psychosocial factors of PBPCT do affect patient's sexuality and sexual functioning as part of QoL. They remain in focus because of the complex care of patients treated with PBPCT (Fig. 2, Ref. 21).