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Vaginal AtrophyPhase 2NCT04493333

Vaginal Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors on Aromatase Inhibitors

A Phase 2 study testing Vaginal Dehydroepiandrosterone and Vaginal Polycarbophil Moisturizer in people with Vaginal Atrophy and Postmenopausal Symptoms, run by University of Arkansas at 1 site in United States.

Terminated

Stopped early. The study ended before it was planned to and will not resume.

Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this research is to gather information on the safety and effectiveness of Intrarosa®, also known as Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and prasterone. By doing this study, the investigators hope to learn if Intrarosa® can improve vaginal discomfort. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 70 years, women only
What is being tested?
Vaginal Dehydroepiandrosterone and Vaginal Polycarbophil Moisturizer
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
8 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
7 Jun 2021to 18 Jul 2023
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 70 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Postmenopausal patients with a history of breast cancer who have completed primary treatment with curative intent, who have been on an aromatase inhibitors (AI) for at least 6 months
  • Stage I-III, hormone receptor positive breast cancer regardless of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status
  • Postmenopause defined as 12 months of spontaneous amenorrhea, or 6 months of spontaneous amenorrhea with serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels > 40 mIU/mL (milli-international units per milliliter), or 6 weeks postsurgical bilateral oophorectomy with or without hysterectomy. FSH level will be documented on all subjects.
  • Patients reporting any symptoms of vaginal dryness or dyspareunia as assessed by the Brief Sexual Symptom Checklist for Women (BSSC-W) or the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)
  • No evidence of active malignant breast or gynecologic disease
  • Absence of undiagnosed, persistent or recurring genital bleeding that has not been evaluated to determine the cause [6]
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  • No planned changes in AI during the study period
  • Mammogram (if appropriate, as determined by the treating physician and will be documented) within 12 months of study entry
  • Patients with documented normal Pap within 12 months of study entry

Who cannot join

  • Use of any estrogen or progesterone depot-preparation drug or progestin implant in the last 6 months before study entry
  • Use of any androgen or anabolic steroids in the last 6 months before study entry
  • Use of any oral or transdermal hormonal products (estrogen, progestin, or DHEA) within the last 8 weeks prior to study entry; however, a subject can elect to wait for an 8-week washout period before study entry.
  • Use of any vaginal or intrauterine hormonal products in the last 8 weeks; however, a subject can elect to wait for an 8-week washout before study entry.
  • Use of any natural over the counter estrogenic products in the last 6 months; however, a subject can elect to wait for a 6-month washout before study entry.
  • Concomitant vulvar and vaginal surgical or laser treatments
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  • Vaginal infection or confounding vulvar or active vaginal disease process
  • Prior radiation to the pelvis or history of gynecologic cancer
  • Inability to tolerate a vaginal/speculum exam
  • Undiagnosed, persistent or recurring genital bleeding or other indication of active pelvic disease process that has not been evaluated [6]
  • Clinically significant uncontrolled depression or severe psychiatric symptoms
  • If subject has an established routine of inert vaginal lubricant use for routine or occasional relief of vulvar or vaginal symptoms prior to the study period, it may be continued during the study period along with the study drug.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

    Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Comparison of Vaginal Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to Control for Treatment of Vaginal Symptoms in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors on Aromatase Inhibitors: A Phase II Randomized Trial

The purpose of this research is to gather information on the safety and effectiveness of Intrarosa®, also known as Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and prasterone. By doing this study, the investigators hope to learn if Intrarosa® can improve vaginal discomfort. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups. One group will use Intrarosa® once a day. The other group will use Replens™ two times a week.

Read the detailed description

This will be a two-armed, randomized Phase II trial. All study subjects will be asked to fill out a simple 5-question sexual functioning survey. If any concern about sexual functioning is noted, the subject will also be asked to fill out a more extensive Sexual functioning tool, to help determine which domain of sexual functioning is the most bothersome.

