ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S55 ESTRO 2024 Initial insights into young patients’ care needs related to sexual health are still generic, but include support, information, and communication needs. The FROSA-study contributes to addressing these gaps in research and care. Methods : FROSA used online convenience sampling and a mixed methods approach to conduct quantitative and qualitative data analyses. A total of N =190 patients/survivors of AYA cancer (87% female; M age =33years; age at diagnosis: 13-39 years, 33% breast cancer, 30% leukemia/lymphoma) completed an online survey, which assessed sexual functioning and satisfaction . Care needs related to sexual health were also assessed online, by utilizing the findings of a literature review [ Lehmann, Laan,& den Oudsten, JCSU, 2021 ]. Follow-up interviews were completed by n =48 survivors to enable qualitative analyses about dating and sex. Results : Relative to how survivors perceived their sexual functioning before diagnosis, they reported a significant worsening in sexual function after cancer (e.g., diminished interest, arousal, orgasm function, pleasure, and lubrication). Women reported significantly more dysfunction than men, but similar satisfaction. Sexual health-related care needs centered around the request that sex should be a “standard topic” in clinical care. Young patients/survivors need more detailed information on what they could potentially expect (physically and emotionally) and how to cope with the physical and emotional effects of cancer on their sexual health. This should preferably occur in consultations where providers openly communicate in ways that normalize sex, assess individual needs, offer guidance to help/information, and refer to specialists if needed. Preliminary results of interview data about dating and sex further highlighted how survivors engage in dating and sexual activities, including online dating, worries about disclosure, varied reactions from dating partners, physical changes and effects on sex, partner communication, and the role of possible infertility/family planning on dating and relationship formation. Conclusions : Sexual dysfunction is rather common in survivors of AYA cancer, and worsened following cancer. Care needs related to sexual health vary, but center around improving information provision and communication by providers. Thereby, practical tips and guidance about where to find more information are needed. Supporting survivors in issues around dating and sex should focus on survivors’ worries and perceptions toward dating and self-worth. Examples or stories from other young patients/ survivors can further help to increase recognition and identification with others; making them feel less alienated. Invited Speaker

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In-vivo quality assurance

Christoph Bert

FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and UK Erlangen, Radiation Oncology, Erlangen, Germany

Abstract:

Quality assurance (QA) is an essential piece of the workflow also in brachytherapy. Despite this fact, QA just prior delivery or even during delivery is getting less attention compared to external beam radiation therapy which, e.g., uses daily kV imaging, surface monitoring of the patient during delivery, and/or log files to analyze the delivered fluences often routinely. In-vivo dosimetry (IVD) and/or electromagnetic tracking (EMT) are potential options for such QA especially in HDR brachytherapy. Numerous papers were reported in research settings showing feasibility for detection of errors (e.g., shifts or swaps of catheters), dosimetric deviations, and/or anatomic changes. Most of the reported data is based on phantom studies but some results report on early translational work from clinical studies.