Autologous Platelet-Released Growth Factor and Sexual Dysfunction Amendment: A Pilot Clinical Trial of Successful Improvement Sexual Dysfunction after Pelvic Irradiation

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction (SDF) is a common sequel to cancer treatment which affects the quality of life in women<br />treated with pelvic radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, symptom resolution and objective<br />improvement the injection of autologous platelet released growth factor (APRGF) for treatment of SDF in cited patients.<br />This prospective pilot study enrolled 10 cancer-free patients with SDF who underwent pelvic radiotherapy at least 5<br />years ago, randomly. Each patient was received 1-2 cc APRGF within four weeks and all patients were re-evaluated<br />at eight weeks and six months. CD34 immuno histochemistry and Masson's trichrome staining were performed on<br />vaginal biopsy section for angiogenesis and fibrosis assay respectively. Sexual satisfaction after the injection of APRFG<br />was clinically difference and the entire patient had sexual satisfaction. In the patient's follow-up, none of them needs<br />to repeat the treatment. Our results declared that APRGF injection was effective and symptoms were disappeared in<br />the entire patients. Significant objective improvements in vaginal diameter (mean before injection, 6.5 cm vs 7.1 cm<br />after injection) (p-value = 0.001) and vaginal flexibility (mean before treatment, 0.72 cm vs 1.85 cm after injection)<br />(P-value = 0.026) were observed. Characteristics of discharge before the injection in 60% of patients were included<br />dry vagina and 40% had mild discharge but after injection 40% of patients had moderate and also 60% had mild and<br />sufficient discharge (P-value= 0.190). Overally, our patients reported better sexual function and showed better vaginal<br />function indexes, after APRFG injection.