A pilot randomized trial to prevent sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors starting adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy

Ovarian Suppression: Early Menopause and Late Effects

OPINION STATEMENT

Around 90% of breast tumours are diagnosed in the early stage, with approximately 70% being hormone receptor-positive. The cornerstone of adjuvant therapy for early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is endocrine therapy, tailored according to disease stage, biological characteristics of the tumour, patient's comorbidities, preferences and age. In premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, ovarian function suppression is a key component of the adjuvant endocrine treatment in combination with an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen. Moreover, it can be used during chemotherapy as a standard strategy for ovarian function preservation in all breast cancer subtypes. In the metastatic setting, ovarian function suppression should be used in all premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer to achieve a post-menopausal status. Despite its efficacy, ovarian function suppression may lead to several side effects that can have a major negative impact on patients' quality of life if not properly managed (e.g. hot flashes, depression, cognitive impairment, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, weight gain). A deep knowledge of the side effects of ovarian function suppression is necessary for clinicians. A correct counselling in this regard and proactive management should be considered a fundamental part of survivorship care to improve treatment adherence and patients' quality of life.

Experiences and management needs of endocrine therapy-related symptoms in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis protocol

INTRODUCTION

Patients with breast cancer and endocrine therapy-related symptoms often experience pain, self-denial, anxiety, fear of recurrence and despair, which can be extremely physically and psychologically traumatising for the patients. Failure to receive effective support and management reduces adherence to medications, leading to a higher risk of relapse and mortality. Clearly, it is paramount to identify what support these patients may need and how to meet their symptom management needs. This paper outlines a protocol to synthesise qualitative evidence on endocrine therapy symptom experiences, management expectations and preferences of patients with breast cancer.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The following databases were searched in November 2023 with no date restriction applied: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and OpenGrey. Published studies on qualitative or mixed-method on symptom experiences and management needs during endocrine therapy in patients with breast cancer will be retrieved. We will also search for reference lists and perform a forward citation search. Before inclusion in this review, two reviewers will independently apply the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research to ensure methodological validity. Any disagreements regarding the evaluation of the articles will be resolved through discussion with or by a third reviewer. Data will be extracted using the standardised data extraction tool EndNote20 for unified management, assessment, and review of information. The common sense model of self-regulation will guide data extraction and synthesis. The final synthesised findings will be graded according to the GRADE-CERQual approach to establish confidence.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This systematic review addressed previously published studies without personally identifiable participant information. Ethical approval from the research committee was not required. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated to various key stakeholders and published in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023406987.

Care after premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in high-risk women: Scoping review and international consensus recommendations

Women at high inherited risk of ovarian cancer are offered risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) from age 35 to 45 years. Although potentially life-saving, RRSO may induce symptoms that negatively affect quality of life and impair long-term health. Clinical care following RRSO is often suboptimal. This scoping review describes how RRSO affects short- and long-term health and provides evidence-based international consensus recommendations for care from preoperative counselling to long-term disease prevention. This includes the efficacy and safety of hormonal and non-hormonal treatments for vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbance and sexual dysfunction and effective approaches to prevent bone and cardiovascular disease.

Estrogen deprivation effects of endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients: Incidence, management and outcome

Endocrine therapy is one of the standard adjuvant treatments to reduce the risk of recurrence and mortality in patients with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer. Despite its proven efficacy, ET side effects, which persist over time even if low grade, may deteriorate quality of life. During follow-up visits, emphasis is generally placed on the risk of disease recurrence, while the topic of ET side effects is commonly neglected and discussed only briefly. This could lead to poor adherence to therapy and early treatment discontinuation, resulting in worse survival outcomes. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the available evidence on the incidence and reporting of ET-related side effects (including vasomotor symptoms, musculoskeletal disorders and genitourinary syndrome of menopause, as well as fatigue, psychological and ocular disorders, dysmetabolic effects and loss of bone density) and of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies available to mitigate symptom burden.

Symptom Profiles and Related Factors Among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Latent Profile Analysis

BACKGROUND

To provide person-centered symptom management, the interindividual variability in breast cancer patients merits further exploration. However, how sociodemographic and clinical characteristics influence symptom profile membership in endocrine therapy for breast cancer is still unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore symptom profiles of breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy and to identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among symptom subgroup members.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted, and participants were invited to complete a general information questionnaire and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Subscale. Latent profile analysis, univariate analysis, and multinomial logistic regression were performed to explore symptom profiles and identify interindividual variability.

