Preliminary results from the Sexual Therapy and Rehabilitation after Treatment for Ovarian Cancer (START-OC) study

ASCO Meeting Abstract

 However, low response rates raise several questions with regard to timing and recruitment of a sexual health intervention after OC treatment.

Abstract

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Background: For ovarian cancer (OC) survivors, serious sexual dysfunction is one of the most distressing long-term side effects of treatment, with up to 90% survivors reporting a loss of interest in sexual activity for years after diagnosis. Despite the prevalence and magnitude of the problem, treatment-related sexual dysfunction and accompanying psychological distress are not addressed for most survivors. There is a critical need to address these problems for OC survivors.

 Methods: We are currently piloting a novel psychosexual intervention to help women manage sexual changes and improve sexual functioning after ovarian cancer treatment. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, this group-based intervention also aims to enhance women’s self-efficacy to address problems. Eligibility criteria include: OC diagnosis, functional ability, and sexual dysfunction. Women participate in a single half-day workshop, complete questionnaires, and engage in a booster telephone session. Detailed workshop evaluations are collected to assess women’s feedback of the group session. This study is currently enrolling.  
Results: To date, 369 women have been contacted, of which 45 (12.2%) have attended or are scheduled to attend a group session. Preliminary feedback data indicate high favorability of the group session; 100% of the women (N = 16) agreed or strongly agreed that the content of the group session was easy to understand and that the group session gave helpful information for addressing treatment-related sexual problems. Additionally, 100% of participants agreed that they were satisfied with the group session and enjoyed participating in it.  
Conclusions: Preliminary data show that women report multiple benefits from the session content and are highly satisfied with the group session. However, low response rates raise several questions with regard to timing and recruitment of a sexual health intervention after OC treatment. Next steps include quantitative analyses of changes in sexual function, sexual knowledge, and sexual self-efficacy consequent to the group intervention. Clinical trial information: NCT02287519.