Pelvic Recovery After Endometrial Cancer Treatment: Patient-Reported Outcomes and MRI Findings

Rationale and Objectives: Most women with endometrial cancer (EC) have an excellent prognosis and may be cured. However, treatment-related pelvic functional impacts may affect long-term quality of life. To better understand these concerns, we explored correlations between patient-reported outcomes and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in women treated for EC. Materials and Methods: Women with histologic diagnosis of EC were consented preoperatively and completed the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Index (PFDI) questionnaires at preoperative, 6-week, and 6-month follow-up visits. Pelvic MRIs with dynamic pelvic floor sequences were performed at 6 weeks and 6 months. Results: A total of 33 women participated in this prospective pilot study. Only 53.7% had been asked about sexual function by providers while 92.4% thought they should have been. Sexual function became more important to women over time. Baseline FSFI was low, declined at 6 weeks, and climbed above baseline at 6 months. Hyperintense vaginal wall signal on T2-weighted images (10.9 vs. 4.8, p =.002) and intact Kegel function (9.8 vs. 4.8, p =.03) were associated with higher FSFI. PFDI scores trended toward improved pelvic floor function over time. Pelvic adhesions on MRI were associated with better pelvic floor function (23.0 vs. 54.9, p =.003). Urethral hypermobility (48.4 vs. 21.7, p =.01), cystocele (65.6 vs. 24.8, p <.0001), and rectocele (58.8 vs. 18.8, p <.0001) predicted worse pelvic floor function. Conclusion: Use of pelvic MRI to quantify anatomic and tissue changes may facilitate risk stratification and response assessment for pelvic floor and sexual dysfunction. Patients articulated the need for attention to these outcomes during EC treatment.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of treatment for endometrial cancer on pelvic functional outcomes and sexual function in patients, and found correlations between pathological features and patient-reported outcomes. Patients expressed a clear need for attention to these outcomes during treatment.