The effect of fertility-sparing surgery on sexuality and global quality of life in women with malignant ovarian germ cell and sex cord stromal tumors: an analysis of the CORSETT database of the AGO study group

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Annette Hasenburg - , Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Author)
  • Hellmut Plett - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Bernhard Krämer - , University of Tübingen (Author)
  • Elena Braicu - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Bastian Czogalla - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Michaela Bossart - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • Susanne Singer - , Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Author)
  • Doris Mayr - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Annette Staebler - , University of Tübingen (Author)
  • Andreas du Bois - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Stefan Kommoss - , University of Tübingen (Author)
  • Theresa Link - , Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Author)
  • Alexander Burges - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Florian Heitz - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Jacqueline Keul - , University of Tübingen (Author)
  • Fabian Trillsch - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Philipp Harter - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Pauline Wimberger - , Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Author)
  • Paul Buderath - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Maximilian Klar - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)

Abstract

Purpose: Malignant ovarian germ cell (MOGCT) and sex cord stromal tumors (SCST) are ovarian neoplasms that affect disproportionally young women. Little is known about the impact of surgical and adjuvant management of these patient’s sexual life. This study investigated the effect of fertility-sparing surgery on sexual activity and global quality of life (gQoL) in women with MOGCT and SCST. Methods: CORSETT was an observational, multicenter, mixed retrospective/prospective cohort study of the AGO study group. Women of any age who had been diagnosed with MOGCTs and SCSTs between 2001 and 2011 were asked to complete the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ) and the EORTC QLQ-C30. Results: In total, 355 patients were included. Of these, 152 patients with confirmed histological diagnosis had completed the questionnaires. A total of 106 patients were diagnosed with SCST and 46 with MOGCT. Totally, 83 women (55%) were sexually active. After fertility-sparing surgery, patients had a 2.6 fold higher probability for being sexually active than after non-fertility-conserving treatment (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.6, p = 0.01). After adjustment for age, time since diagnosis, FIGO stage, histology and phase of disease, the OR dropped to 1.8 (p = 0.22). Of the sexually active patients, 35 (42%) reported high levels of discomfort during intercourse; 38% after fertility-sparing; and 58% after non-fertility-sparing surgery (adjusted OR 2.8, p = 0.18). Women with fertility-conserving treatment reported a significantly better global QoL (Fadj 2.1, 6.2 points difference, p = 0.03) but not more pleasure during intercourse than women without fertility-sparing surgery (Fadj 0.4, p = 0.52). Conclusion: Fertility preserving approaches should be offered to every patient, when oncologically acceptable.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1541-1549
Number of pages9
JournalArchives of gynecology and obstetrics
Volume304
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 34287678

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Fertility-sparing surgery, Ovarian germ cell tumors, Quality of life, Sex cord stromal tumors, Sexuality