The buzz around MonaLisa Touch
https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/monalisa-touch
Full article: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/05/22/is-laser-treatment-for-vaginal-atrophy-safe.html
THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED. The FDA issued an alert in July, 2018 noting that laser or radiofrequency devices that have received FDA clearance are ONLY cleared for treating abnormal or pre-cancerous cervical or vaginal tissue and genital warts and have NOT been approved for vaginal rejuvenation. There are currently clinical trials enrolling women to study whether laser and radiofrequency devices can improve vaginal atrophy and other menopausal symptoms.
For many young breast cancer survivors and high-risk women, the side effects from early menopause after treatment and surgery can negatively impact their personal lives. This XRAYS looks at one of the many recent media articles on a laser procedure called MonaLisa Touch. The article, "Is Laser Treatment for Vaginal Atrophy Safe?" was published online in 2017 by FOX News and written by Dr. Manny Alvarez. XRAYS will discuss what this laser procedure actually is and how it may impact a young breast cancer patient’s life after treatment. (1/19/18)
Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider
- I have vaginal dryness, pain or other side effects from menopause. What treatments might help me?
- Am I a candidate for hormone replacement therapy?
- Am I a candidate for vaginal estrogen?
- Do I qualify for any clinical trials for treatment of vaginal atrophy?
- Can you refer me to a menopause expert?
Open Clinical Trials
The following studies related to sexual health are enrolling patients.
Multiple cancers
- NCT04806724: Opening the Conversation Study. This study looks at a program designed to help young couples who are dealing with breast or gynecologic cancer cope with and communicate about cancer-related reproductive and sexual health concerns.
- NCT04049331: Testosterone Replacement in Male Cancer Survivors With Fatigue and Low Testosterone. This study evaluates the effect of the testosterone drug Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate), an FDA-approved drug for improving fatigue, sexual function, quality of life, body composition, muscle strength and physical activity in young cancer survivors who report fatigue and have low testosterone. This study does not enroll to men who have been diagnosed with hormone-related cancers, including prostate or breast cancer.
Breast cancer
- NCT05636943: Couples' QOL in Metastatic Breast Cancer (C-QOL). This study measures the effect of a sexual quality-of-life intervention for women with metastatic breast cancer and their partners.
- NCT01788839: Longitudinal Sexual and Reproductive Health Study of Women With Breast Cancer and Lymphoma. This study examines how cancer treatment affects sexual and reproductive function. Researchers request blood samples from participants to see if and how cancer treatment affects the ovaries and the ability to have children (fertility).
Colorectal cancer
- NCT04812912: Changes in Reproductive and Sexual Health in People With Early Onset Colorectal Cancer. This study determines how chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy treatments affect reproductive and sexual health in people with early-onset colorectal cancer.
Prostate cancer
- NCT02706561: Helping Men Adhere to Sexual Rehabilitation Following Prostate Cancer Surgery This study tests two different ways to help men with sexual rehabilitation.
- NCT04025372: INTREPId (INTermediate Risk Erection PreservatIon Trial). This study compares a new hormonal therapy used with radiation for intermediate-risk prostate cancer and whether this new form of hormonal therapy is as effective as the standard hormone therapy while also preserving erectile function.
- NCT03716739: Improving Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Survivors With Androgen Deficiency. This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for treating the symptoms of androgen deficiency (sexual symptoms, low energy and physical dysfunction) and overall health-related quality-of-life for men with prostate cancer who have undergone radical prostatectomy.
The following studies of menopause and menopause management are for survivors and previvors.
- NCT04439370: Autonomic Regulation of Blood Pressure in Premature and Early Menopausal Women. This research studies how early menopause effects blood pressure.
- NCT03572153: A Mind-Body Intervention for Hot Flash Management. The main goal of this study is to test whether self-administered hypnosis can reduce hot flashes more effectively than self-administered white noise hypnosis over 6 weeks of home practice.
- NCT04821141: Phase IIB Trial of Bazedoxifene Plus Conjugated Estrogens. Women at increased risk for breast cancer who experience hot flashes will receive either bazedoxifene plus conjugated estrogens (similar to the drug Duavee) for 6 months or a control (no drug). Researchers will measure breast density with mammography and needle biopsy that identifies biomarkers.
- NCT06112756: A Study to Learn About How Elinzanetant Works and How Safe it is in Women Having Sleep Disturbances Associated with Menopause (NIRVANA). This study looks at treatment the safety and efficacy of treatment with Elinzanetant for symptoms like hot flashes caused by hormonal changes associated with menopause that can impact sleep disturbances.
About FORCE
FORCE is a national nonprofit organization, established in 1999. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by adult hereditary cancers.