Subjects who complete the initial screening will be randomly assigned to the Intrarosa® or Replens™ arm by a 1:1 ratio. Subjects randomized to the Intrarosa® arm will use 6.5 mg daily for 12 weeks (±1 week). Subjects randomized to the Replens™ arm will use a vaginal applicator two times per week for 12 weeks.

At baseline and at 12 weeks, subjects will undergo a physical exam including clinical breast and gynecological exam. During gynecologic exams, the vaginal Potential of Hydrogen (pH) will be determined and a swab of vaginal epithelium sent for determination of the Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI) and Maturation Value (MV). These will be used as objective physiologic markers to determine the improvement in vaginal atrophy. The cytologist's reading specimens will be blinded.

Additionally, all study subjects will be asked to fill out questionnaires at baseline and again in 12 weeks.

Being tested
Vaginal Dehydroepiandrosterone, Vaginal Polycarbophil Moisturizer
Keywords
Postmenopausal, Breast Cancer Survivor, Vaginal

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Vaginal DehydroepiandrosteroneDrug

    Also called Intrarosa®, Vaginal DHEA, Prasterone

    This is a vaginally administered suppository steroid indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia, a frequent symptom of vulvovaginal atrophy due to menopause or genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

  • Vaginal Polycarbophil MoisturizerCombination product

    Also called Replens™

    This is an FDA cleared, over-the-counter personal lubricant for vaginal application, intended to moisturize and lubricate, to enhance the ease and comfort of intimate sexual activity and supplement the body's natural lubrication. It is non-sterile, water-based, non-irritating, non-greasy, non-staining vaginal gel delivered as a long-lasting moisturizer for vaginal dryness.

Study groups in NCT04493333
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Vaginal DHEAExperimentalVaginal insert with 6.5 mg vaginal DHEA self-administered once daily at bedtime for 12 weeks
Receives: Drug: Vaginal Dehydroepiandrosterone
Vaginal Polycarbophil MoisturizerActive comparatorPrefilled vaginal applicator with 2.5 g of polycarbophil vaginal moisturizing gel, self-administered two times per week at night for 12 weeks
Receives: Combination Product: Vaginal Polycarbophil Moisturizer

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Difference in Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI) Response From Baseline to Week 12

    The change in the subject's calculated VMI from baseline to the end of treatment at 12 weeks (±1 week). VMI = 1.0 x %S + 0.5 x %I + 0.0 x %P cells, which is the same as VMI = %S + (0.5 x %I) when simplified. It has a potential range of 0-100. A VMI of 65-100 suggests a normal premenopausal environment, 50-64 indicates a moderate estrogenic effect, and < 50 indicates atrophy.

    Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks (±1 week)

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. Difference in Vaginal pH From Baseline to Week 12

    Vaginal pH was used as an objective physiologic marker to determine the improvement in vaginal atrophy. pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity and can range from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Lower pH scores are acidic and higher pH scores are basic or alkaline. A normal healthy vaginal pH is 4.5. As the vaginal epithelium becomes thinner and more atrophic, the mucosa has less glycogen content and less lactobacilli to convert the glycogen into lactic acid, which results in an increase in the vaginal pH.

    Measured: 12 weeks (±1 week)

  2. Difference in Dyspareunia Scores on the Brief Sexual Symptom Checklist for Women (BSSC-W) From Baseline to Week 12

    The Dyspareunia Score on the BSSC-W asks if there is a problem with pain during sex. A difference score of 0 indicated no change in whether it was a problem. The min and max are both 0 which makes the range also 0. Only 2 participants had week 12 scores. These scores were both 1. (So the min and max were 1 with the range being 0.) Of the baseline scores, these 2 participants both had scores of 1 again. (So the min and max for these 2 participants were both 1 with a range of 0.) If we include these 2 participants with the other 6 who have baseline dyspareunia scores on the BSSC-W, then 7 participants has a score of 1 and 1 participant had a score of 0. This would make the min, max, and range 0, 1, and 1 respectively. As for which value represents a better or worse outcome, 1 indicates presence of dyspareunia while 0 indicates absence of dyspareunia, so 1 is a worse outcome than 0. Subscales are not combined here to produce a total score.

