scholarly journals Managing Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause in Breast Cancer Survivors Receiving Endocrine Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 363-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara A. Sussman ◽  
Megan L. Kruse ◽  
Holly L. Thacker ◽  
Jame Abraham

Patients with breast cancer receiving antiestrogen therapy, specifically aromatase inhibitors, often suffer from vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, dyspareunia, and dysuria, collectively known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). GSM can decrease quality of life and is undertreated by oncologists because of fear of cancer recurrence, specifically when considering treatment with vaginal estrogen therapy because of unknown levels of systemic absorption of estradiol. In this article, we review the available literature for treatment of GSM in patients with breast cancer and survivors, including nonhormonal, vaginal hormonal, and systemic hormonal therapy options. First-line treatment includes nonhormonal therapy with vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and gels. Although initial studies showed significant improvement in symptoms, the US Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning against CO2 laser therapy for treatment of GSM until additional studies are conducted. In severe or refractory GSM, after discussing risks and benefits of vaginal hormonal therapy, the low-dose 10-μg estradiol-releasing intravaginal tablet or lower-dose 4 μg estrogen vaginal insert and intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone) are options for treatment, because studies show minimal elevation in serum estradiol levels and significant improvement in symptoms. The decision to offer vaginal estrogen therapy must be individualized and made jointly with the patient and her oncologist.

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciano Mariani ◽  
Angiolo Gadducci ◽  
Enrico Vizza ◽  
Silverio Tomao ◽  
Patrizia Vici

Menopause ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Fidela R. Paraiso ◽  
Cecile A. Ferrando ◽  
Eric R. Sokol ◽  
Charles R. Rardin ◽  
Catherine A. Matthews ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 418-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Hum ◽  
Marlene Dytoc

Background: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a debilitating condition caused by hypoestrogenism that presents with vaginal dryness and dyspareunia as well as other genital, sexual, and urinary symptoms. Previously known as atrophic vaginitis, the term GSM is now used. Objective: To help familiarise dermatologists with diagnosing and managing GSM. Methods: In total, 218 articles were identified and reviewed by 2 independent authors using PubMed. Articles included were from December 2005 to December 2015. Sixty-seven articles met our inclusion criteria. Results: GSM is a clinical diagnosis, requiring the presence of symptoms that should be bothersome and not accounted for by another condition. A pH test may help with diagnosis as vaginal pH will be increased from acidic to neutral. The Papanicolaou test is not recommended because of poor clinical correlation. First-line treatment is low-dose local vaginal estrogen therapy, which has proven efficacy and safety. Serum estrogen levels are not significantly affected with the exception of creams containing high-dose conjugated equine estrogens. Other options have yet to be approved for use in Canada but show promise. Conclusion: GSM is a debilitating and common condition that suffers from barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Current treatments are well tolerated, rewarding, and effective with rapid onset.


Menopause ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison M. Quick ◽  
Filadelfiya Zvinovski ◽  
Catherine Hudson ◽  
Andrew Hundley ◽  
Cynthia Evans ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6588-6588
Author(s):  
B. M. Harris ◽  
A. C. Broxson ◽  
L. A. Anderson ◽  
J. G. Engelbrink ◽  
M. A. Zalewski ◽  
...  

6588 Background: Antiestrogen therapy has dramatically improved breast cancer survival rates but weight gain may be problematic. Studies evaluating antiestrogen therapy-related weight gain have yielded mixed results. Our primary objective was to evaluate weight changes in female breast cancer survivors (BCS) who received adjuvant anti-estrogen therapy for stage 0-III breast cancer. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate weight changes in female chemo naive BCS receiving anti-estrogen therapy. Weights at initiation of hormonal therapy and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months of follow-up were recorded. Median weight changes were calculated and were compared with Wilcoxon's signed rank test or the Kurskall-Wallis test. Results: A total of 622 women were included. The majority were white (77%), had stage I disease (78%), and were postmenopausal (82%). The median age at diagnosis was 59 years (range, 26–87). Median weight at initiation of hormonal therapy among premenopausal women was 65 kg (range 45.4–122.9). Median weight gain in this group was 0.4 kg (p = 0.009), 0.7 kg (p = 0.013), 1.9 kg (p = 0.0001), and 2.4 kg (p < 0.0001) at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months respectively. Among post-menopausal women, median weight at initiation of therapy was 71.7 kg (range 41.5–152.0) and median weight gain was 0.5 kg (p < 0.0001), 1 kg (p < 0.0001), 0.85 kg (p = 0.001), and 0.85 kg (p = 0.004) at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months respectively. Premenopausal patients had significantly more weight gain at 24 (p = 0.041) and 36 months (p = 0.005), as compared to postmenopausal patients. Among premenopausal women, 110/111 were treated with tamoxifen. Among post-menopausal women (n = 510), hormonal therapy was as follows: unknown n = 28 patients, tamoxifen n = 312, and AI n = 170. Overall, BCS treated with tamoxifen vs an AI had significantly more weight gain at 24 (p = 0.003) and 36 months (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Premenopausal patients are at higher risk for weight gain than postmenopausal patients. Further prospective research is warranted examining weight gain as a long-term side effect of anti-estrogen therapy in BCS. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


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