Reviewing Treatments for Genitourinary Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors
This review aims to discuss the current treatment options available for genitourinary (GU) symptoms related to menopause in breast cancer (BC) survivors.
Some background
Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA; thinning, trying, and inflammation of the lining of the vagina) is one of the side effects of hormonal treatments given to patients with BC. VVA involves GU symptoms such as genital itching, pain during intercourse, frequent urination, burning during urination, and frequent urinary infections. These symptoms are today known as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
BC survivors can be affected by GSM as the treatments they receive normally lead to very low levels of estrogen. The most effective treatments for GSM are based on local estrogen therapy. But these treatments are commonly restricted in BC survivors who had hormone-dependant tumors. GSM can affect the quality of life of patients, leading to the stopping of anti-estrogenic treatments.
It was important to review the available treatment options of GSM for BC survivors.