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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-04-2019 | Breast Cancer | Original Article

The effect of vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories on tamoxifen-induced vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer

Authors: Zahra Keshavarzi, Roksana Janghorban, Shohreh Alipour, Sedigheh Tahmasebi, Azam Jokar

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 4/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Vaginal atrophy is one of the most common side effects of using tamoxifen in women with breast cancer. Hormone therapy for vaginal atrophy is prohibited in these women. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories on vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen.

Methods

Women under breast cancer management receiving tamoxifen and showing symptoms of vaginal atrophy were randomized triple-blind to an 8-week trial on vaginal suppository vitamin E or vitamin D or placebo administered every night before bedtime. The genitourinary atrophy self-assessment tool was administered, and pH was measured in all three groups before the intervention and at the end of weeks 2, 4, and 8 of the intervention. The Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI) was also measured before the intervention and at the end of the eighth week. Data were analyzed with paired t tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, and chi-square test.

Results

Thirty-two patients were randomized in each group. The results obtained showed an increase in the VMI by the end of the eighth week of the intervention in the groups receiving the vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). The vaginal pH also reduced in both groups compared with that in the placebo group (P < 0.001). The symptoms of self-reported genitourinary atrophy also improved in the two intervention groups compared with those in the placebo group by the end of the eighth week (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

These data support that vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories were beneficial in improving vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen. Given the prohibition on hormone therapy in these women, the suppositories can be used as an alternative therapy to improve these symptoms.

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Title: The effect of vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories on tamoxifen-induced vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer
Authors: Zahra Keshavarzi
Roksana Janghorban
Shohreh Alipour
Sedigheh Tahmasebi
Azam Jokar
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Tamoxifen
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-04684-6

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