Abstract PS1-03-19: Interventions acceptable to women with metastatic breast cancer for their sexual problems

Abstract Background: Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and its therapies can cause sexual problems, leading to distress and relationship problems. Unfortunately, limited information is available on acceptable interventions to address sexual problems in women with MBC. Methods: This qualitative study focuses on acceptable interventions for sexual problems of women with MBC. A medical anthropologist conducted semi-structured interviews with women diagnosed with MBC at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively coded to identify recurring themes and exemplary quotes. Results: Between September 2024 and May 2025, 20 women aged 30-77 with MBC participated in interviews. Of 20, 11 (55%) were White and 9 (45%) were African American; 95% were heterosexual and 1 (5%) was bisexual; 10 (50%) were married or partnered and 10 (50%) were widowed, single, or divorced; and 90% were in menopause (natural or treatment-related). Participants expressed key intervention preferences reflecting both favorable views and concerns (Table). The most common interventions discussed were lubricants during sexual intercourse. Most patients expressed positive experiences with using lubricants, which provided a degree of symptom relief. However, some women expressed concerns about a burning sensation associated with lubricants. The second category was sex toys, including mostly different types of vibrators. Although the majority of the women expressed positive experiences about using sex toys, some expressed hesitancy. A third intervention discussed was hormonal vaginal preparations. Many women expressed concerns about the long-term side effects of using estrogen- or testosterone-containing vaginal preparations resulting in a limited willingness to use. Another intervention discussed was non-hormonal vaginal moisturizers, which they perceived as having limited benefits. Although a few women were open to using medications to improve sexual desire, the majority are hesitant due to potential side effects and an additional pill burden. The majority of women in relationships adopt or are willing to adopt changes beyond sex to improve communication, relationships, and intimacy. However, women were reluctant to use formal therapy, including couple and behavioral therapy, due to lack of time, other priorities, and skepticism about their effectiveness. Conclusions: This study identifies acceptable interventions to address the sexual problems of women with MBC. Over-the-counter interventions such as lubricants, sex toys, and behavioral techniques were preferred. They were more reluctant to use prescription medications such as estrogen- or testosterone-containing vaginal preparations, medications to enhance sexual desire, and formal couple and behavioral therapies due to concerns about side effects, skepticism about their effectiveness, and additional therapeutic burdens. Citation Format: N. Jahan, E. Sringer-Reasor, H. Sarfraz, K. Khoury, M. Escobar, C. P. Williams, I. Starks, T. Padalkar, S. Olisakwe, N. Henderson, S. A. Ingram, A. Azuero, K. Keene, M. E. Melisko, E. H. Shinn, G. B. Rocque. Interventions acceptable to women with metastatic breast cancer for their sexual problems abstract. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-03-19.