UNI-MB - logo
UMNIK - logo
 
E-resources
Full text
Peer reviewed Open access
  • Therapeutic Choices for Gen...
    Merlino, Lucia; D'Ovidio, Giulia; Matys, Viviana; Piccioni, Maria Grazia; Porpora, Maria Grazia; Senatori, Roberto; Viscardi, Maria Federica; Vitale, Antonio; Della Rocca, Carlo; On Behalf Of Policlinico Umberto I Collaborators

    Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 04/2023, Volume: 16, Issue: 4
    Journal Article

    (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.