Laser Therapy in Heavily Treated Oncological Patients Improves Vaginal Health Parameters

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and duration of multiple non-ablative intravaginal CO2 laser (V-lase®) cycles in breast cancer patients, gynecological and other pelvic cancers previously subjected to multiple oncological treatments. This prospective study enrolled women under the age of 65 years who reported vaginal symptoms. Data on the Vaginal Health Index (VHI), vaginal length (VL), vaginal pain measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were collected at baseline and before each laser application, and at subsequent follow-up visits. A total of 170 laser applications were performed on 113 women with various types of cancer. Most patients (57.5%) had received radiotherapy-based treatments before receiving laser treatment. Vaginal health parameters and sexual function improved significantly with each laser application. However, a temporary decline in these improvements occurred during the intervals between cycles. Such worsening was reversed with the subsequent cycle in all groups of patients, irrespective of the type of oncological treatments they had undergone. Multiple course vaginal laser therapy showed promising results as a potential treatment for vaginal atrophy in heavily treated gynecological and breast cancer patients, necessitating further research to determine the optimal time interval between cycles to ensure sustained positive effects.