E-Posters-Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause and Bothersome Urinary Symptoms in Survivors of Breast Cancer

Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause and Bothersome Urinary Symptoms in Survivors of Breast Cancer - Catherine O Hudson, MD

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Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and bothersome urinary symptoms are common issues in breast cancer survivors and can significantly affect their quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of fractional CO2 laser (FCO2L) therapy in women with a history of breast cancer. <br /><br />The study included breast cancer survivors who had symptoms of GSM and underwent FCO2L therapy. The participants received three FCO2L treatments 30 days apart and had a follow-up after the last treatment. The primary outcome measured was the change in Vaginal Assessment Scale (VAS) from baseline to follow-up, and the secondary outcomes included changes in Vulvar Assessment Scale (VuAS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), short form of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and the Vaginal Health Assessment (VHA).<br /><br />The results showed that FCO2L treatment improved both symptoms and physical findings of GSM and bothersome urinary symptoms in women with breast cancer. There were no serious adverse events reported throughout the study period. The majority of women had tried vaginal DHEA or vaginal estrogen previously. The vaginal health assessment findings showed a trend towards normalization, with a decrease in vaginal pH and an increase in vaginal moisture and epithelial integrity.<br /><br />In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that FCO2L therapy has significant potential as a non-hormonal treatment for GSM and bothersome urinary symptoms in women with a history of breast cancer. The findings indicate that FCO2L treatment improves symptoms and physical findings without serious adverse events. Further research is needed to confirm these results and explore the long-term effects of FCO2L therapy.

Keywords

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause

bothersome urinary symptoms

breast cancer survivors

quality of life

fractional CO2 laser therapy

Vaginal Assessment Scale

Vulvar Assessment Scale

Female Sexual Function Index

Urogenital Distress Inventory

Vaginal Health Assessment