Sexuality remains a topic that is rarely discussed in cancer care. Yet cancer treatments can have significant consequences for patients’ intimate lives, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
At the Baclesse Center, a new clinical research study called SANIMMEX will examine a question that remains largely unknown: what is the impact of immunotherapy on the sexual health of cancer patients?
Sexual health, essential to quality of life
According to the World Health Organization,sexual health is not merely the absence of disorders or diseases. It is an integral part of physical, psychological, emotional, and relational well-being. However, numerous studies show that cancer and its treatments can have a lasting impact on patients’ intimate lives. Fatigue, pain, decreased libido, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, changes in body image, or relationship difficulties can affect sexuality, regardless of age or type of cancer.
Despite this, these difficulties are often rarely discussed. Many patients do not dare to bring up the subject and wait for healthcare professionals to initiate the conversation.
For several years now, immunotherapies—also known as immune checkpoint inhibitors—have profoundly transformed the management of certain cancers, such as melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and certain head and neck cancers.
These treatments have significantly improved survival rates for many patients. However, their effects on sexual health remain poorly understood.
Certain side effects associated with immunotherapy can, however, have hormonal, physical, or psychological repercussions that may affect intimate life. To date, very few studies have specifically addressed this aspect.
A study to better listen to and support patients
The SANIMMEX study aims to assess changes in the sexual health of patients receiving exclusive immunotherapy during the first few months of their treatment. Specifically, participating patients will be asked to complete several questionnaires regarding their sexual health; their quality of life; their emotional well-being; and their levels of anxiety and depression.
After four months of treatment, patients will also be offered a consultation with a nurse specializing in sexual health. This opportunity for discussion will allow patients to express their challenges, expectations, and support needs. The study is based on a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to care, taking into account physical, psychological, and relational aspects alike.
Through this project, the teams at the Baclesse Center aim to improve our understanding of the effects of immunotherapy on patients’ sexual health.
“For many years, sexual health has been a focus of our work at the Baclesse Center; through the SANIMMEX study, we now aim to better understand the impact of immunotherapy on patients’ intimate lives so that we can offer them more comprehensive support that is better tailored to their needs,” says Audrey GOLLE, a registered nurse specializing in sexual health.
In particular, the results will help provide patients and their families with better information;identify certain challenges at an earlier stage; offer tailored preventive measures and support ; and improve quality of life throughout the care journey.
This study also highlights the growing importance of supportive cancer care, which aims to address all of patients’ needs beyond cancer treatment alone. Patient enrollment is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the goal of enrolling 72 patients in this innovative pilot study.
A research project made possible by donations
The SANIMMEX study is fundedthanks to the generosity of donors to the Baclesse Center. Their support makes it possible to develop innovative research projects focused on patients’ quality of life and on areas that remain under-explored, such as sexual health during cancer treatment.
