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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Genitourinary syndrome; Laser therapy; Menopause; Non-ablative laser; Vaginal health index; Vulvo-vaginal atrophy.