Journal article
Male reproductive and sexual health outcomes following intravesical therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
World journal of urology, Vol.43(1), 659
11/01/2025
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-025-06056-8
PMID: 41175262
Abstract
Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is primarily treated with intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy or chemotherapy. While these therapies effectively reduce tumor recurrence and progression, their impact on male reproductive health remains underexplored. This review synthesizes current evidence on the reproductive effects of intravesical therapies in men with NMIBC.
A structured PubMed search was conducted to identify studies evaluating the effects of intravesical therapy on male reproduction. Studies published in English between 2000 and 2025 were screened. Outcomes related to semen parameters, hormonal changes, and sexual function were extracted from selected studies.
Preclinical studies have demonstrated that exposure to intravesical agents may result in reversible testicular damage. In clinical settings, although data are limited, BCG therapy has been associated with transient impairments in semen parameters and sexual function, while reproductive hormone levels generally remain stable, suggesting a localized rather than systemic effect. Although intravesical chemotherapy exhibits minimal systemic absorption, concerns regarding its potential gonadotoxicity persist, and clinical data on its impact on male reproductive health remain limited. Furthermore, newly approved agents for NMIBC, such as nadofaragene and nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln, currently lack fertility-related safety data. Genitourinary complications following intravesical therapy, including epididymo-orchitis, and prostatitis, may further compromise the integrity of the male reproductive tract and exacerbate fertility risks.
With fatherhood increasingly occurring beyond age 40, uro-oncologists should consider the potential effects of intravesical therapy on male fertility and sexual function. Expanding research into reproductive outcomes among NMIBC patients may support more informed counseling on this matter.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Male reproductive and sexual health outcomes following intravesical therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
- Creators
- Mohamad Abou Chakra - University of IowaIgor Duquesne - Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de ParisMahmoud Mima - University of Illinois ChicagoSamuel Ohlander - University of Illinois ChicagoAdam J Kemp - University of IowaMichael A O'Donnell - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- World journal of urology, Vol.43(1), 659
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00345-025-06056-8
- PMID
- 41175262
- NLM abbreviation
- World J Urol
- ISSN
- 1433-8726
- eISSN
- 1433-8726
- Publisher
- Springer
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 11/01/2025
- Academic Unit
- Urology
- Record Identifier
- 9985024141902771
Metrics
4 Record Views