Defining and sparing sexual function-related organs at risk for rectal cancer radiotherapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Sexual dysfunction is a common consequence of pelvic radiotherapy, influenced by psychological, physical, social, and relational factors. Research has focused on vaginal dose and stenosis in females and penile bulb dose and erectile dysfunction in males, with limited attention to domains, such as arousal, desire, and satisfaction. In the Danish Colorectal Cancer Radiotherapy Group, we aimed to: (1) Develop an atlas of sexual function-related organs at risk and (2) Evaluate if these organs at risk could be spared without compromising target coverage in rectal cancer radiotherapy planning. Patient/material and methods: A multidisciplinary approach was adopted, involving oncology, physics, psychology, surgery, and radiology. MRI-based anatomical definitions were

SUBMITTER: Kronborg CJS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12406747 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature