Vaginal DHEA for Women With Gynecologic and Gastrointestinal Cancer After Radiation

Summary

This phase II trial tests the feasibility and side effects of vaginal DHEA to improve vaginal health after radiation for women with gynecologic, anal or rectal cancer. Treatment of cancers with radiation to the abdomen can influence the vaginal microbiome (any bacteria, virus, or other organisms found in the vagina). Both menopause and radiation cause a decrease in lubrication and elasticity of the vagina and symptoms including vaginal dryness, vaginal burning and itching, vaginal bleeding, pain or burning during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. DHEA is a type of hormone replacement therapy. It is use to improve symptoms in women during menopause and may be effective in treating these symptoms for women who have received radiation.

Detailed description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. To determine the feasibility and tolerability of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the post radiation setting for women with gynecologic and gastrointestinal cancers. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. To identify changes from baseline to post-radiation in the vaginal microbiome in women with gynecologic and gastrointestinal cancers receiving vaginal DHEA. II. To identify those who may respond to vaginal DHEA based on their pretreatment microbiome. III. To correlate changes in vaginal exam findings, sexual function, and quality of life with changes in the vaginal microbiome. OUTLINE: Patients receive DHEA vaginally once daily (OD) for 3 months in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients undergo vaginal swab sample collection throughout the study.

Arms & interventions

• ProcedureBiospecimen Collection

  Undergo vaginal swab sample collection

• DrugPrasterone

  Given vaginally

• OtherSurvey Administration

  Ancillary studies

Outcome measures

Eligibility criteria