Pelvic Physical Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Gynecologic Oncology Survivors

Feasibility of Pelvic Physical Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Gynecologic Oncology Survivors

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the use of pelvic physical therapy for gynecologic cancer survivors who report sexual dysfunction. Physical therapy experts believe that a full 10-week regimen is necessary for true improvement of symptoms. Investigators aim to see if this tense regimen is feasible for survivors. Investigators also aim to see if patients have an improvement in their sexual function and quality of life.

Primary Objective(s): To determine the feasibility of an intensive pelvic physical therapy intervention with gynecologic cancer survivors reporting sexual dysfunction. Feasibility will be determined by accrual, retention, and adherence.

Secondary Objective(s):

• To demonstrate preliminary efficacy of the pelvic physical therapy intervention on sexual function in gynecologic cancer survivors. Sexual function will be measured three times: at time of randomization (T0), after completion of the 10-week pelvic physical therapy regimen - 3 months after randomization (T1), and 3 months after T1 (T2).
• To demonstrate preliminary efficacy of the pelvic physical therapy intervention on health-related quality of life in gynecologic cancer survivors. Quality of life will be measured at three times (T0) at time of randomization, (T1) after completion of the 10-week pelvic physical therapy regimen - 3 months after randomization, and (T2) 3 months after T1

Inclusion Criteria:

• History of cervical, ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal, uterine, or vulvar/vaginal cancer, regardless of stage or amount of prior therapy. Patients must have completed radiation therapy 12 weeks prior enrollment. Patients must be at least 12 weeks remote from surgery. There is no minimum time after completion of chemotherapy for enrollment. There is no upper limit of time from treatment.
• History of treatment for gynecological cancer - surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or combination of therapies.
• Screen positive for sexual dysfunction based on answers to the Brief Sexual Symptom Checklist for Women. A patient screens positive if they answer "no" to the first question (Are you satisfied with your sexual function?) and if they select any answer other than "a" in the third question (Mark which of the following problems you are having). The other questions do not impact whether a patient screens positive or negative. They do not have an impact on study eligibility.
• English-speaking. Due to the developmental nature of this study, assessing feasibility with a small number of patients, we do not have all response tools and questionnaires translated into multiple languages. In a future larger study, it will be important to translate all documents into multiple languages in order to include non-English speakers.
• Age ≥18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active pelvic infection
• Presence of vaginal fistula
• Deemed not suitable for PPT based on physician assessment. If there is suspicion for infection, disease recurrence, or other concerning medical findings that necessitate further evaluation and work up at that time.
• Evidence of active cancer