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Therapy to Prevent Sexual Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors

Therapy to Prevent Sexual Pain in Menopausal Survivors of Breast Cancer

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01539317
Enrollment
50
Registered
2012-02-27
Start date
2011-12-31
Completion date
2013-11-30
Last updated
2017-04-14

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Vulvodynia, Dyspareunia, Breast Cancer, Menopause

Keywords

Vulvodynia, Dyspareunia, Breast Cancer, Menopause, Vaginal dryness, Painful intercourse

Brief summary

The purpose of this protocol is to determine whether pain with sexual intercourse can be reduced in menopausal, breast cancer survivors and to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-hormonal therapy (Lidocaine Liquid) vs. a placebo liquid in reducing pain. The investigators hypothesize that the pain arises in the vulvar vestibule. The investigators predict that the localized use of lidocaine will be more efficacious than use of placebo liquid.

Detailed description

For this study there will be three visits over a 3 month period. Subjects will undergo a gynecological exam at the screening visit to determine the severity of pain associated with uncomfortable intercourse. A touch test using Q-tips will be used during screening exam so subjects can report pain during application of both study drug and placebo. Subjects will also report pain during tampon test. A sample of vaginal cells and liquid will be obtained at screening visit so that PI can rule out possible infection, disease, or disorders. PI will also show subject the area of the vestibule in a mirror so that subject can apply study drug at home properly. Subjects will fill out 4 questionnaires about medical and health history, cancer history, pain, and distress and sexual activity. Subject will be given a supply of either study drug or placebo to take home. The first visit will last approximately 2 hours. Subjects will return for a second visit after 4 weeks and a third visit after 8 weeks for diary review, questionnaires, and examination. The second and third visit examinations will be repeats of the examination done at the first visit, but there will be no comparison with placebo, the PI will use only study drug during the touch test. The second and third visits will last approximately 1 hour. Subjects will fill out questionnaires throughout study participation. Topics include; medical and health history, cancer history, pain, distress and sexual activity. Subjects will also fill out a diary that charts tampon test completed from home, sexual activity performed, pain levels and study drug application days.

Interventions

DRUGTopical liquid lidocaine

active intervention drug numbs the hypersensitive mucosa of the vulvar vestibule

saline applied to the vestibule mucosa will not reverse the local tenderness

Sponsors

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Eligibility Criteria 1. Women aged 18 to 70 years old. 2. Has a previous diagnosis of breast cancer (ductal or lobular carcinoma, invasive). 3. 1 year from diagnosis of breast cancer. 4. Stable heterosexual partnership =/\>5 years or by investigator discretion. 5. More than 6 months of consistent insertional pain with intercourse (may have stopped having intercourse due to this consistent experience of pain). 6. Menopausal, demonstrated by at least one of the following: i. cessation of menses for 1 years ii. Bilateral oophorectomy iii. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level \>25 in women below age 50 with an ovary and scarred or absent uterus (acceptable FSH levels can be inferred if the woman's oncologist monitors FSH during aromatase inhibitor therapy). 7. Willingness to enter a study comparing a topical placebo liquid to topical liquid lidocaine. 8. Willingness to evaluate the liquids by use of a tampon test as many as 4 times per month, and willingness to attempt intercourse if the tampon test indicates tolerable penetrative pain. 3.2

