| Title: | Initial observations on sexual dysfunction as a symptom of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy |
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| Authors: | ID Reimer, Nadine (Author)
ID Ratiu, Dominik (Author)
ID Zubac, Damir (Author)
ID Lehmann, Helmar C. (Author)
ID Baumann, Freerk T. (Author) |
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| Files: |  PDF - Presentation file, download (1,62 MB)
MD5: 514DEB37AB094CBDB47388654EDFB272
 URL - Source URL, visit https://journals.publisso.de/en/journals/gms/volume21/000322
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| Language: | English |
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| Typology: | 1.03 - Other scientific articles |
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| Organization: |  ZRS Koper - Science and Research Centre Koper
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| Abstract: | Introduction: Peripheral neuropathy (PNP) in feet and/or hands and sexual dysfunction are common side effects of cancer therapies. In Nadine Reimer1 Dirk Brodesser1 patients with other diseases, there is evidence of an association Dominik Ratiu2 between peripheral nervous system disorders and sexual dysfunction due to the impact of impaired neuronal control on genital organ sensi- Damir Zubac1 tivity. In cancer patient interviews, it has now been observed that PNP Helmar C. Lehmann3 and sexual dysfunction may be related. The aim of the study was to Freerk T. Baumann1 investigate the potential association between PNP, sexual dysfunction, and physical activity behavior. Methods: Ninety-three patients with PNP of the feet and/or hands were interviewed in August/September 2020 in a cross-sectional study re- 1 University of Cologne, Department I of Internal garding medical history, sexual dysfunction and functionality of the genital organs. Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Results: Thirty-one persons who participated in the survey provided Bonn Cologne Dusseldorf, seventeen evaluable questionnaires (four men, thirteen women). Nine University Hospital of women (69%) and three men (75%) reported sensory disorders of the Cologne, Germany genital organs. Three men (75%) had erectile dysfunction. All men who 2 University of Cologne, Clinic had sensory symptoms of the genital organs received chemotherapy, and Polyclinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Cologne, Germany and one man also received immunotherapy. Eight women were sexually active. Five (63%) of them reported genital organ symptoms and mainly lubrication disorders. Four (80%) of the five sexually inactive women 3 University of Cologne, Clinic reported genital organ symptoms. Eight of the nine women with sensory and Polyclinic for Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Germany symptoms of the genital organs received chemotherapy, and one woman received immunotherapy. Discussion: Our limited data suggest genital organ sensory symptoms in chemotherapy and immunotherapy patients. Genital organ symptoms do not appear to be directly related to sexual dysfunction, and the association between PNP and genital organ symptoms appears to be more pronounced in sexually inactive women. Chemotherapy could cause sensory symptoms of the genital organs and sexual dysfunction by damaging genital organ nerve fibers. Chemotherapy and anti-hormone therapy (AHT) could trigger a disturbance of the hormone balance, which in turn could be causative for sexual dysfunction. It remains open whether the cause of these disorders is the symptomatology of the genital organs or the altered hormone balance. The significance of the results is limited due to the small number of cases. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in cancer patients and allows a better understanding of the association between PNP, sensory symptoms of the genital organs, and sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: In order to be able to narrow down the cause of these initial observations in cancer patients more precisely, larger studies are needed that can relate the influence of cancer therapy-induced PNP, physical activity level and hormone balance to sensory symptoms of the genital organs and sexual dysfunction. The methodology of further studies should take into account the frequent problem of low response rates in surveys on sexuality. |
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| Keywords: | peripheral neuropathy, genital organs, sexual disfunction, oncology, exercise therapy, physical activity |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Publication date: | 01.01.2023 |
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| Year of publishing: | 2023 |
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| Number of pages: | str. 1-10 |
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| Numbering: | Vol. 21, [article no. ] ǂ08 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DiRROS-23998  |
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| UDC: | 613.88:796.015 |
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| ISSN on article: | 1612-3174 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 255954947 |
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| Copyright: | © 2023 Reimer et al. |
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| Note: | Soavtorji: Dirk Brodesser, Dominik Ratiu, Damir Zubac, Helmar C. Lehmann, Freerk T. Baumann;
Nasl. z nasl. zaslona;
Opis vira z dne 5. 11. 2025;
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| Publication date in DiRROS: | 05.11.2025 |
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| Views: | 156 |
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| Downloads: | 79 |
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