RESULTS

Three distinct subgroups were identified: "all high" (9.8%), "all moderate but high sexual symptoms" (25.4%), and "all low" (64.8%). Age, body mass index, main payment source for medical expenses, type of endocrine therapy, and history of breast cancer treatment were factors that determined membership in these 3 symptom subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics were associated with their endocrine therapy-related symptom profiles. In general, those younger in age who pay out of pocket for medical expenses, use aromatase inhibitors, present a history of chemotherapy, and have a higher body mass index have a greater risk of symptom burden.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

The findings of this study will contribute to implementing individual cancer care based on the characteristics and needs of patient subgroups, which may improve the allocation of medical resources and provide interventions tailored to patients' unique needs.

Sexual dysfunctions in breast cancer patients: evidence in context

INTRODUCTION

In breast cancer patients, endocrine therapy may exert a negative impact on sexual functioning in both genders, with potentially relevant consequences concerning quality of life and treatment adherence. The availability of effective interventions to maintain and/or restore sexual health in breast cancer patients is a key issue to a research agenda.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize and critically discuss the most updated and qualitatively relevant literature on the therapeutic approach to sexual impairment in breast cancer patients, with a focus on patients treated with endocrine therapy.

METHODS

We searched PubMed from its inception to February 2022 for observational and intervention trials including participants with sexual dysfunctions. We were particularly interested in studies of breast cancer patients with sexual dysfunctions while undergoing endocrine therapy. We developed a search strategy with the aim of maximizing the number of articles considered for screening and potential inclusion.

RESULTS

Forty-five studies were selected: 3 observational and 42 intervention studies. Thirty-five studies were exclusively focused on female breast cancer populations. We could not identify studies exclusively focused on or also including male breast cancer patients. Overall, in female patients, the available armamentarium encompasses vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, estrogens, dehydroepiandrosterone, CO2 laser, ospemifene, and counseling. None of these interventions has been demonstrated to completely solve sexual dysfunctions when singularly considered. More favorable outcomes have come from the combination of different therapies.

CONCLUSION

In female breast cancer, future research is oriented toward the gain of evidence on combined therapies and long-term data on safety issues on the most promising interventions. The lack of evidence on sexual disturbances in male breast cancer patients remains a major concern.

The Future of Breast Cancer Research in the Survivorship Field

Prevalence of survivors of breast cancer has been steadily increasing in the last 20 years. Currently, more than 90% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer are expected to be alive at 5 years from diagnosis thanks to early detection and breakthrough innovations in multimodal treatment strategies. Alongside this advancement in clinical outcomes, survivors of breast cancer might experience several specific challenges and present with unique needs. Survivorship trajectories after diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be significantly impacted by long-lasting and severe treatment-related side effects, including physical problems, psychological distress, fertility issues in young women, and impaired social and work reintegration, which add up to patients' individual risk of cancer recurrence and second primary malignancies. Alongside cancer-specific sequelae, survivors still present with general health needs, including management of chronic preexisting or ensuing conditions. Survivorship care should implement high-quality, evidence-based strategies to promptly screen, identify, and address survivors' needs in a comprehensive way and minimize the impact of severe treatment sequelae, preexisting comorbidities, unhealthy lifestyles, and risk of recurrence on quality of life. This narrative review focuses on core areas of survivorship care and discuss the state of the art and future research perspectives in key domains including selected long-term side effects, surveillance for recurrences and second cancers, well-being promotion, and specific survivors' needs.

Contemporaneous symptom networks and correlates during endocrine therapy among breast cancer patients: A network analysis

Background

Endocrine therapy-related symptoms are associated with early discontinuation and quality of life among breast cancer survivors. Although previous studies have examined these symptoms and clinical covariates, little is known about the interactions among different symptoms and correlates. This study aimed to explore the complex relationship of endocrine therapy-related symptoms and to identify the core symptoms among breast cancer patients.

