Gynecological and sexual aftereffects following rectal cancer treatment
Evaluation of Gynecological and Sexual Sequelae in Patients Treated for Rectal Cancer
This work will test whether gynecological anatomical changes after rectal cancer treatment are linked to ongoing sexual problems in women aged 18–60 who are in remission.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Rouen Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Rouen) |
| Trial ID | NCT07389863 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational study enrolling women treated for rectal cancer between 2020 and 2025 who are currently in remission. Participants who were sexually active before treatment and completed treatment questionnaires will have clinical gynecological information and patient-reported sexual function data reviewed to characterize anatomical and sexual sequelae. The study focuses on effects related to surgery and pelvic radiotherapy such as nerve injury, fibrosis, dyspareunia, and vaginal dryness, and does not involve any experimental treatments. Results are intended to improve detection, timing, and management of gynecological and sexual complications after rectal cancer.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18–60 treated for rectal cancer between 2020 and 2025 who are in remission, were sexually active before treatment, and completed the required questionnaires are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women with active cancer or ongoing chemotherapy, those who are pregnant, have had extensive prior gynecological surgery, cognitive or language barriers, or lack social security coverage are ineligible and unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could enable earlier detection and better management of gynecological and sexual problems after rectal cancer, improving long-term quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has documented sexual dysfunction after pelvic cancer treatments, but comprehensive clinical data specifically quantifying gynecological anatomical sequelae after rectal cancer remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 18 to 60 at the time of diagnosis * Having been treated for rectal cancer between 2020 and 2025 * Cancer in remission * Having been sexually active before receiving treatment for their rectal cancer * Having completed the various questionnaires during their treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to complete questionnaires (cognitive impairment, language barrier) * Pregnant women * Women with active cancer and/or undergoing chemotherapy * Women with a history of extensive gynecological surgery * Individuals deprived of their liberty by an administrative or judicial decision, or individuals under legal protection/guardianship or curatorship * Individuals without social security coverage
Where this trial is running
Rouen
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive — Rouen, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pauline PL LUDWIG, Doctor junior — University Rouen Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nabila NL LAAJAIL, Director
- Email: Secretariat.DRC@chu-rouen.fr
- Phone: 02 32 88 82 65
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.