Health news

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Stem cell transplant for cancer patients linked to decreased sexual function

A long-term study at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has revealed that that recipients receiving a type of stem cell transplant used for patients with life-threatening diseases, such as lymphoma and leukaemia, have many difficulties related to sexual function and activity.

The research team found that sexual dysfunction in transplant patients is likely induced by systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy drugs and total body irradiation known, which are known to permanently hurt endocrine glands that have a significant role in the development and regulation of the reproductive system.

The study also concluded that males are likely to recover from these changes over time, while the sexuality of female patients remains compromised. In addition, neither male nor female long-term cancer survivors regained levels of sexual activity and function equal to those of their peers who have not had cancer.

read about erectile dysfunction

The study is published in the Sept 19 issue of Blood.

Stem cell transplant for cancer patients linked to decreased sexual function

 

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