Exclusion criteria

1. Diagnosis of benign or malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast. 2. Consistently has pain in the pelvis or low abdomen during or after intercourse (deep dyspareunia). 3. Has developed shrinkage of the vaginal opening or vaginal length to the point of being too small to succeed in having vaginal penetration with the partner (will also be assessed at the clinical exam). 4. Partner has a problem of sexual dysfunction limiting his performance or making it inconsistent. 5. The potential subject or her partner has a serious current medical condition that might interrupt completion of a 6 month study. 6. Potential subject has been diagnosed by a physical therapist with significant pelvic floor muscle dysfunction causing pain (pelvic floor myalgia). 7. Potential subject has used topical or systemic estrogen within the last 4 months. 8. Has continued tenderness of vestibule mucosa immediately after application of both test liquids. 9. Allergy to lidocaine or other numbing agents.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Prevention of Entry Dyspareunia With Non-hormonal TherapyDuring Phase II (0-4 weeks) and during Phase III (5-12 weeks)Mean intercourse pain reported by subjects using the Numerical Rating Scale pain ratings (range 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being worst possible pain). Testing was during weeks 0-4 (Phase II) (with blinded randomization for placebo vs active intervention medication) and testing was during weeks 5-12 (Phase III) (with open-label active medication for 8 weeks after completing the blinded 4 weeks). Subjects agreed to try penetration twice per week and score their pain using the Numerical Rating Scale pain ratings.The scores were averaged during each phase.
Location of Pain in Postmenopausal DyspareuniaEnrollment visitTo determine the specific site of vulvovaginal tenderness in menopausal breast cancer survivors who have entry dyspareunia. Examine the vulvar vestibule with a swab test to determine locations and severity of touch tenderness. Eight sites were evaluated around the vaginal opening and there location was in reference to a clock face. Measured using the Numerical Rating Scale, a scale which measures pain from 0 to 10 with 0=no pain and 10=the worst pain you have ever felt.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Improvement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Visit 1 (Enrollment)To determine whether women's quality of sexual life is improved by use of this local therapy to prevent pain with intercourse. Measured by average scores on the Sexual Function Questionnaire. There are 8 domains measured in the Sexual Function Questionnaire each asking for a score for the prior 30 days: Desire (score range 5-31; ≥23 considered normal function), Arousal-sensation (score range 4-20; ≥14 considered normal function), Arousal-lubrication (score ranges 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Arousal-cognitive (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Orgasm (score range 1-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Pain (2-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Enjoyment (score range 6-30; ≥23 considered normal function) and Partner (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function).
Improvement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Visit 2 (Week 4)To determine whether women's quality of sexual life is improved by use of this local therapy to prevent pain with intercourse. Measured by averaged scores on the Sexual Function Questionnaire. There are 8 domains measured in the Sexual Function Questionnaire each asking for a score for the prior 30 days: Desire (score range 5-31; ≥23 considered normal function), Arousal-sensation (score range 4-20; ≥14 considered normal function), Arousal-lubrication (score ranges 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Arousal-cognitive (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Orgasm (score range 1-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Pain (2-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Enjoyment (score range 6-30; ≥23 considered normal function) and Partner (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function).
Improvement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Visit 3 (End of Study)To determine whether women's quality of sexual life is improved by use of this local therapy to prevent pain with intercourse. Measured by average scores on the Sexual Function Questionnaire. There are 8 domains measured in the Sexual Function Questionnaire each asking for a score for the prior 30 days: Desire (score range 5-31; ≥23 considered normal function), Arousal-sensation (score range 4-20; ≥14 considered normal function), Arousal-lubrication (score ranges 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Arousal-cognitive (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Orgasm (score range 1-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Pain (2-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Enjoyment (score range 6-30; ≥23 considered normal function) and Partner (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function).

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

January 2012 to June 2013; Women's Health Research Unit (WHRU) at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland, OR

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Topical Liquid Lidocaine
Topical liquid lidocaine: Comparison of topical liquid lidocaine to placebo on application to the vulvar vestibule
25
Topical Saline
Topical liquid lidocaine: Comparison of topical liquid lidocaine to placebo on application to the vulvar vestibule
25
Total50

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyScreening Error. Deleted from analysis.10

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTopical Liquid LidocaineTopical SalineTotal
Age, Continuous56.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.5
54.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.9
55.34 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.77
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
24 Participants25 Participants49 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
1 Participants2 Participants3 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
22 Participants22 Participants44 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
25 participants25 participants50 participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Female
25 participants25 participants50 participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 250 / 25
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 250 / 25

Outcome results

Primary

Location of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia

To determine the specific site of vulvovaginal tenderness in menopausal breast cancer survivors who have entry dyspareunia. Examine the vulvar vestibule with a swab test to determine locations and severity of touch tenderness. Eight sites were evaluated around the vaginal opening and there location was in reference to a clock face. Measured using the Numerical Rating Scale, a scale which measures pain from 0 to 10 with 0=no pain and 10=the worst pain you have ever felt.

Time frame: Enrollment visit

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEDIAN)
Topical SalineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia3 o'clock3 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical SalineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia1 o'clock0 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical SalineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia11 o'clock0 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical SalineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia12 o'clock1 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical SalineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia4 o'clock4 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical SalineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia8 o'clock4 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical SalineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia9 o'clock5 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical SalineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia6 o'clock2 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical Liquid LidocaineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia6 o'clock0 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical Liquid LidocaineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia4 o'clock0 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical Liquid LidocaineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia1 o'clock0 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical Liquid LidocaineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia9 o'clock0 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical Liquid LidocaineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia11 o'clock0 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical Liquid LidocaineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia8 o'clock0 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical Liquid LidocaineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia12 o'clock0 units on a scale from 0 to 10
Topical Liquid LidocaineLocation of Pain in Postmenopausal Dyspareunia3 o'clock0 units on a scale from 0 to 10
p-value: <0.001Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Primary

Prevention of Entry Dyspareunia With Non-hormonal Therapy

Mean intercourse pain reported by subjects using the Numerical Rating Scale pain ratings (range 0-10, 0 being no pain and 10 being worst possible pain). Testing was during weeks 0-4 (Phase II) (with blinded randomization for placebo vs active intervention medication) and testing was during weeks 5-12 (Phase III) (with open-label active medication for 8 weeks after completing the blinded 4 weeks). Subjects agreed to try penetration twice per week and score their pain using the Numerical Rating Scale pain ratings.The scores were averaged during each phase.

