Effects of local laser treatment on vulvovaginal atrophy among women with breast cancer: a prospective study with long-term follow-up

Lasers in Gynecology

The first published reports on the use of laser for cervical pathology date back to 1973. Technical advancements in flexible and rigid laser fibers revolutionized video laser laparoscopy in the 1990s. Fractionated lasers have been used to treat vulvovaginal symptoms associated with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, lichen sclerosus, and urinary incontinence. Review of available data suggests that fractionated lasers can improve both subjective and objective signs of vaginal atrophy and lichen sclerosus, but the evidence is weak because most of the trials are underpowered, are at risk for bias, and lack long-term follow-up. There is no strong evidence to support fractionated laser therapy for urinary incontinence or low-level laser therapy for chronic pelvic pain. Although short-term, single-arm trials suggest benefit of fractionated laser therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, lichen sclerosus, and urinary incontinence, additional adequately powered, prospective, randomized, and longer-term comparative trials are needed before lasers can be recommended for these specific conditions. The purpose of this Clinical Expert Series is to review basic laser biophysics and the mechanism of action for modern fractionated lasers as relevant to the gynecologist. We also summarize safety and effectiveness data for lasers used for some of the most commonly studied gynecologic conditions: the vulvovaginal atrophy component of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, lichen sclerosus, and urinary incontinence.

Safety and efficacy of non-ablative CO2 laser treatment of vulvo-vaginal atrophy in women with history of breast cancer

PURPOSE

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) suffer severe vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA) and some of the most effective therapies are contraindicated. In literature we have no data about the non-ablative CO2 laser on these women. The aim of this study was to examine its efficacy, safety and acceptability in BCS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The enrolled women underwent 3 sessions of laser therapy (t0, t1, t2) and a one-month follow up examination (t3). At each time point we measured objective signs of VVA via VHI (Vaginal Health Index) and VuHI (Vulvar Health Index) and subjective parameters (Dryness, Burning, Itching, Dysuria) via visual analog scales (VAS). In sexually active women we evaluated the sexual function with FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), FSDS (Female Sexual Distress Score) scores and MENQOL (menopause quality of life questionnaire).

RESULTS

We enrolled 26 BCS. The mean VHI, VuVHI, dryness and burning VAS scores improved significantly and this improvement was not influenced by the initial VVA grade. MENQOL sexual domain, Lubrication, Orgasm and Pain domains and FSFI total score improved significantly, while Desire, Arousal and Satisfaction domains of FSFI and FSDS did not. At t0 women using Aromatase Inhibitors suffered more severe vaginal dryness than women using Tamoxifen or no therapy, but the three subgroups improved without differences. No adverse event and minimum discomfort were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The non-ablative CO2 laser is a safe and effective treatment of VVA and has positive effects on sexual function in BCS regardless the use of adjuvant therapies and the initial grade of VVA.

Efficacy of a Diode Vaginal Laser in the Treatment of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

INTRODUCTION

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) are the most frequent menopause-related clinical entities and are consistently included in the definition of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Nonhormonal therapies, such as lubricants and moisturizers, are indicated as first-line treatments, while the "gold standard'' is represented by topical estrogen products; however, in cancer survivors hormonal treatment is not indicated. For this reason, energy-based therapeutic approaches-for instance, through laser technologies-may be employed as alternative options in this kind of patient; however, there are no studies evaluating the efficacy of a pure diode vaginal laser in the treatment of GSM. As a consequence, with our study, we aimed to evaluate outpatient nonablative diode laser treatment in sexually active women, with contraindications, no response, or refusal of local estrogenic therapy.

