Local α-Tocopherol for Acute and Short-Term Vaginal Toxicity Prevention in Patients Treated With Radiotherapy for Gynecologic Tumors

Abstract

IntroductionData in literature about the use of adjuvant treatment to reduce acute adverse effects of radiotherapy on the pelvis are scant, with the exception of a few reports on the topical use of estrogen, which promotes proliferation of epithelium.Materials and MethodsIn this prospective trial, α-tocopherol acetate was topically administered to patients affected by endometrial and cervical cancer and undergoing radiation treatment to avoid acute vaginal complications.ResultsVaginal application of α-tocopherol reduced vaginal toxicity and pain, although vaginal secretion was not significantly different in the 2 groups studied. The histological scoring system showed a significant reduction of inflammation, no difference in fibrosis, and an increase of acanthosis.ConclusionsThe use of α-tocopherol as adjuvant treatment to reduce the acute adverse effects of radiotherapy on the vagina should be considered.