Helping men recover sexual function after prostate cancer surgery

Helping Men Adhere to Sexual Rehabilitation Following Prostate Cancer Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT02706561

This study tests two different ways to help men regain their sexual function after prostate cancer surgery to see which one works better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment224 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT02706561 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate two different approaches to assist men in their sexual rehabilitation following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Participants will engage in three in-person sessions and receive monthly phone calls, utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction (ACT-ED) and Enhanced Monitoring and Education (EME) as interventions. The goal is to improve adherence to rehabilitation protocols and enhance sexual functioning post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men who have undergone radical prostatectomy for early-stage prostate cancer and are experiencing moderate erectile dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing erectile dysfunction or who are beyond nine months post-surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve sexual rehabilitation outcomes for men recovering from prostate cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using therapeutic approaches for erectile dysfunction, indicating potential for success in this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* As per medical record, early stage prostate cancer (Pathologic Stage 1/2 with Gleason score \</=8; or Pathologic Stage 3 with Gleason score =/\< 7)
* As per medical record, radical prostatectomy (RP) conducted either at MSKCC or at another institution
* As per medical record, ≤ 9 months post-RP
* As per medical record, moderate erectile functioning pre-surgery (i.e., 15 or greater on the IIEF Erectile Function Domain (EFD) score, or graded their erections as a 1 or 2 on the standard 5 point Urology Erectile Function scale, or have a score of 6 or greater on the 1-10 pre-surgery erectile function scale on the SMRP assessment or have a total score of 15 or greater on items 2-7 on the Prostrate Quality of Life Survey: Sexual Domain)
* As per self report or as per medical record starting penile injections as part of the erectile rehabilitation program at MSKCC
* In the judgment of the consenting professional able to communicate, comprehend, and complete questionnaires in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Both cavernous nerves fully resected as per surgery report (nerve sparing score of 8 in MSKCC surgeon note), or documented in the progress note that the nerves were fully resected.
* Currently on or has a history of being an Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)
* Has any indication of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
* As per self report, specific injection phobia
* In the judgment of the consenting professional is unable to provide informed consent and complete study sessions and assessment.
* As per self report or as documented in the medical record, current untreated (e.g. no medication no therapy) major psychiatric disorder (schizophrenia, major depression). Patients diagnosed with a major psychiatric disorder will be reviewed by the study PI to determine eligibility prior to consent.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Prostate CancerErectile Dysfunction15-317
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.