METHODS

This prospective study included patients with GSM, aged ≥ 18 years old, with contraindications, or refusal of local estrogen therapies. Women were evaluated via the use of their Vaginal Health Index (VHI) scores, which consists of five measures: elasticity, fluid volume, pH, epithelial integrity, and moisture. Moreover, the intensity of VVA symptoms (vaginal burning, vaginal itching, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and dysuria) was measured using a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS), where the left extreme of the scale (score = 0) indicated "absence of symptom" and the right indicated "symptom as bad as it could be" (score = 100). Sexual function was evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-19) questionnaire. The treatment was performed using a Leonardo Dual diode laser (Biolitec Italia Srl, Milano, Italy). The laser treatment consisted of three sessions, one per month. One month after the third session, the VHI, symptom VAS, and FSFI-19 were re-evaluated. In addition, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire was collected.

RESULTS

Our study enrolled a total of 26 consecutive patients. All patients were either in menopause or under treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). None of the patients reported adverse effects after laser treatment. In total, 19 (73.1%) patients referred improvements of their symptoms according to PGI-I scores. All domains of the FSFI-19 questionnaire, significantly improved after the diode laser treatment. The mean VHI score increased by 3.2 points, from 12.2 to 15.4 (p < 0.001). Additionally, we documented a significant improvement in symptoms affecting the VAS score, from 69.2 to 43.5 points (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A diode vaginal laser is an effective and easily tolerated ambulatory procedure for vaginal functional restoration in the treatment of GSM and VVA.

Vaginal Laser Treatment for the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Narrative Review

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a chronic condition resulting from reduced estrogen levels during menopause. The North American Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health suggested the term "genitourinary syndrome of menopause" (GSM) to indicate the broader aspects of VVA. Breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, can induce early and abrupt menopausal symptoms, including GSM, which negatively affects sexual function and the quality of life of the survivors. Vaginal laser therapy has emerged as a safe and effective option for the management of GSM in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Two main types of lasers, the non-ablative erbium:YAG laser and fractional microablative CO2 vaginal laser, have been evaluated for GSM treatment. While there are few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the subject of BCSs, a wealth of prospective and retrospective studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of vaginal laser therapy on the symptoms of VVA, vaginal health, sexual function, and overall quality of life. More comprehensive research is essential to confirm its enduring effectiveness and safety, with a focus on conducting standardized and meticulously controlled investigations. This study is a narrative review that summarizes clinical trials ranging from the earliest to the most recent ones on laser treatment for GSM in BCSs.

Effects of Non-Ablative Solid-State Vaginal Laser (SSVL) for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy in Breast Cancer Survivors after Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy: Preliminary Results

BACKGROUND

One of the side effects of anti-estrogen treatments in breast cancer survivors (BCSs), especially with aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment, is the frequent appearance of vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA). We aim to evaluate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of a new type of non-ablative Solid-State Vaginal Laser (SSVL) treatment in BCSs with VVA.

METHODS

A total of 30 BCSs with a history of AI use and symptoms of VVA were treated with a non-ablative SSVL (LASEmaR 1500™-EUFOTON)in this non-randomized pilot study. The effects of the laser have been evaluated at baseline, 10 wk and 24 wk using a visual analogue scale (VAS), the Vaginal Health Index (VHI), the Vulvar Health Index (VuHI), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the EORTC QLQ-BR23, the Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI) and vaginal pH.

RESULTS

At 10-week follow-up vs. baseline there were no statistically significant differences in FSFI, lubrication and EORTC QLQ-BR23. In all the subjective (dyspareunia, VHI, VuHI, FSFI, QLQ) and objective parameters (VMI and pH) there was a statistically significant improvement at the 6-month follow-up. Satisfaction was very high (4.7 out of 5), with 95.7% of patients being satisfied, more than or very satisfied.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary results of SSVL treatment of VVA and dyspareunia in BCSs after AI treatment suggest clinical improvement, without relevant side effects and with a high degree of satisfaction.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause in Breast Cancer Survivors: Current Perspectives on the Role of Laser Therapy