    Measured: 12 weeks (±1 week)

  3. Difference in Vaginal Dryness Scores on the Brief Sexual Symptom Checklist for Women (BSSC-W) From Baseline to Week 12

    The min and the max are both 0 which make the range also 0. These were obtained from subtracting each participant's score at baseline from their score at week 12. Only 2 participants had week 12 scores. These scores were both 1. Of the baseline scores, these 2 participants both had scores of 1 again. If 2 participants with the other 6 have baseline dyspareunia scores on the BSSC-W, then 7 participants have a score of 1 and 1 participant had a score of 0. This would make the min, max, and range 0, 1, and 1 respectively. As for which value represents a better or worse outcome, 1 indicates presence of vaginal dryness (problem with decreased vaginal lubrication) while 0 indicates absence of vaginal dryness (or an absence of this problem of decreased vaginal lubrication), so 1 is a worse outcome than 0. Subscales are not combined here to produce a total score.

    Measured: 12 weeks (±1 week)

  4. Difference in Dyspareunia Subscale Scores on the Female Sexual Dysfunction Index (FSFI) From Baseline to Week 12

    The Dyspareunia Subscale Score on the Female Sexual Dysfunction Index ranges from 0-5 with higher scores indicating better sexual function, so less dyspareunia.

    Measured: 12 weeks (±1 week)

  5. Difference in Vaginal Dryness Subscale Scores on the Female Sexual Dysfunction Index (FSFI) From Baseline to Week 12

    The Vaginal Dryness (or Lubrication) Subscale Score on the Female Sexual Dysfunction Index ranges from 0-5 with higher scores indicating better sexual function, so more lubrication.

    Measured: 12 weeks (±1 week)

  6. Difference in Quality of Life on the Quality of Life - Cancer Survivor Version (QOL-CSV) From Baseline to Week 12

    The Quality of Life - Cancer Survivor Version ranges from 0-10 with higher scores indicating a higher quality of life. T here are only 2 difference scores for each of the 4 subscales. The min, max, and ranges of these Well-Being Subscales: Physical -1.00, -0.62, and 0.38. Psychological -0.72, 0.94, and 1.67. Social 0.75, 1.25, and 0.50. Spiritual -1.57, 3.29, and 4.86. For Psychological the min, max, and range are 2.61, 6.83, and 4.22. For Social the min, max, and range are 2.63, 7.38, and 4.75. For Spiritual the min, max, and range are 4.43, 8.43, and 4.00. A negative difference score indicates a worsening of quality of life while a positive score indicates that qualify of life got better. Subscales were not combined here to produce a total score. For the baseline and week 12 scores on the QOL-CSV, higher scores mean higher quality of life.

    Measured: 12 weeks (±1 week)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted30 Jul 2020
  2. Study start7 Jun 2021
  3. Primary completion18 Jul 2023
  4. Study completion18 Jul 2023

Why it stopped: Low recruitment/enrollment

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Subjects are randomly assigned to the Intrarosa® or Replens™ arm by a 1:1 ratio. Subjects randomized to the Intrarosa® arm will use 6.5 mg daily for 12 weeks (±1 week). Subjects randomized to the Replens™ arm will use a vaginal applicator two times per week for 12 weeks.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
8 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04493333
Sponsor's protocol ID
239531
Status last verified
Sep 2024
First submitted
27 Jul 2020
Last updated
27 Nov 2024
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing Vaginal Dehydroepiandrosterone and Vaginal Polycarbophil Moisturizer in people with Vaginal Atrophy and Postmenopausal Symptoms, run by University of Arkansas at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 12 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: stopped early, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Nov 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 23 Sep 2024). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Difference in Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI) Response From Baseline to Week 12 (time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks (±1 week)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Nov 2024.

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