Abstract PO4-20-06: Impact of iatrogenic menopause on vaginal health and sexuality
Authors: Willers Nynke , Han Sileny , Neven Patrick , Enzlin Paul , Lebeer Sarah , Ahannach Sarah 
Published: May 2024

Background

Due to the lowering of circulating estrogens symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) may arise with premenopausal breast cancer patients who become menopausal due to breast cancer treatment. Clinical signs of GSM are i.a. vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, loss of libido, dysfunction of arousal and/or orgasm: this may negatively impact vaginal health, sexual activity and quality of life. The composition and function of the vaginal microbiome may also change due to changes of gonadal hormones during the menopausal transition. This change may contribute to vaginal discomfort and problems during sexual activity.

With this prospective research we aim to uncover the relationship between vaginal health and sexuality, it gives an unique opportunity to investigate the vaginal changes and possible shift of vaginal microbiome when menopause occurs. This is a first in time study where longitudinal samples of the vaginal microbiome in one patient are investigated before and after menopause. The vaginal microbiome might be a future target to treat vaginal discomfort after treatment for breast cancer.

Trial design

This is a prospective minimal invasive study where participants are asked to undergo a baseline gynecologic examination, again 3 and 6 months after menopause. During this examination we measure vaginal pH, describe vaginal hydration and anatomy (using vaginal-, and vulvar assessment scale (VAS, VuAS)) and sample the vaginal microbiome (analyzed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)).

At the same time, a blood test is performed (Estradiol, FSH) and participants complete a survey (demographic information, medical history, current well-being using World Health Organisation- Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), sexual functioning using the Female Sexual Functioning index (FSFI), Female Sexual Dysfunction Scale – revised (FSDS-R) and Short Sexual Functioning scale (SSFS)).

Eligibility criteria

- Patients (&gt;18 years) with Stage I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC breast cancer

- Reproductive age or menopausal transition according to STRAW+10 criteria

- Iatrogenic menopause caused by ovarian function suppression (OFS), bilateral salpingo-ovariectomy (BSO) or by starting chemotherapy

- Any partner status

- Latest cervical cytology is normal

- No prior history of hysterectomy

- Patients who take oral contraceptives or have a Levonorgestrel- containing IUD can participate. Oral contraceptives should be stopped or the Levonorgestrel-containing IUD should be removed before systemic breast cancer therapy

Specific aims

To accurately describe what vaginal changes occur during breast cancer treatment

To evaluate if the onset of menopause is related to changes in vaginal microbiome

To evaluate if there is a relation between the objective vaginal changes and the subjective complaints related to GSM

To evaluate if there is a relation between the objective vaginal changes and a possible alteration in sexuality

Statistical methods

Using multiple comparison procedures in ANOVA (analysis of Variance) model, the clinical findings (VAS, VuAS, pH, composition of microbiome) and validated questionnaires (WHO-5, FSFI, FSDR-r, SSFS) are linked to analyze if vaginal changes are related to changes in sexual wellbeing.

The interpretation of the results of this investigation should be interpreted with caution due to the explorative nature of the study.

Present accrual/Target accrual

23/60 participants are included (JULY 2023)

Citation Format: Nynke Willers, Sileny Han, Patrick Neven, Paul Enzlin, Sarah Lebeer, Sarah Ahannach. Impact of iatrogenic menopause on vaginal health and sexuality [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-20-06.