Project R-16122

Photobiomodulation to alleviate vaginal complications in breast cancer survivors undergoing endocrine therapy (V-Light) (Research)

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, with 2.3 million new cases in 2022. About 80% involve hormone-receptor-positive tumors, requiring endocrine therapy (ET) to manage the disease and prevent recurrence. However, ET often induces Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), significantly impacting the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer survivors (BCS). GSM prevalence among BCS varies from 13% to 95.2%, depending on ET type, patient demographics, and treatment characteristics. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, bleeding, atrophy, infections, and dyspareunia. Managing GSM in BCS requires balancing symptom relief with minimizing the risks associated with estrogen exposure. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy offers a promising non-hormonal approach, using visible or near-infrared light from lasers or light-emitting diodes. By stimulating cellular function and promoting tissue repair, PBM enhances vaginal tissue health through improved blood flow and regeneration. These effects may alleviate vaginal dryness, thinning of vaginal walls, and discomfort during sexual activity. This V-Light project aims to quantify the GSM burden in BCS via a prospective cohort study and assess PBM efficacy using a single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. This will provide insights into GSM prevalence and explore PBM as a non-hormonal treatment, potentially improving QoL and sexual health in BCS.

01 November 2025 - 31 October 2029