Microablative Fractional CO₂ Laser for Vulvovaginal Atrophy in Women With a History of Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study at 4-week Follow-up

The aim of this pilot study is to assess the efficacy and safety of microablative fractional CO₂ laser for treating vulvovaginal (VVA) symptoms in women with a history of breast cancer (BC) at 20-week follow-up since the first laser treatment. We enrolled 40 women with a history of BC and who currently were or had been on treatment with endocrine therapy for their condition. Each of them was treated with 5 laser applications (one every 4 weeks), and the effects of the laser treatment on VVA symptoms were measured using a 10-cm visual analog scale after 20 weeks of follow-up. Changes in the Vaginal Health Index after treatment were compared with baseline. Changes in overall quality of life were assessed with a generic quality of life questionnaire: Short Form 12. Sexual function was evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index. After 20 weeks of follow-up, microablative fractional CO₂ laser was safe and effective in treating VVA symptoms in women with a history of BC, irrespective of being previously or currently on endocrine therapies.