FUNDING AWARDED TO NEW RESEARCH STUDY

Breast Cancer Trials (BCT) has awarded discretionary funding to a new research project that will investigate the feasibility of prescribing vaginal oestrogen for women with breast cancer, to reduce genitourinary symptoms. The study will be conducted by Dr Antonia Pearson, with Dr Belinda Kiely, and has been awarded $100,000 over two years.

Genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM) are commonly reported among women with early breast cancer, especially those on aromatase inhibitors. These may include genital symptoms (dryness, burning and irritation), sexual symptoms (lack of lubrication, discomfort or pain, and impaired function), and also urinary symptoms (urgency, dysuria and recurrent urinary tract infections). There are numerous treatment options for these symptoms including smoking cessation, vaginal moisturisers and lubricants, oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and local oestrogen therapies.

However, for women with a history of breast cancer, especially hormone receptor positive breast cancer, hormone-based treatments are often avoided because of concerns such treatments may stimulate cancer growth and increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Topical low dose vaginal oestrogens such as oestradiol (Vagifem) may be a safe option for women with a history of breast cancer but there is limited evidence to support their safety in this context so many oncologists and patients avoid their use. More data is needed on whether women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer are willing to use vaginal oestrogens and the efficacy and systemic absorption of these agents.

The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of giving women on adjuvant aromatase inhibitors a 12-week course of vaginal oestradiol tablets (Vagifem), to manage their genitourinary symptoms and ultimately improve the supportive care and outcomes of women. If successful, the treatment will fill a need in the management of patient-reported symptoms that are distressing and a reason for reduced adherence to optimal endocrine therapy. 60 patients will be enrolled in the study over two years.

BCT supports researchers in developing collaborative, high quality research projects and clinical trials that aim to find new and better treatments and prevention strategies for breast cancer. Discretionary funding grants are available to BCT members to support small scale research projects such as: pilot studies for proposed BCT trials; sub-studies of existing research protocols; small-scale translational research studies; and projects related to research methodology.

One-off grants of up to $50,000 per year over 1-2 years are available and applications can be submitted at any time by completing a Concept Proposal Form. This funding is available thanks to the generosity of BCT supporters. For more information about Discretionary Funding and support for BCT members, please visit the BCT website at: www.breastcancertrials.org.au/research-development.

Media Contact: Anna Fitzgerald 0400 304 224 or anna.fitzgerald@bctrials.org.au

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