Phase III randomized double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy of a polycarbophil-based vaginal moisturizer in women with breast cancer

Purpose: Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia are significant estrogen- depletion symptoms that affect many breast cancer survivors. The present trial was developed to evaluate the nonhormonal vaginal lubricating preparation, Replens, for alleviating these symptoms. Materials and Methods: A double-blind, crossover, randomized clinical trial was developed. Patients received 4 weeks of Replens (Columbia Research Laboratories, Rockville Centre, NY) followed by a 1-week washout period followed by 4 weeks of a placebo lubricating product, or vice versa. Weekly patient-completed diaries were used for measuring efficacies and toxicities of therapy. Results: The 45 assessable patients provided well-balanced treatment groups. During the first 4 weeks, average vaginal dryness decreased by 62% and 64% in the placebo and Replens groups, respectively (P = .3). Average dyspareunia scores also improved by 41% and 60%, respectively (P = .05). Crossover analysis indicated that the bulk of the beneficial effects appeared within the first 2 weeks of the first treatment and remained constant thereafter. Both treatments were relatively well tolerated. Conclusion: Both Replens and the placebo appear to substantially ameliorate vaginal dryness and dyspareunia in breast cancer survivors.