Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study to Evaluate Changes in Sexuality in Patients With Primary Cervical Cancer Using Patient-Reported Outcomes (JGOG9004, SARAH Study), and Our Approaches to Solving the Unmet Needs of Patients With Gynecological Cancer

Abstract

Objective: Sexuality is a crucial quality of life (QOL) issue for patients with cancer. In patients with cervical cancer, sexuality is affected by both the disease and the therapy for it. This study aims to explore changes in sexuality following cancer treatment in Japanese patients with cervical cancer, using scales such as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual dysfunction and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for anxiety and depression.

Methods: This multicenter prospective cohort study is being performed in 33 hospitals of the Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (JGOG), evaluating patients with stage IA - IIIB primary cervical cancer who are scheduled to undergo surgery or radiation therapy, including concurrent chemoradiation, with curative intent. Patients can visit the uniform resource locator (URL) listed in the email to complete the survey. The online survey is performed at baseline and at 1 year following curative surgery or radiation therapy. As of March 31, 2023, 200 participants have been recruited for this ongoing study.

Discussion: The results of this study are expected to highlight sexuality as an unmet need among patients with cervical cancer. Conducting the study may facilitate discussions between patients and healthcare providers regarding sexual issues.

J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2023;12(2):59-64
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcgo892