We lack population-based data on the use and effectiveness of phosphodiesterase- 5inhibitors (PDE-5Is) in post-radiotherapy long-term prostate cancer survivors (PCaSs). In this cross-sectional survey performed 9 years after curative radiotherapy we explored PDE-5I use and the drugs'effectiveness in 1,092 nine-year PCaSs responding to the sexual items of EPIC-26. The findings from PCaSs were compared to those from 2,847 age-similar men from the general population (Norms).
13 % of the PCaSs and 9 % of the Norms were Current Users of PDE-5Ies, High sexual interest and, restricted to PCaSs, age below 70 years significantly increased the use of PDE-Is. In PCaSs and Norms, who used PDE-5Is the levels of the six sexual items of EPIC-26 and of the Sexual Domain Summary Score (DSS) were similar. The corresponding differences were large in Never Users of PDE-5Ies. High sexual interest in PCaSs, and use of PDE-5Is were significantly and positively associated with an acceptable level of the sexual domain in EPIC-26 (Score > 40), whereas the association was negative for age > 70 years, reduced health and obesity, CONCLUSION: At least 1 of 10 long-term post-radiotherapy PCaSs experience "some help" of their erectile dysfunction by use of PDE-5Is. These patients are identified by high sexual interest, age < 70 years and good health During long-term follow-up of PCaSs clinicians are challenged early to identify these, often relatively young men, based on their high sexual interest.
Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. 2024 Dec 26 [Epub ahead of print]
Alv A Dahl, Tom Børge Johannesen, Ylva Gjelsvik, Tor Å Myklebust, Sophie D Fosså
Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway., Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway., Department of Research and Innovation, Møre and Romsdal Hospital Trust, Ålesund, Norway; Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway., Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: .