Methods

This is a secondary data analysis conducted based on a multicenter cross-sectional study of 613 breast cancer patients in China. All participants completed the 19-item Chinese version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Subscale (FACT-ES). Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify significant factors. A contemporaneous network with 15 frequently occurring symptoms was constructed after controlling for age, payment, use of aromatase inhibitors, and history of surgery. Network comparison tests were used to assess differences in network structure across demographic and treatment characteristics.

Results

All 613 participants were female, with an average age of 49 years (SD = 9.4). The average duration of endocrine therapy was 3.6 years (SD = 2.3) and the average symptom score was 18.99 (SD = 11.43). Irritability (n = 512, 83.52%) and mood swings (n = 498, 81.24%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Lost interest in sex (mean = 1.95, SD = 1.39) and joint pain (mean = 1.57, SD = 1.18) were the most severe symptoms. The edges in the clusters of emotional symptoms ("irritability-mood swings"), vasomotor symptoms ("hot flashes-cold sweats-night sweats"), vaginal symptoms ("vaginal discharge-vaginal itching"), sexual symptoms ("pain or discomfort with intercourse-lost interest in sex-vaginal dryness"), and neurological symptoms ("headaches-dizziness") were the thickest in the network. There were no significant differences in network structure (P = 0.088), and global strength (P = 0.330) across treatment types (selective estrogen receptor modulators vs. aromatase inhibitors). Based on an evaluation of the centrality indices, irritability and mood swings appeared to be structurally important nodes after adjusting for the clinical covariates and after performing subgroup comparisons.

Conclusion

Endocrine therapy-related symptoms are frequently reported issues among breast cancer patients. Our findings demonstrated that developing targeted interventions focused on emotional symptoms may relieve the overall symptom burden for breast cancer patients during endocrine therapy.

Management of genitourinary symptoms in patients with breast cancer: an updated systematic review of available evidence from randomized trials

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review update is to synthesize available data on management of genitourinary symptoms (GUS) in breast cancer patients, a common and challenging clinical scenario.

METHODS

EMBASE, Ovid Medline, and the Cochrane Library were searched from September 2014 to December 2021 for randomized controlled trials which examined various interventions for GUS in breast cancer patients. Outcomes of interest included improvements in vaginal symptoms (e.g., dryness, pain, dyspareunia, itching), vaginal hormone response measured by validated scales (e.g., Vaginal Health Index, and Vaginal Maturation Index), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). A team of reviewers participated in the processes of study selection, data collection, and risk of bias appraisal. A descriptive approach to synthesis was used.

RESULTS

Of 842 unique citations identified (412 from this update, 430 from previous review), eight studies (n = 539) met inclusion criteria. Interventions included 0.005% estriol gel (EG; n = 50), intravaginal testosterone (IVT; n = 21), intravaginal prebiotic (n = 13), hyaluronic acid (HA; n = 12), polyacrylic acid (PA; n = 25), pH-balanced gel (n = 118), Replens® (n = 24), and Lidocaine (n = 22). These were compared to placebo/saline/lubricants/usual care (n = 228). FSFI total score was significantly improved by all interventions except IVT and lidocaine, and not measured for Replens®. Significant improvements in vaginal hormone responses were reported for EG and pH-balanced gel; however, no significant effects were found for IVT, HA, or prebiotics. Vaginal symptoms were significantly improved by EG, IVT, PA, and PH-balanced gel.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of GUS remains a challenging issue. It is evident that more prospective trials are needed.

Digital Health Interventions for Adult Patients With Cancer Evaluated in Randomized Controlled Trials: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Digital care has become an essential component of health care. Interventions for patients with cancer need to be effective and safe, and digital health interventions must adhere to the same requirements.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify currently available digital health interventions developed and evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting adult patients with cancer.

METHODS

A scoping review using the JBI methodology was conducted. The participants were adult patients with cancer, and the concept was digital health interventions. The context was open, and sources were limited to RCT effectiveness studies. The PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, Research Information Sharing Service, and KoreaMed databases were searched. Data were extracted and analyzed to achieve summarized results about the participants, types, functions, and outcomes of digital health interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 231 studies were reviewed. Digital health interventions were used mostly at home (187/231, 81%), and the web-based intervention was the most frequently used intervention modality (116/231, 50.2%). Interventions consisting of multiple functional components were most frequently identified (69/231, 29.9%), followed by those with the self-manage function (67/231, 29%). Web-based interventions targeting symptoms with the self-manage and multiple functions and web-based interventions to treat cognitive function and fear of cancer recurrence consistently achieved positive outcomes. More studies supported the positive effects of web-based interventions to inform decision-making and knowledge. The effectiveness of digital health interventions targeting anxiety, depression, distress, fatigue, health-related quality of life or quality of life, pain, physical activity, and sleep was subject to their type and function. A relatively small number of digital health interventions specifically targeted older adults (6/231, 2.6%) or patients with advanced or metastatic cancer (22/231, 9.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review summarized digital health interventions developed and evaluated in RCTs involving adult patients with cancer. Systematic reviews of the identified digital interventions are strongly recommended to integrate digital health interventions into clinical practice. The identified gaps in digital health interventions for cancer care need to be reflected in future digital health research.

Sexual Health after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Addressing a Forgotten Aspect of Survivorship

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The life expectancy after a breast cancer diagnosis is improving steadily, leaving many more persons with the long-term consequences of treatment. Sexual problems are a common concern for breast cancer survivors yet remain overlooked in both the clinical setting and the research literature. Factors that contribute to sexual health concerns in breast cancer survivors are biopsychosocial, as are the barriers to addressing and treating these health concerns. Sexual health needs and treatment may vary by anatomy and gender. Multidisciplinary management may comprise lifestyle modifications, medications, sexual health aids such as vibrators, counseling, and referrals to pelvic health physical therapy and specialty care. In this article, we review the contributing factors, screening, and management of sexual difficulties in cisgender female breast cancer survivors. More information is needed to better address the sexual health of breast cancer survivors whose sexual/gender identity differs from that of cisgender women.

Hyaluronic Acid: A Valid Therapeutic Option for Early Management of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause in Cancer Survivors?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a chronic condition affecting a large number of women, with a major impact on their urogenital health and sexual function. It occurs at midlife because estrogen levels decline with menopause enhancing aging-related changes of the functional anatomy of the urogenital system. Unfortunately, GSM may occur early in the lifespan of women or be exacerbated following anticancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, ionizing radiation, or surgical removal of reproductive organs. Symptoms of GSM are often under-reported by women, under-estimated and under-diagnosed by health care providers (HCPs), and subsequently under-treated, despite their profound negative impact on the quality of life. The mainstay of vaginal treatments is local estrogen therapy (LET) ensuring an effective management of moderate to severe symptomatic GSM. However, LET is generally contraindicated in women with a history of hormone receptor positive cancer, due to the fear of increased recurrence or possible interference with endocrine adjuvant therapies. Among non-hormonal treatments, hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers have shown promising clinical results both in healthy women and in cancer patients or survivors. Its strong water-binding properties provide lubricating and moisturizing effects, which contribute to maintaining a proper level of hydration and viscoelasticity in several body parts, including the urinary tract and genital tissues. Hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers are effective, safe, and well tolerated; therefore, they may represent a valid option for the early management of GSM-associated symptoms in every woman with a history of cancer who is unable or unwilling to undergo hormone-based therapies. Hence, the aim of this review was to provide an overview of GSM etiology and treatment in women with natural or iatrogenic menopause, with a focus on the use of hyaluronic acid as a prophylactic treatment in the context of an integrated management protocol for cancer patients.

Efficacy and safety of prolonged-release hyaluronic acid derivative vaginal application in the postpartum period: a prospective randomised clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

In puerperium, the hypoestrogenic state induced by delivery and subsequently sustained by lactation may lead to vaginal dryness, burning, and itching sensation, contributing to the onset of sexual dysfunction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label study (NCT04560283) for evaluating the effects of application of a prolonged-release hyaluronic acid derivative vaginal gel in restoring sexual function during the postpartum period. Eighty-five patients were randomized to apply prolonged-release Hydeal-D 0.2% vaginal gel (Fidia Farmaceutici, Abano Terme, Italy; n = 43) every three days for 12 consecutive weeks or expectant management (n = 42).

RESULTS

Women undergoing treatment had a more elevate increase in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) total score (+15.1 ± 11.9 vs +6.5 ± 8.9, p < 0.001) and a higher decrease in vaginal pH (-1.2 ± 0.7 vs -0.2 ± 1.1; p < 0.001). Moreover, the proportion of vaginal smears with maturation index (VMI) >65 was significantly higher in patients treated (80.6% vs 35.3%; p = 0.004). Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) decreased significantly in both groups with no inter-group difference (p = 0.459). Only two cases (4.8%) of moderate vaginal burning sensation were reported in patients undergoing local vaginal therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study demonstrated that hyaluronic acid derivative vaginal gel (Hydeal-D) was able to improve sexual function of puerperal women in the short-term treatment.KEY MESSAGEIn the puerperium, the hypoestrogenic state induced by delivery and subsequently sustained by lactation may lead to vaginal dryness, burning, and itching sensation, contributing to the onset of sexual dysfunction.Hydeal-D is a prolonged-release hyaluronic acid derivative characterised by elevated resistance to enzymatic breakdown. During puerperium, its local application may improve the vaginal microenvironment by ensuring a better migration and proliferation of cells involved in local tissue repair.Among puerperal women, Hydeal-D vaginal gel causes a significant improvement of sexual function, including desire, arousal, and lubrification, compared to expectant management. Furthermore, it leads to a decrease in vaginal pH and an increase of the trophic status of vaginal epithelium.

Management of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy: recommendations of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease

OBJECTIVE

To develop a best practice document for the management of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA).

METHOD

Literature review carried out using clinical terms, treatments or interventions and comorbidity related to VVA.

RESULTS

There is a wide variety of interventions that may produce temporal benefits for VVA. However, there are significant limitations in scientific publications concerning VVA and related issues, including variable outcome evaluations, variability in population age range, and small, often underpowered sample sizes. Therapeutic management of VVA should follow a sequential order, considering women's age, symptoms, general health as well as treatment preference. Beneficial options include lubricants, moisturizers, vaginal estrogens (estradiol, estriol, promestriene, conjugated estrogens), androgens, prasterone, and laser application. In women with general menopausal symptoms who are candidates for systemic hormone therapy, the lowest effective dose should be used. Oral ospemifene is an effective selective estrogen receptor modulator to treat VVA. Systemic androgens have a limited role. Although laser procedures are commonly used, at this moment the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease does not endorse its use out of the setting of clinical trials. Pelvic floor muscle training improves blood flow and elasticity of the vulvovaginal tissue. In breast cancer survivors, moisturizers and lubricants are first line therapy. However, limited absorption of low/ultra-low doses of estrogens suggests safety, especially in women under treatment with aromatase inhibitors. As clinical practice and available preparations vary between countries this text should be adapted to local circumstances.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a wide range of therapeutic options to individualize VVA treatments.

Attitudes and Behavior of Patients with Gynecologic Malignancy Towards Sexual Issues: a Single-institutional Survey

To better understand patients' perspectives and preferences for sexual issues and to provide information to guide medical staff in delivering sexual health care, an anonymous, cross-sectional survey of inpatient gynecologic cancer patients was conducted from April 2017 to March 2018. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: basic information, a history of sexuality discussion, and eight preference questions. A total of 1192 patients were included, and the median age was 43 years. More than half of the patients had a junior high school education or less and low income. Of the patients, 46.2% agreed that, "Doctors should deal with patients' sexual issues," and 56.2% agreed that, "Doctors should raise the topic of sexual issues." While 69.1% of the patients were willing to raise the topic themselves if any sexual problem existed, 35.9% of the patients agreed, "It's not the right time to discuss sex due to my severe disease." Less than 30% of the patients thought that "There's no need to intervene because sex is private" and "I do not feel comfortable discussing sex." A total of 41.1% of the patients were interested in undertaking basic sexual health consultation. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated the following predictive factors for a history of consultation: young age; good education; and agreement with the statements, "Doctors should raise the topic of sexual issues," "If any sexual problem exists, I will raise the topic," and "I have an interest in participating in sex-counseling activities." Patients were willing to discuss sexual issues and were interested in sexual health training. It is important to increase the medical staff awareness of the need to inquire about and address patients' sexual issues.