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a frequent consequence of iatrogenic menopause or anti-estrogenic adjuvant therapies in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). GSM may profoundly affect sexual health and quality of life, and a multidimensional unique model of care is needed to address the burden of this chronic heterogeneous condition. Severe symptoms may be insufficiently managed with non-hormonal traditional treatments, such as moisturizers and lubricants, recommended as the first-line approach by current guidelines, because concerns exist around the use of vaginal estrogens, particularly in women on aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Vaginal laser therapy has emerged as a promising alternative in women with GSM who are not suitable or do not respond to hormonal management, or are not willing to use pharmacological strategies. We aim to systematically review current evidence about vaginal laser efficacy and safety in BCSs and to highlight gaps in the literature. We analyzed results from 20 studies, including over 700 BCSs treated with either CO2 or erbium laser, with quite heterogeneous primary outcomes and duration of follow up (4 weeks-24 months). Although evidence for laser efficacy in BCSs comes mostly from single-arm prospective studies, with only one randomized double-blind sham-controlled trial for CO2 laser and one randomized comparative trial of erbium laser and hyaluronic acid, available data are reassuring in the short term and indicate effectiveness of both CO2 and erbium lasers on the most common GSM symptoms. However, further studies are mandatory to establish long-term efficacy and safety in menopausal women, including BCSs.

Vaginal laser therapy for GSM/VVA: where we stand now - a review by the EUGA Working Group on Laser

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a chronic progressive condition that involves the genital and lower urinary tracts, related to the decrease of serum estrogenic levels when menopause occurs. The definition of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a medically more accurate, all-encompassing and publicly acceptable term than VVA. Due to the chronic progressive trend of GSM, symptoms tend to reappear after the cessation of therapy, and frequently long-term treatment is required. First-line therapies include vulvar and vaginal lubricant or moisturizers, and, in the case of failure, low-dose vaginal estrogens are the preferred pharmacological therapy. Populations of patients, such as breast cancer (BC) survivors, are affected by iatrogenic GSM symptoms with concerns about the use of hormonal therapies. The non-ablative erbium:YAG laser and the fractional microablative CO2 vaginal laser are the two main lasers evaluated for GSM treatment. The aim of this comprehensive review is to report the efficacy and safety of Er:YAG and CO2 vaginal lasers for GSM treatment. Vaginal laser therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in restoring vaginal health, improving VVA symptoms and sexual function. The data suggest that both Er:YAG and CO2 vaginal lasers are safe energy-based therapeutic options for management of VVA and/or GSM symptoms in postmenopausal women and BC survivors.

Emerging Use of Vaginal Laser to Treat Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Review

Breast cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, can cause earlier and more sudden menopausal symptoms. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is one of the most bothersome side effects of breast cancer treatment, resulting in sexual dysfunction and impaired quality of life. GSM includes genital, urinary, and sexual symptoms. However, alleviating symptoms of GSM for breast cancer survivors may be challenging due to ineffectiveness, contraindications, and low adherence to treatment. The most recent data show the feasibility and safety of vaginal laser to treat GSM for breast cancer survivors. This narrative review provides the aspects of GSM in breast cancer patients, putting the focus on the efficacy and safety of vaginal laser therapy.

The British menopause society consensus statement on the management of oestrogen deficiency symptoms, arthralgia and menopause diagnosis in women with treated for early breast cancer

This guidance document by the British Menopause Society provides an overview of the management of women experiencing oestrogen deficiency symptoms and arthralgia following a breast cancer diagnosis. It is now recommended breast cancer patients are referred to health care professionals with an expertise in menopause for management of such symptoms, which in turn often involves liaison with patients' breast cancer teams.¹ However, as many women initially present to primary health care professionals for advice, this statement is aimed to support the latter in such consultations by providing information about symptom aetiology, current management strategies and controversies and identifying useful practice points. This is an updated version of the 2018 consensus statement prepared by Miss Jo Marsden Consultant Breast Surgeon, King's College Hospital, London, (retired), Mr Mike Marsh, Consultant Gynae-endocrinologist, King's College Hospital, London, Dr Anne Rigg, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London.

Fractional Co2 laser for vulvo-vaginal atrophy in gynecologic cancer patients: A valid therapeutic choice? A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

One of the most common adverse events reported by gynecological cancer survivors with spontaneous or iatrogenic menopause is vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA). An increasing number of women have this kind of discomfort related to the menopause induced by different cancer therapies. In this regard, fractional CO2 laser may be a valid therapeutic choice for these patients.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases with search terms of laser CO2 treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy and gynecologic cancer survivors and reviewed major US Society Guidelines to create this narrative review of this topic. Breast, ovarian endometrial and cervical cancers were included.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included. Fractional CO2 laser improves clinical symptoms and sexual function, in terms of VHI (vaginal health index) and FSFI (female sexual function index). Non severe adverse event occurred.

CONCLUSION

According to the best evidence available, fractional CO2 laser treatment for VVA is an effective and safe therapeutic option for gynecological cancer survivors, improving sexual life and quality of life (QoL).

Breast-Specific Sensuality in Breast Cancer Survivors: Sexually Active or Not

BACKGROUND

We sought to better understand breast-specific sensuality (BSS) in sexually inactive breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey of breast cancer survivors during surveillance appointments from 2014 to 2016. Sexual inactivity was defined as no sexual activity within 4 weeks prior. Categorical data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Multiple logistic regression adjusted for age and menopausal status, and Firth's bias correction accommodated sparse data.

RESULTS

Of 585 respondents, 546 (93.3%) were between the ages of 40 and 79 years, of whom 285 (48.7%) were sexually inactive. Favorable post-treatment appearance satisfaction was reported by 413 (71.0%) respondents. Sexually inactive respondents were more likely to score discomfort with their partner seeing their chest after surgery compared with sexually active respondents (41 [20.4%] vs. 34 [11.4%]; p = 0.002). Both sexually inactive and active respondents reported that their chest was important in intimacy after surgery but at significantly different rates (117 [44.3%] vs. 217 [72.6%]; p < 0.001). Post-surgical appearance satisfaction for sexually inactive respondents was positively associated with level of comfort with partner seeing their chest after surgery (p < 0.001) and with rating of a pleasurable caress of the treated breast (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Over 40% of sexually inactive respondents reported their chest was important in intimacy after surgery, suggesting that BSS may be a route to intimacy for sexually inactive breast cancer survivors. Post-surgical breast appearance satisfaction significantly correlated with comfort being seen by one's partner and appreciation of a pleasurable breast caress. Optimizing breast cancer surgical aesthetic outcomes may improve survivorship.

New Innovations for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy: An Up-to-Date Review

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a chronic progressive disease involving the female genital apparatus and lower urinary tract. This condition is related to hypoestrogenism consequent to menopause onset but is also due to the hormonal decrease after adjuvant therapy for patients affected by breast cancer. Considering the high prevalence of VVA and the expected growth of this condition due to the increase in the average age of the female population, it is easy to understand its significant social impact. VVA causes uncomfortable disorders, such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia, and requires constant treatment, on cessation of which symptoms tend to reappear. The currently available therapies include vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, vaginal estrogens and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), systemic hormone therapy, and Ospemifene. Considering, however, that such therapies have some problems that include contraindications, ineffectiveness, and low compliance, finding an innovative, effective, and safe treatment is crucial. The present data suggest great efficacy and safety of a vaginal laser in the treatment of genital symptoms and improvement in sexual function in patients affected by VVA. The beneficial effect tends to be sustained over the long-term, and no serious adverse events have been identified. The aim of this review is to report up-to-date efficacy and safety data of laser energy devices, in particular the microablative fractional carbon dioxide laser and the non-ablative photothermal Erbium-YAG laser.

