Genitourinary syndrome of menopause and the use of laser therapy

Hutchinson-Colas, Juana; Segal, Saya

doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.08.001

Cited by 79 publications

(71 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Laser therapy has gained interest as a noninvasive treatment option for GSM [Palacios et al 2015;Hutchinson-Colas and Segal, 2015]. It has been reported that fractional CO 2 laser stimulates the production of new collagen and elastic fibers [Biglia et al 2015], alleviating symptoms of vaginal dryness, burning, itching, dyspareunia and dysuria, resulting in improved sexual function and satisfaction with sexual life [Salvatore et al 2014;Salvatore et al 2015;Lee, 2014].…”

Section: Lasermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It has been reported that fractional CO 2 laser stimulates the production of new collagen and elastic fibers [Biglia et al 2015], alleviating symptoms of vaginal dryness, burning, itching, dyspareunia and dysuria, resulting in improved sexual function and satisfaction with sexual life [Salvatore et al 2014;Salvatore et al 2015;Lee, 2014]. Nonetheless, available data are shortterm and efficacy and safety of repeated applications is not clear [Hutchinson-Colas and Segal, 2015], nor are there published clinical trials in women with breast cancer. While this therapy appears a feasible option, further controlled studies are needed to better outline its indications and specific applications for GSM.…”

Section: Lasermentioning

confidence: 99%

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A clinical guide to the management of genitourinary symptoms in breast cancer survivors on endocrine therapy

et al. 2017

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There is increasing attention and concern about managing the adverse effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy for women with early breast cancer as the side effects of therapy influence compliance and can impair quality of life (QoL). Most side effects associated with tamoxifen (TAM) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are directly related to estrogen deprivation, and the symptoms are similar to those experienced during natural menopause but appear to be more severe than that seen in the general population. Prolonged estrogen deprivation may lead to atrophy of the vulva, vagina, lower urinary tract and supporting pelvic structures, resulting in a range of genitourinary symptoms that can in turn lead to pain, discomfort, impairment of sexual function and negatively impact on multiple domains of QoL. The genitourinary side effects may be prevented, reduced and managed in most cases but this requires early recognition and appropriate treatment. We provide an overview of practical clinical approaches to understanding the pathophysiology and the management of genitourinary symptoms in postmenopausal women receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer.

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Section: Lasermentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Lasermentioning

confidence: 99%

A clinical guide to the management of genitourinary symptoms in breast cancer survivors on endocrine therapy

et al. 2017

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“…Epidermis and dermis within the microscopic treatment zones are destroyed inducing a wound-healing cascade with subsequent new collagen and elastin fiber formation that translates into healthier, firmer, and tighter skin (Ross et al, 1996, Sandel and Perkins, 2008). The CO2 (10,600 nm) and the Er:YAG laser, with its 2,940-nm wavelength that emits laser energy in the mid-infrared invisible light spectrum are the most widely used lasers in the skin rejuvenation field and have recently been applied to the vaginal tissues a for the treatment of symptomatic vulvar and vaginal atrophy (Gambacciani and Levancini, 2015, Gambacciani et al, 2015a, Gambacciani et al, 2015b, Hutchinson-Colas and Segal, 2015). …”

Section: Laser-based Devices For Vaginal Rejuvenationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vaginal rejuvenation using energy-based devices

Karcher

Sadick

2016

International Journal of Women's Dermatology

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Physiologic changes in a woman’s life, such as childbirth, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes due to aging and menopause, may alter the laxity of the vaginal canal, damage the pelvic floor, and devitalize the mucosal tone of the vaginal wall. These events often lead to the development of genitourinary conditions such as stress urinary incontinence; vaginal atrophy; dryness; and physiologic distress affecting a woman’s quality of life, self-confidence, and sexuality. Various treatment modalities are currently available to manage these indications, varying from invasive vaginal surgery to more benign treatments like topical vaginal hormonal gels or hormone-replacement therapy. A new trend gaining momentum is the advent of energy-based devices for vaginal rejuvenation that apply thermal or nonthermal energy to the various layers of the vaginal tissue, stimulating collagen regeneration contracture of elastin fibers, neovascularization, and improved vaginal lubrication. This review aims to present the available technologies offering vaginal rejuvenation and the scientific evidence that underlines their safety and efficacy for this indication.

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“…Thermo-ablative fractional CO2 laser is a new, well-tolerated, and effective option currently used for treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy [17–18]. The long-term effectiveness of laser therapy is still being studied.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Missing documentation in breast cancer survivors: genitourinary syndrome of menopause

et al. 2017

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Objective Breast cancer survivors often take hormonal treatments to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer, particularly aromatase inhibitors that can worsen the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) such as dyspareunia, dysuria, and urinary incontinence, all of which may adversely affect survivors’ quality of life. Few breast cancer survivors experiencing GSM receive adequate assessment or treatment. Methods In this descriptive study, we reviewed medical records for documented GSM and any treatments administered or referrals for treatment in 800 female patients who visited the Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic at a comprehensive cancer center between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011, either ≥5 years after completion of treatment for invasive breast cancer or ≥6 months after completion of treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ. Results Of the 279 patients with documented symptoms of vaginal atrophy, only 111 (39.8%) had documentation of having received any form of treatment or referral. Of the 71 patients with documented symptoms of urinary tract atrophy, only 33.8% had documentation of having received treatment or referral for treatment. Conclusion Breast cancer survivors often experience GSM due to lack of estrogen. The worrisome lack of documentation of assessment or treatment for GSM in a large breast cancer survivorship practice reveals missed opportunities to improve quality of life. Dissemination of recent progress in the development of GSM assessment tools, patient handouts, and new treatments to providers who care for breast cancer survivors is needed to improve this process.

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Genitourinary syndrome of menopause and the use of laser therapy

Cited by 79 publications

References 22 publications

A clinical guide to the management of genitourinary symptoms in breast cancer survivors on endocrine therapy

A clinical guide to the management of genitourinary symptoms in breast cancer survivors on endocrine therapy

Vaginal rejuvenation using energy-based devices

Missing documentation in breast cancer survivors: genitourinary syndrome of menopause

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