[Genitourinary menopause syndrome. Postmenopausal women management: CNGOF and GEMVi clinical practice guidelines]

INTRODUCTION

Genitourinary menopause syndrome (SGUM) is defined as a set of symptoms associated with a decrease of estrogen and other sexual steroids during menopause. The main symptoms are vulvovaginal (dryness, burning, itching), sexual (dyspareunia), and urinary (urinary infections, pollakiuria, nycturia, pain, urinary incontinence by urgenturia). SGUM leads to an alteration of the quality of life, and affects especially women's sexuality.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to elaborate guidelines for clinical practice regarding the management of SGUM in postmenopausal women, and in particular, in women with a history of breast cancer, treated or not with hormone therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature on SGUM management was conducted on Pubmed, Medline and Cochrane Library. Recommendations from international scholarly societies were also taken into account: International Menopause Society (IMS) https://www.imsociety.org, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) https://www.menopause.org, Canadian Menopause Society https://www.sigmamenopause.com, European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) https://www.emas-online.org, International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) https://www.isswsh.org.

RESULTS

Vaginal use of lubricants, moisturizers and hyaluronic acid improves the symptoms of SGUM and may be offered to all patients. For postmenopausal women, local estrogen will be preferred to the oral route because of their safety and efficacy on all symptoms of SGUM during low-dose use. Prasterone is a local treatment that can be proposed as an effective alternative for the management of dyspareunia and sexual function disorder. Current data on oral testosterone, tibolone, oral or transdermal DHEA and herbal medicine are currently limited. Ospemifène, which has shown a significant improvement in sexual symptoms, is not currently marketed in France. In the particular case of women with a history of breast cancer, non-hormonal regimens are a first-line therapy. Current data on the risk of breast cancer recurrence when administering low-dose local estrogen are reassuring but do not support a conclusion that this treatment is safe.

CONCLUSION

SGUM is a common symptom that can affect the quality of life of postmenopausal women. A treatment should be systematically proposed. Local non-hormonal treatment may be offered in all women. Local low-dose estrogen therapy and Prasterone has shown an interest in the management of symptoms. In women before a history of breast cancer, local non-hormonal treatment should be offered first-line. The safety of low-dose local estrogen therapy and Prasterone cannot be established at this time. Other alternatives exist but are not currently recommended in France due to lack of data.

Evidence-based approaches for the management of side-effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy in patients with breast cancer

The growing availability of more effective therapies has contributed to an increased survival of patients with breast cancer. In hormone receptor-positive early disease, increased survival is strongly correlated with the use of adjuvant endocrine therapy, but this therapy can cause side-effects that have major consequences in terms of treatment adherence and patients' quality of life. In premenopausal breast cancer survivors, these side-effects might be even more prominent due to the abrupt suppression of oestrogen associated with the most intense endocrine therapies. An important ambition of cancer care in the 21st century is to recover pre-cancer quality of life and emotional and social functions, which is only possible through the mitigation of the side-effects of anticancer treatments. This Review presents a comprehensive summary of the efficacy and safety data of the available interventions (hormonal and non-hormonal pharmacological strategies, non-pharmacological approaches, and complementary and alternative medicine) to control selected side-effects associated with adjuvant endocrine therapy (hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, musculoskeletal symptoms, and fatigue), providing updated, evidence-based approaches for their management.

Patient-reported sexual function of breast cancer survivors with genitourinary syndrome of menopause after fractional CO2 laser therapy

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the change in sexual function following treatment with fractional CO2 laser therapy in breast cancer (BC) survivors with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

METHODS

A single-arm feasibility study of BC survivors with symptoms of GSM, including dyspareunia and/or vaginal dryness, was conducted. Participants who received three treatments with fractional CO2 laser and 4-week follow-up were contacted for patient-reported outcomes and adverse events at 12 months. Sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale Revised (FSDS-R). Descriptive statistics were calculated for patient demographics and disease characteristics for the set of participants who agreed to long-term follow-up and those who were lost to follow-up. FSFI and FSDS-R scores were summarized at baseline, 4 weeks and 12 months, as well as the change from baseline, and were compared using a Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 67 BC survivors enrolled, 59 completed treatments and 4-week follow-up; 39 participated in the 12 month follow-up. The overall FSFI score improved from baseline to 4-week follow-up (median Δ 8.8 [Q1, Q3] (QS) (2.2, 16.7)], P < 0.001). There were improvements at 4 weeks in all domains of the FSFI (P < 0.001 for each) including desire (median Δ 1.2; QS [0.6, 1.8]), arousal (median Δ 1.2; QS [0.3, 2.7]), lubrication (median Δ 1.8 (0, 3.3), orgasm (median Δ 1.2; QS [0, 3.6]), satisfaction (median Δ 1.6 (0.4, 3.2)), and pain (median Δ 1.6 (0, 3.6). The FSDS-R score also improved from baseline to 4-week follow-up (median Δ -10.0; QS [-16, -5] P < 0.001) indicating less sexually related distress. The scores of the FSFI and FSDS-R remained improved at 12 months and there were no serious adverse events reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In BC survivors with GSM, the total and individual domain scores of the FSFI and the FSDS-R improved after fractional CO2 laser therapy.

Effectiveness of hyaluronate-based pessaries in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid-based vaginal pessaries (Hydeal-D) in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA).Study design: The study was a prospective, multicenter clinical investigation of VVA topical treatment in 40 postmenopausal women. Patients applied one Hydeal-D pessary every 3 days for 3 months.Main outcome measures: The primary endpoint was the amelioration of VVA signs after treatment, evaluated by measuring the change from baseline of the Vaginal Health Index (VHI) score. Secondary endpoints included the evaluation of other VVA-related signs and symptoms, safety, and patient-reported and clinician-reported satisfaction and treatment tolerability.Results: The 3-month treatment with Hydeal-D vaginal pessaries showed efficacy for all analyzed endpoints. Improvement exceeded threshold values of VVA diagnosis, sexual dysfunction, and distress, confirming clinically relevant amelioration of VVA symptoms. Changes from baseline conditions confirmed significant improvement of all parameters including the VHI, vaginal pH, patients' perception of VVA symptoms, sexual function, and vaginal maturation. Patients' overall satisfaction was very high after 1 month of treatment and increased further after 3 months. No severe adverse events were reported.Conclusions: Significant amelioration of VVA-related signs indicates that Hydeal-D vaginal pessaries are an effective, safe, and well-tolerated non-hormonal therapeutic option for VVA in postmenopausal women.

The Effects of Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Symptom Management and Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Survivors Undergoing Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy: A Systematic Review

Breast cancer survivors need to undergo adjuvant endocrine therapy after completion of curative treatments to prevent disease recurrence. These individuals often experience symptoms which are detrimental to their quality of life (QOL). Implementation of interventions for effective symptom management among these survivors is warranted. This review provides an overview of studies on the effectiveness of the previously developed interventions for breast cancer survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy on symptom alleviation and enhancement of QOL or health-related QOL (HRQOL). Five electronic databases were employed in the literature search. Study selection, data extraction and critical appraisal of the included studies were conducted by three authors independently. Twenty-four studies were included. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are effective in addressing the symptoms associated with adjuvant endocrine therapy among the breast cancer survivors, and in improving their QOL, although discrepancies were noted between the studies in terms of the significance of these effects. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions can be effective for symptom management among breast cancer survivors. Their implementation is recommended for effective survivorship care for these individuals. Further research on intervention development for breast cancer survivors is recommended to provide further evidence for the utility of the explored interventions in survivorship care for these patients.

Patient interest in the Lowdown on Down There: attendance at a vulvovaginal and sexual health workshop post-cancer treatment

PURPOSE

Sexual difficulties and vulvovaginal changes are common for women undergoing, and following, cancer treatments. These changes have significant impacts on quality of life and significant relationships. The current study aimed to (1) evaluate women's interest and attendance in a group-based educational workshop to address changes in vulvovaginal health and sexuality after cancer, and (2) describe participant characteristics and presenting concerns.

METHODS

Two hundred eighteen women with a history of cancer expressed interest in receiving information about the workshop and completed phone screening. Interested women (n = 156) completed an online questionnaire package examining vulvovaginal health and sexual function prior to attending the workshop.

