The Prevalence and Impact of Gastrointestinal, Urinary and Sexual Dysfunction Following Abdomino-pelvic Radiotherapy for Childhood, Teenage and Young Adult Cancers

This study aims to characterise the impact of abdomino-pelvic radiotherapy on physical symptoms and quality of life in childhood and young adult cancer survivors. This is in line with current NHS strategic priorities and an unmet clinical need to optimise aftercare in this patient group. In order to provide effective treatment strategies, the scale and impact of symptom burden requires better characterisation. The results of this study will equip clinicians with a better understanding of young cancer survivors' experiences and facilitate more effective communication with these vulnerable young people.

BACKGROUND:

There are around 1,800 new cancer cases in children in the UK every year and over 80% of those diagnosed will survive 5 years or more. Radiotherapy is an important component of treatment for many children and teenagers with malignant disease. While this contributes to the likelihood of cure, it can also result in adverse effects. The prevalence and impact of pelvic radiation disease (PRD) in adult cancer survivors has been widely published, however there is currently a paucity of data in the paediatric population. Following radiotherapy 50-80% of adult patients report chronic gastrointestinal symptoms affecting daily activity, with an impact on quality of life. The most common long-term consequences are increased stool frequency, urgency, rectal bleeding and faecal incontinence. Other symptoms include tenesmus, mucous discharge, steatorrhoea, bloating and flatulence. Radiotherapy induces long term changes in bowel function as a result of progressive endothelial and stem cell dysfunction which in turn induces ischaemia and fibrosis. These chronic changes can progress over decades. Radiotherapy frequently disturbs physiological function in more than one part of the gastrointestinal tract resulting in a spectrum of late effects which can be difficult to diagnose; these include small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), bile acid malabsorption (BAM), pancreatic insufficiency, fistula formation and ulceration. Radiotherapy produces dose dependent chronic bladder toxicity with 7-20% of adult patients experiencing at least grade 3 adverse events 5 years post treatment. Severe cases may require surgical intervention to prevent obstructive nephropathy and renal impairment. Less severe impairment of bladder function may still cause urinary frequency, urgency or incontinence that diminish quality of life. Over half of adults treated for pelvic malignancies develop sexual dysfunction, which can lead to depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, and loss of self-esteem. In men, erectile dysfunction after radiotherapy is an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition which can considerably affect the quality of life for men and their partners. Sexual function in women can be affected by physical changes, including vaginal narrowing, shortening and ultimately stenosis. There may also be atrophic changes to the vaginal and perineal tissues, a decrease in vaginal secretions and increased vaginal infections. Long-term follow-up studies report vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and reduced sexual enjoyment . The Cancer Survivorship Patient Reported Outcome Measures Survey highlighted the significant psychosocial impact on younger patients (aged 16-50). However, this data is based on adult-type malignancies and impact on mental health, psychosexual identity and overall quality of life in young people remains unknown.

The Royal Marsden GIANT (Gastrointestinal And Nutrition Team) are a multi-disciplinary team for adult patients providing an invaluable service for gastrointestinal symptom control following cancer treatment. They also take a holistic assessment approach to encompass other non-gastrointestinal symptoms and refer to urology, gynaecology and psychology teams where necessary. No such specialist service exists for children and adolescents. Our data will contribute to a business case to establish a dedicated service supporting young people through the late effects of cancer treatment with a focus on gastrointestinal, urinary and sexual function. By presenting the prevalence and impact of pelvic radiation disease in childhood cancer survivors our goal is to increase awareness and education in health professionals. These are sensitive topics for young patients who may not easily divulge their symptoms or their impact without some gentle questioning. Once these issues are discussed with their treating oncologist or general practitioner, patients can be referred on for specialist care. Determining the effect of these symptoms on a young person's quality of life and mental health is essential to supporting patients holistically.

METHODOLOGY: