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The Journal of Sexual Medicine Mar 2022Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a widespread condition with a great impact on quality of life and self-image. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a widespread condition with a great impact on quality of life and self-image.
AIM
We aimed to systematically review the current literature on CO2-Laser therapy efficacy for the treatment of GSM.
METHODS
MEDLINE and Embase databases were systematically queried in December 2020 Studies included women with a diagnosis of Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy (VVA) or GSM without an history of gynaecological and/or breast cancer, pelvic organ prolapse staged higher than 2, pelvic radiotherapy or Sjogren's Syndrome. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42021238121.
OUTCOMES
Effects of CO2-Laser therapy on GSM symptoms assessed through subjective or objective efficacy measurement methods.
RESULTS
A total of 803 articles were identified. Of these, 25 studies were included in this review for a total of 1,152 patients. All studies showed a significant reduction in VVA and/or GSM symptoms (dryness, dyspareunia, itching, burning, dysuria). The pooled mean differences for the symptoms were: dryness -5.15 (95% CI:-5.72,-4.58; P < .001; I:62%; n = 296), dyspareunia -5.27 (95% CI:-5.93,-4.62; P < .001; I:68%; n = 296), itching -2.75 (95% CI:-4.0,-1.51; P < .001; I:93%; n = 281), burning -2.66 (95% CI:-3.75, -1.57; P < .001; I:86%; n = 296) and dysuria -2.14 (95% CI:-3.41,-0.87; P < .001; I:95%; n = 281). FSFI, WHIS and VMV scores also improved significantly. The pooled mean differences for these scores were: FSFI 10.8 (95% CI:8.41,13.37; P < .001; I:84%; n = 273), WHIS 8.29 (95% CI:6.16,10.42; P < .001; I:95%; n = 262) and VMV 30.4 (95% CI:22.38,38.55; P < .001; I:24%; n = 68). CO2-Laser application showed a beneficial safety profile and no major adverse events were reported.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Vaginal laser treatment resulted in both a statistically and clinically significant improvement in GSM symptoms. FSFI improved significantly in all 8 included studies but it reached a clinically relevant level only in 2 of them.
STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS
The strength of the current meta-analysis is the comprehensive literature search. We reported data from a high number of patients (1,152) and high number of laser applications (more than 3,800). The main limitations are related to the high heterogeneity of the included studies investigating laser effects. Moreover, most of them are single center and nonrandomized studies.
CONCLUSION
The data suggest that CO2-Laser is a safe energy-based therapeutic option for the management of VVA and/or GSM symptoms in postmenopausal women; however, the quality of the body of evidence is "very low" or "low". Filippini M, Porcari I, Ruffolo AF, et al., CO2-Laser therapy and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sex Med 2022;19:452-470.
Topics: Atrophy; Carbon Dioxide; Female; Humans; Laser Therapy; Lasers, Gas; Menopause; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome; Vagina; Vaginal Diseases
PubMed: 35101378
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.12.010 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023(1) Background: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a medical condition that can affect breast cancer survivors (BCS). This is a complication that often can... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a medical condition that can affect breast cancer survivors (BCS). This is a complication that often can occur as a result of breast cancer treatment, causing symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning, dyspareunia, dysuria, pain, discomfort, and impairment of sexual function. BCS who experience these symptoms negatively impact multiple aspects of their quality of life to the point that some of them fail to complete adjuvant hormonal treatment; (2) Methods: In this systematic review of the literature, we have analyzed possible pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for GSM in BCS. We reviewed systemic hormone therapy, local hormone treatment with estrogens and androgens, the use of vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, ospemifene, and physical therapies such as radiofrequency, electroporation, and vaginal laser; (3) Results: The data available to date demonstrate that the aforementioned treatments are effective for the therapy of GSM and, in particular, vulvovaginal atrophy in BCS. Where possible, combination therapy often appears more useful than using a single line of treatment; (4) Conclusions: We analyzed the efficacy and safety data of each of these options for the treatment of GSM in BCS, emphasizing how often larger clinical trials with longer follow-ups are needed.
PubMed: 37111307
DOI: 10.3390/ph16040550 -
Frontiers in Reproductive Health 2021The ovulatory cycle has a significant influence on the microbial composition, according to the action of estrogen and progesterone on the stratified squamous epithelium,... (Review)
Review
The ovulatory cycle has a significant influence on the microbial composition, according to the action of estrogen and progesterone on the stratified squamous epithelium, due to an increase in epithelial thickness, glycogen deposition, and influence on local immunology. The 16S rRNA gene amplification and pyrosequencing study demonstrated that healthy women have community state types (CST), classified as; type "," with a predominance of , type II, with a predominance of , type III, where predominates, and type V with a predominance of . Type IV does not identify lactobacilli but a heterogeneous population of bacteria. There seems to be a relationship between increased vaginal bacterial diversity and poverty of lactobacilli with the complaining of vaginal dryness. With menopause, there appears to be a reduction in lactobacilli associated with higher serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and lower estrogen levels. The evaluation of Gram-stained vaginal smears in postmenopause women must take into account the clinical-laboratory correlation. We should observe two meanly possibilities, atrophy with few bacterial morphotypes, without inflammatory, infiltrate (atrophy without inflammation), and atrophy with evident inflammatory infiltrate (atrophy with inflammation or atrophic vaginitis). The relationship between the microbiome and postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms seems to be related to the bacterial vaginal population. However, more robust studies are needed to confirm this impression.
PubMed: 36304005
DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.780931 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Endocrine therapy-related symptoms are associated with early discontinuation and quality of life among breast cancer survivors. Although previous studies have examined...
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.
PubMed: 37064124
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1081786 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2020Approximately 80% of breast cancers amongst premenopausal women are hormone receptor-positive. Adjuvant endocrine therapy is an integral component of care for hormone... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Approximately 80% of breast cancers amongst premenopausal women are hormone receptor-positive. Adjuvant endocrine therapy is an integral component of care for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and in premenopausal women includes oestrogen receptor blockade with tamoxifen, temporary suppression of ovarian oestrogen synthesis by luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, and permanent interruption of ovarian oestrogen synthesis with oophorectomy or radiotherapy. Recent international consensus statements recommend single-agent tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors with ovarian function suppression (OFS) as the current standard adjuvant endocrine therapy for premenopausal women (often preceded by chemotherapy). This review examined the role of adding OFS to another treatment (i.e. chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or both) or comparing OFS to no further adjuvant treatment.
OBJECTIVES
To assess effects of OFS for treatment of premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer.
SEARCH METHODS
For this review update, we searched the Specialised Register of the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2019, Issue 8), the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), and ClinicalTrials.gov on 26 September 2019. We screened the reference lists of related articles, contacted trial authors, and applied no language restrictions.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised trials assessing any method of OFS, that is, oophorectomy, radiation-induced ovarian ablation, or LHRH agonists, as adjuvant treatment for premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer. We included studies that compared (1) OFS versus observation, (2) OFS + chemotherapy versus chemotherapy, (3) OFS + tamoxifen versus tamoxifen, and (4) OFS + chemotherapy + tamoxifen versus chemotherapy + tamoxifen.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Hazard ratios (HRs) were derived for time-to-event outcomes, and meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effect model. The primary outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Toxicity, contralateral breast cancer, and second malignancy were represented as risk ratios (RRs), and quality of life data were extracted when provided.
MAIN RESULTS
This review update included 15 studies involving 11,538 premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer; these studies were conducted from 1978 to 2014. Some of these treatments are not current standard of care, and early studies did not assess HER2 receptor status. Studies tested OFS versus observation (one study), OFS plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy (six studies), OFS plus tamoxifen versus tamoxifen (six studies), and OFS plus chemotherapy and tamoxifen versus chemotherapy and tamoxifen (two studies). Of those studies that reported the chemotherapy regimen, an estimated 72% of women received an anthracycline. The results described below relate to the overall comparison of OFS versus no OFS. High-certainty evidence shows that adding OFS to treatment resulted in a reduction in mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 0.94; 11 studies; 10,374 women; 1933 reported events). This treatment effect was seen when OFS was added to observation, to tamoxifen, or to chemotherapy and tamoxifen. The effect on mortality was not observed when OFS was added to chemotherapy without tamoxifen therapy (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.09; 5 studies; 3087 women; median follow-up: range 7.7 to 12.1 years). The addition of OFS resulted in improved DFS (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.90; 10 studies; 8899 women; 2757 reported events; high-certainty evidence). The DFS treatment effect persisted when OFS was added to observation, to tamoxifen, and to chemotherapy and tamoxifen. The effect on DFS was reduced when OFS was added to chemotherapy without tamoxifen therapy (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.01; 5 studies; 2450 women). Heterogeneity was low to moderate across studies for DFS and OS (respectively). Evidence suggests that adding OFS slightly increases the incidence of hot flushes (grade 3/4 or any grade; risk ratio (RR) 1.60, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.82; 6 studies; 5581 women; low-certainty evidence, as this may have been under-reported in these studies). Two other studies that could not be included in the meta-analysis reported a higher number of hot flushes in the OFS group than in the no-OFS group. Seven studies involving 5354 women collected information related to mood; however this information was reported as grade 3 or 4 depression, anxiety, or neuropsychiatric symptoms, or symptoms were reported without the grade. Two studies reported an increase in depression, anxiety, and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the OFS group compared to the no-OFS group, and five studies indicated an increase in anxiety in both treatment groups (but no difference between groups) or no difference overall in symptoms over time or between treatment groups. A single study reported bone health as osteoporosis (defined as T score < -2.5); this limited evidence suggests that OFS increases the risk of osteoporosis compared to no-OFS at median follow-up of 5.6 years (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10 to 28.82; 2011 women; low-certainty evidence). Adding OFS to treatment likely reduces the risk of contralateral breast cancer (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.97; 9 studies; 9138 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Quality of life was assessed in five studies; four studies used validated tools, and the fifth study provided no information on how data were collected. Two studies reported worse quality of life indicators (i.e. vaginal dryness, day and night sweats) for women receiving OFS compared to those in the no-OFS group. The other two studies indicated worsening of symptoms (e.g. vasomotor, gynaecological, vaginal dryness, decline in sexual interest, bone and joint pain, weight gain); however these side effects were reported in both OFS and no-OFS groups. The study that did not use a validated quality of life tool described no considerable differences between groups.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review found evidence that supports adding OFS for premenopausal women with early, hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. The benefit of OFS persisted when compared to observation, and when added to endocrine therapy (tamoxifen) or chemotherapy and endocrine therapy (tamoxifen). The decision to use OFS may depend on the overall risk assessment based on tumour and patient characteristics, and may follow consideration of all side effects that occur with the addition of OFS.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Breast Neoplasms; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Premenopause; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Survival Analysis; Tamoxifen; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32141074
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013538 -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... Nov 2023The objective of this study is to determine whether dienogest therapy after endometriosis surgery reduces the risk of recurrence compared with placebo or alternative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The objective of this study is to determine whether dienogest therapy after endometriosis surgery reduces the risk of recurrence compared with placebo or alternative treatments (GnRH agonist, other progestins, and estro-progestins). The design used in this study is systematic review with meta-analysis. The data source includes PubMed and EMBASE searched up to March 2022. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with guidelines from the Cochrane Collaboration. Keywords such as "dienogest," "endometriosis surgery," "endometriosis treatment," and "endometriosis medical therapy" were used to identify relevant studies. The primary outcome was recurrence of endometriosis after surgery. The secondary outcome was pain recurrence. An additional analysis focused on comparing side effects between groups. Nine studies were eligible, including a total of 1668 patients. At primary analysis, dienogest significantly reduced the rate of cyst recurrence compared with placebo (p < 0.0001). In 191 patients, the rate of cyst recurrence comparing dienogest vs GnRHa was evaluated, but no statistically significant difference was reported. In the secondary analysis, a trend toward reduction of pain at 6 months was reported in patients treated with dienogest over placebo, with each study reporting a significantly higher reduction of pain after dienogest treatment. In terms of side effects, dienogest treatment compared with GnRHa significantly increased the rate of spotting (p = 0.0007) and weight gain (p = 0.03), but it was associated with a lower rate of hot flashes (p = 0.0006) and a trend to lower incidence of vaginal dryness. Dienogest is superior to placebo and similar to GnRHa in decreasing rate of recurrence after endometriosis surgery. A significantly higher reduction of pain after dienogest compared with placebo was reported in two separate studies, whereas a trend toward reduction of pain at 6 months was evident at meta-analysis. Dienogest treatment compared with GnRHa was associated with a lower rate of hot flashes and a trend to lower incidence of vaginal dryness.
Topics: Female; Humans; Endometriosis; Progestins; Pelvic Pain; Hot Flashes; Nandrolone; Cysts
PubMed: 37217824
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01266-0 -
Urologic Oncology Aug 2022Provide an overview of sexual dysfunction in female urologic cancer patients, approaches for assessing sexual problems, and interventions to treat sexual dysfunction in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Provide an overview of sexual dysfunction in female urologic cancer patients, approaches for assessing sexual problems, and interventions to treat sexual dysfunction in this patient population.
METHODS
A review of the literature in urologic oncology was conducted. Research on other female pelvic cancers with similar treatments was also reviewed.
RESULTS
Sexual health is an important element of women's quality of life that is often not discussed and problems remain unaddressed. Urologic cancer treatments commonly result in sexual dysfunction (e.g., dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, problems with orgasm) in female patients, although more research is necessary to understand the impact of non-surgical treatments (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy). As such, provider teams should complete necessary screening for sexual dysfunction during and after treatment. The 5 A's model (i.e., Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange Follow-Up) provides a helpful guide for communicating about and addressing sexual health concerns with patients during the screening process. If it is determined that referral for further assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction is needed, a number of non-pharmacologic (e.g., pelvic floor physical therapy; psychosexual counseling) and pharmacologic treatment approaches are available.
CONCLUSION
Sexual dysfunction is common in female urologic cancer survivors. Routine assessment and appropriate referral are essential for high quality patient care.
Topics: Cancer Survivors; Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Quality of Life; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Urologic Neoplasms
PubMed: 34247907
DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.06.006 -
Current Infectious Disease Reports Jan 2023Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection worldwide, but most research has been conducted in premenopausal women. After menopause, endogenous...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection worldwide, but most research has been conducted in premenopausal women. After menopause, endogenous estrogen production decreases, often leading to the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), characterized by vulvovaginal dryness and irritation. The estrogen-deficient postmenopausal state results in an elevated vaginal pH and depletion of vaginal lactobacilli. Use of traditional BV diagnostics (Amsel criteria, Nugent score) is difficult in post-menopausal women, especially those not on estrogen replacement therapy, as these methods were originally developed in premenopausal women. In this review, we discuss recent clinical data on BV in postmenopausal women, difficulties in diagnosis using traditional methods, the role of BV molecular diagnostics, and our current expert opinion for managing BV in this population.
RECENT FINDINGS
BV prevalence has been found to range between 2%-57% among postmenopausal women per Amsel and Nugent criteria. This is likely an over-estimate of the true prevalence due to limitations in these criteria which were only validated in pre-menopausal women. Despite increasing diagnostic options for BV in recent years, including highly sensitive and specific BV nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), the physiologic changes of menopause and limited inclusion of postmenopausal women in clinical studies, diagnosis is difficult in this population. Recent studies utilizing 16s rRNA gene sequencing suggest that the vaginal microbiota of premenopausal and postmenopausal women is quite different, even if BV is not present. Data also suggest that obese postmenopausal women have significantly lower rates of BV compared to non-obese postmenopausal women, although further research is needed in this area. Multiple treatment options exist for vaginal atrophy and BV in this population.
SUMMARY
Data are limited regarding optimal diagnostic approaches for BV in postmenopausal women; BV NAATs and 16s rRNA gene sequencing may have a role for diagnosing BV in symptomatic women although further studies are needed. Menopausal women with characteristic vaginal symptoms and an elevated vaginal pH should be initially treated for estrogen deficiency prior to considering a diagnosis of BV; subsequent treatment for BV should be driven by symptoms.
PubMed: 37601955
DOI: 10.1007/s11908-022-00794-1 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jun 2022
Topics: Female; Humans; Menopause
PubMed: 35705221
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-069369 -
Post Reproductive Health Jun 2020Genitourinary syndrome of menopause affects approximately 50% of women post-menopause and is under-reported. This review of the condition including established and newer... (Review)
Review
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause affects approximately 50% of women post-menopause and is under-reported. This review of the condition including established and newer treatment options aspires to empower clinicians to ask about symptoms and be more proactive in their management.
Topics: Aged; Female; Female Urogenital Diseases; Humans; Menopause; Middle Aged; Syndrome
PubMed: 31645194
DOI: 10.1177/2053369119884144