The evidence behind the use of LASER for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vulvovaginal atrophy, urinary incontinence and lichen sclerosus: A state-of-the-art review

In recent years, LASER has been introduced as a minimally invasive treatment for a broad range of vaginal and vulvar symptoms and diseases. However, the efficacy and safety of vaginal and vulvar LASER has continuously been questioned. The aim of this study is to create an overview of the current literature and discuss the controversies within the use of LASER for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vulvovaginal atrophy, urinary incontinence and lichen sclerosus. A search string was built in PubMed. The search was commenced on August 25, 2021 and closed on October 27, 2021. Two authors screened the studies in Covidence for inclusion according to the eligibility criteria in the protocol. The data were extracted from the studies and are reported in both text and tables. This review included 114 papers, of which 15 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The effect of LASER as a vaginal treatment was investigated for genitourinary syndrome of menopause in 36 studies (six RCTs), vulvovaginal atrophy in 34 studies (four RCTs) and urinary incontinence in 30 studies (two RCTs). Ten studies (three RCTs) investigated the effect of vulvar treatment for lichen sclerosus. Half of the included RCTs, irrespective of indication, did not find a significant difference in improvement in women treated with vaginal CO₂ or Er:YAG LASER compared with their respective controls. However, most non-comparative studies reported significant improvement after exposure to vaginal or vulvar LASER across all indications. Included studies generally had a short follow-up period and only a single RCT followed their participants for more than 6 months post treatment. Adverse events were reported as mild and transient and 99 studies including 51 094 patients provided information of no serious adverse events. In conclusion, this review found that the effect of vaginal and vulvar LASER decreases with higher study quality where potential biases have been eliminated. We therefore stress that all patients who are treated with vaginal or vulvar LASER should be carefully monitored and that LASER for those indications as a treatment should be kept on a research level until further high-quality evidence is available.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause in Breast Cancer Survivors

(1) Background: The objective of this study was to determine the long-term efficacy of fractional CO₂ laser therapy in breast cancer survivors. (2) Methods: This was a single-arm study of breast cancer survivors. Participants received three treatments of fractional CO₂ laser therapy and returned for a 4 week follow-up. Participants were contacted for follow-up at annual intervals. The Vaginal Assessment Scale (VAS), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scare Revised (FSDS-R), the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI), and adverse events were collected and reported for the two-year follow-up. The changes in scores were compared between the four-week and two-year and the one-year and two-year follow-ups using paired t-tests. (3) Results: In total, 67 BC survivors were enrolled, 59 completed treatments and the four week follow-up, 39 participated in the one-year follow-up, and 33 participated in the two-year follow-up. After initial improvement in the VAS from baseline to the four week follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in the VAS score (mean Δ 0.23; 95% CI [−0.05, 0.51], p = 0.150) between the four week follow-up and the two-year follow-up. At the two-year follow-up, the FSFI and FSDS-R scores remained improved from baseline and there was no statistically significant change in the FSFI score (mean Δ −0.83; 95% CI [−3.07, 2.38] p = 0.794) or the FSDS-R score (mean Δ −2.85; 95% CI [−1.88, 7.59] p = 0.227) from the one to two-year follow-up. The UDI scores approached baseline at the two-year follow-up; however, the change between the one- and two-year follow-ups was not statistically significant (mean Δ 4.76; 95% CI [−1.89, 11.41], p = 0.15). (4) Conclusions: Breast cancer survivors treated with fractional CO₂ laser therapy have sustained improvement in sexual function two years after treatment completion, suggesting potential long-term benefit.

Treatment of Urogenital Symptoms in Individuals With a History of Estrogen-dependent Breast Cancer: Clinical Consensus

SUMMARY

With an estimated 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, obstetrician-gynecologists often are on the front lines of addressing survivorship issues, including the hypoestrogenic-related adverse effects of cancer therapies or early menopause in survivors (1). Although systemic and vaginal estrogen are used widely for symptomatic relief of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in the general population, among individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancer, there is uncertainty about the safety of hormone-based therapy, leading many individuals with bothersome symptoms to remain untreated, with potential negative consequences on quality of life (2). An effective management strategy requires familiarity with a range of both hormonal and nonhormonal treatment options, knowledge about the pharmaceutical mechanisms of action, and the ability to tailor treatment based on individual risk factors. This clinical consensus document was developed using an a priori protocol in conjunction with two authors specializing in urogynecology and gynecologic oncology. This document has been updated to review the safety and efficacy of newer hormonal treatment options as well as nonhormonal modalities.