Time frame: During Phase II (0-4 weeks) and during Phase III (5-12 weeks)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Topical SalinePrevention of Entry Dyspareunia With Non-hormonal TherapyPhase II5.3 Units on a scale
Topical SalinePrevention of Entry Dyspareunia With Non-hormonal TherapyPhase III0.57 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocainePrevention of Entry Dyspareunia With Non-hormonal TherapyPhase II1.04 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocainePrevention of Entry Dyspareunia With Non-hormonal TherapyPhase III0.45 Units on a scale
Open LabelPrevention of Entry Dyspareunia With Non-hormonal TherapyPhase IINA Units on a scale
Open LabelPrevention of Entry Dyspareunia With Non-hormonal TherapyPhase III0.48 Units on a scale
Comparison: Phase II: During Blinded 4 weeksp-value: 0.0149Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Phase IIIp-value: 0.412Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Improvement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1

To determine whether women's quality of sexual life is improved by use of this local therapy to prevent pain with intercourse. Measured by average scores on the Sexual Function Questionnaire. There are 8 domains measured in the Sexual Function Questionnaire each asking for a score for the prior 30 days: Desire (score range 5-31; ≥23 considered normal function), Arousal-sensation (score range 4-20; ≥14 considered normal function), Arousal-lubrication (score ranges 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Arousal-cognitive (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Orgasm (score range 1-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Pain (2-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Enjoyment (score range 6-30; ≥23 considered normal function) and Partner (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function).

Time frame: Visit 1 (Enrollment)

Population: Averaged scores of Sexual Function Questionnaire Visit 1 each time scoring from the prior 30 days.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Orgasm5.70 units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Arousal Lubrication3.92 units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Pain6.04 units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Arousal Sensation8.44 units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Enjoyment15.30 units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Arousal Cognitive4.28 units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Partner7.78 units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Desire11.91 units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Partner8.13 units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Arousal Sensation9.15 units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Arousal Lubrication2.97 units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Arousal Cognitive4.82 units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Orgasm7.62 units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Pain6.29 units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Enjoyment17.01 units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 1Desire13.87 units on a scale
Comparison: Desirep-value: 0.66Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Arousal (S)p-value: 0.11Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Arousal (L)p-value: 0.15Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Arousal (C)p-value: 0.28Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Orgasmp-value: 0.07Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Painp-value: 0.004Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Enjoymentp-value: 0.54Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Partnerp-value: 0.92Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Improvement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2

To determine whether women's quality of sexual life is improved by use of this local therapy to prevent pain with intercourse. Measured by averaged scores on the Sexual Function Questionnaire. There are 8 domains measured in the Sexual Function Questionnaire each asking for a score for the prior 30 days: Desire (score range 5-31; ≥23 considered normal function), Arousal-sensation (score range 4-20; ≥14 considered normal function), Arousal-lubrication (score ranges 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Arousal-cognitive (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Orgasm (score range 1-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Pain (2-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Enjoyment (score range 6-30; ≥23 considered normal function) and Partner (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function).

Time frame: Visit 2 (Week 4)

Population: Averaged scores of Sexual Function Questionnaire at Visit 2 scoring from the prior 30 days.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Desire14 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Arousal Sensation8.14 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Arousal Lubrication3.59 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Arousal Cognitive4.69 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Orgasm5.07 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Pain7.96 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Enjoyment16.9 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Partner8.62 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Partner8.68 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Desire16.09 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Orgasm9.05 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Arousal Sensation11.21 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Enjoyment19.36 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Arousal Lubrication4.18 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Pain10.50 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 2Arousal Cognitive5.99 Units on a scale
Secondary

Improvement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3

To determine whether women's quality of sexual life is improved by use of this local therapy to prevent pain with intercourse. Measured by average scores on the Sexual Function Questionnaire. There are 8 domains measured in the Sexual Function Questionnaire each asking for a score for the prior 30 days: Desire (score range 5-31; ≥23 considered normal function), Arousal-sensation (score range 4-20; ≥14 considered normal function), Arousal-lubrication (score ranges 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Arousal-cognitive (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function), Orgasm (score range 1-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Pain (2-15; ≥12 considered normal function), Enjoyment (score range 6-30; ≥23 considered normal function) and Partner (score range 2-10; ≥8 considered normal function).

Time frame: Visit 3 (End of Study)

Population: Averaged scores of Sexual Function Questionnaire at Visit 1 scoring from the prior 30 days.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Desire17.79 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Arousal Sensation10.89 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Arousal Lubrication4.79 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Arousal Cognitive5.74 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Orgasm6.95 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Pain11.18 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Enjoyment20.90 Units on a scale
Topical SalineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Partner8.95 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Partner9.36 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Desire18.32 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Orgasm9.5 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Arousal Sensation13.15 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Enjoyment22.51 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Arousal Lubrication5.2 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Pain11.67 Units on a scale
Topical Liquid LidocaineImprovement of Quality of Sexual Life - Visit 3Arousal Cognitive7.05 Units on a scale

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 20, 2026