Understanding Quality of Life and Sexual Health in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

Sexual health is a vital component of measuring quality of life, yet it is rarely addressed in routine care for patients with hematologic malignancies. These patients often undergo urgent and intensive treatment, leaving little room for conversations about sexual well-being. While sexual dysfunction has been studied in people with solid tumors, little evidence describes these concerns in individuals with blood cancers, limiting clinicians’ ability to prepare patients, recognize dysfunction early, and offer meaningful support.

To reduce the burden experienced by patients and clinicians, a study led by PC3I Faculty Catherine Lai, MD, MPH, is collecting clinical information along with patient-reported outcomes related to sexual function, awareness of possible dysfunction, knowledge gaps, and concerns during and after treatment for hematologic malignancies. By pairing the survey data with clinical outcomes, the study will identify unmet needs in education and communication. These findings will guide the development of supportive tools and resources that improve patient education and strengthen conversations between patients and their care teams.

This project will provide the first systematic evaluation of sexual health needs among Penn patients with hematologic malignancies and will serve as the foundation for new strategies that integrate sexual health into routine oncology care. Findings will support the development of research tools and educational resources that can help improve the patient experience, including patient-physician communication and overall quality of care.