RESULTS

Approximately 75% of the women who completed screening attended the workshop. Clinically significant sexual distress was reported by 91% of participants, and 97% of sexually active participants exceeded the threshold for sexual dysfunction (per FSFI). Women within 1-2 years of diagnosis tended to report less sexual distress, less severe vulvovaginal symptoms, and less impact from these symptoms compared to women farther out from diagnosis. While the majority of women reported vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse, only a minority reported engaging in health promotion strategies sufficient to expect symptom improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study suggests that group-based educational workshops for vulvovaginal and sexual concerns are utilized by patients and should be offered to women well into disease survivorship. Workshops targeting vulvovaginal symptoms and sexual concerns may be a cost-effective method of reducing sexual distress and improving patients' sexual function and quality of life.

Fractional CO2 laser therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause for breast cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Fractional CO2 laser therapy is an emerging treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of fractional CO2 laser therapy in breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

This was a single arm feasibility study of breast cancer survivors with dyspareunia and/or vaginal dryness. Participants received three treatments of fractional CO2 laser therapy at 30-day intervals and returned for a 1-month follow-up. Feasibility was defined as treatment completion without serious adverse events (SAE) in 80% of patients. We collected data on the Vaginal Assessment Scale (VAS), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Urinary Distress Index (UDI), and SAE.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients participated in the study. The majority of women had Estrogen receptor/Progesterone receptor (ER/PR) positive/Her2neu negative (n = 37; 63%), stage I (n = 32, 54%) or II (n = 19, 32%) breast cancer. Most were receiving endocrine therapy (n = 54, 92%), most commonly aromatase inhibitors (AI; n = 40, 68%). Fifty-nine (88.1%) of those enrolled completed all treatments according to protocol with no reported SAE. No patient withdrew due to SAE. The scores of the VAS (mean Δ - 0.99; 95% CI [- 1.19, - 0.79], p < 0.001)), FSFI (mean Δ 9.67; 95% CI [7.27, 12.1], p < 0.001), and UDI (mean Δ - 8.85; 95% CI [- 12.75, - 4.75], p < 0.001)) improved from baseline to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Fractional CO2 laser treatment for breast cancer survivors is feasible and appears to reduce GSM symptoms across treatment and follow-up.

Sexual Functioning and Relationship Satisfaction of Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors Who Receive Internet-Based Sex Therapy

As part of a larger, randomized controlled trial, we evaluated longitudinally the sexual functioning and relationship satisfaction of 69 partners of breast cancer (BC) survivors who received Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for sexual dysfunction. The findings suggest that Internet-based CBT positively affects the partners' immediate post-CBT and longer-term overall sexual satisfaction, sexual intimacy, and sexual relationship satisfaction. No sustained changes in other areas of sexual functioning were observed. Our CBT program was focused primarily on the sexual health of the BC survivors. We recommend that future programs include more psychoeducational and behavioral elements targeted at the partners.

Vaginal estrogen and mammogram results: case series and review of literature on treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in breast cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

To examine mammographic density before and after at least 1 year of vaginal estrogen use in a small cohort of healthy postmenopausal women and women with a personal history of breast cancer.

METHODS

We extracted data via chart review of patients from a single practitioner's menopause specialty clinic in Baltimore, MD. Mammographic change was primarily determined via the Bi-RADS scoring system, including the Bi-RADS density score. In addition, we conduct a narrative review of the current literature on the usage of local estrogen therapy, and systemic and local alternatives in the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in breast cancer survivors.

RESULTS

Twenty healthy postmenopausal women and three breast cancer survivors fit our inclusion criteria. Amongst these two groups, we did not find an increase in mammographic density after at least 1 year and up to 18 years of local vaginal estrogen. Ospemifene use in one patient did not appear to be associated with any change in Bi-RADS score. Our narrative review found little data on the effects of vaginal estrogen therapy or newer alternative systemic therapies such as ospemifene on mammographic density.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose vaginal estrogen use for 1 or more years in a small cohort of women with GSM did not appear to be associated with any changes in breast density or Bi-RADS breast cancer risk scores in the majority of study participants, including three breast cancer survivors. Larger long-term controlled clinical trials should be conducted to examine the effects of low-dose vaginal estrogen on mammographic density in women with and without a personal history of breast cancer. Furthermore, relative efficacy and risk of vaginal estrogen compared with other forms of treatment for GSM should also be studied in long-term trials.