Gynecological and sexual health after radiotherapy for anal cancer.
DACG VI. Beyond Survival: Addressing Gynecological and Sexual Health in Women After Radiotherapy for Anal Cancer
See if vaginal problems and changes in sexual health are linked to radiation dose in women treated with chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer 6–36 months after treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Aarhus University Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 3 sites (Aarhus and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07296237 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study follows women treated with curative chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer to document vaginal and sexual changes 6–36 months after radiotherapy. Participants complete online quality-of-life and sexual health questionnaires and undergo a gynecological exam to check for narrowing, stiffness, bleeding, or scarring. The study links clinical findings to recorded radiation doses to the vagina to explore dose–response relationships. It also collects information on supportive care received and patient satisfaction with that care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18 or older in Denmark who were treated with curative chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer, are 6–36 months post‑radiotherapy, can give written consent, and can complete Danish questionnaires.
Not a fit: People unlikely to benefit include those who had prior pelvic radiotherapy, received electron beam radiotherapy, are outside the 6–36 month window, cannot speak Danish, or are not women treated for anal cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians prevent or better manage vaginal and sexual side effects by informing follow-up care, patient counseling, and possible dose-planning limits.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational work using exams and patient‑reported questionnaires has documented pelvic radiation effects in gynecologic and rectal cancer, but focused data specifically on vaginal outcomes after anal cancer radiotherapy remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 18 years or older * Diagnosed with anal cancer * Treated with chemoradiotherapy with curative intent * Between 6 and 36 months since completion of radiotherapy * Able and willing to give written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous pelvic radiotherapy for another disease * Treated with electron beam radiotherapy * Unable to speak or understand Danish
Where this trial is running
Aarhus and 2 other locations
- Department of Oncology Aarhus University Hospital (AUH) — Aarhus, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital — Herlev, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Department of Oncology Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark — Vejle, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Johanne H. Steffensen, MD.
- Email: johste@oncology.au.dk
- Phone: 004551434830
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.