Prospective study of vaginal dilator use adherence and efficacy following radiotherapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Vaginal stenosis (VS) after pelvic radiotherapy (RT) can impair long-term quality of life. We prospectively assessed adherence and efficacy of vaginal dilator (VD) use in women after pelvic RT.

Material and methods

Women with gastrointestinal (n=63) and gynecologic (n=46) cancers self-reported use and VD size in monthly diaries for 12months after radiotherapy. Adherence was measured as actual VD use out of recommended times over 12months (3×/week×52weeks=156).

Results

Among 109 participants, aged 28-81years (median, 58years), mean percent adherence over 12months was 42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36-48%). Adherence was highest in the first quarter (56%), but fell to 25% by the fourth. Disease type, treatment sequence, and chemotherapy were p

SUBMITTER: Law E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5028178 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature