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  • Local α-Tocopherol for Acute and Short-Term Vaginal Toxicity Prevention in Patients Treated With Radiotherapy for Gynecologic Tumors

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Quality of Life
Local α-Tocopherol for Acute and Short-Term Vaginal Toxicity Prevention in Patients Treated With Radiotherapy for Gynecologic Tumors
  1. Andrea Galuppi, MD*,
  2. Anna Myriam Perrone, MD, PhD†,
  3. Mariangela La Macchia, MD*,
  4. Donatella Santini, MD‡,
  5. Serena Medoro, MD*,
  6. Lucia Ricci Maccarini, MD†,
  7. Isabella Strada, MD†,
  8. Federica Pozzati, MD†,
  9. Martina Rossi, MD† and
  10. Pierandrea De Iaco, MD†
  1. * Department of Radiotherapy,
  2. † Unit of Oncologic Gynaecology, and
  3. ‡ Department of Pathology, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
  1. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Pierandrea De Iaco, MD, Unit of Oncologic Gynaecology, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, via Massarenti 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy. E-mail: pierandrea.deiaco{at}aosp.bo.it.

Abstract

Introduction Data in literature about the use of adjuvant treatment to reduce acute adverse effects of radiotherapy on the pelvis are scant, with the exception of a few reports on the topical use of estrogen, which promotes proliferation of epithelium.

Materials and Methods In this prospective trial, α-tocopherol acetate was topically administered to patients affected by endometrial and cervical cancer and undergoing radiation treatment to avoid acute vaginal complications.

Results Vaginal application of α-tocopherol reduced vaginal toxicity and pain, although vaginal secretion was not significantly different in the 2 groups studied. The histological scoring system showed a significant reduction of inflammation, no difference in fibrosis, and an increase of acanthosis.

Conclusions The use of α-tocopherol as adjuvant treatment to reduce the acute adverse effects of radiotherapy on the vagina should be considered.

  • α-Tocopherol acetate
  • Vaginal toxicity
  • Radiotherapy
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Cervical cancer

https://doi.org/10.1097/IGC.0b013e318223659d

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