Evidence for the Use of Photobiomodulation in Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Hormone Therapy: Literature Integrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32635/2176-9745.RBC.2026v72n1.5333Keywords:
Breast Neoplasms/complications, Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/adverse effects, Atrophic Vaginitis/chemically induced, Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/chemically induced, Low-Level Light Therapy/ methodsAbstract
Introduction: Hormone therapy is one of the main strategies in the adjuvant treatment of women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Despite its oncological benefits, it is associated with significant side effects, especially sexual dysfunction resulting from prolonged hypoestrogenism. Photobiomodulation has been proposed as a non-hormonal and nonpharmacological alternative for the treatment of female pelvic disorders, although its use in this population remains limited. Objective: Analyze, through an integrative literature review, the available evidence on the use of photobiomodulation in female pelvic disorders, considering its potential applicability in women undergoing hormone therapy for breast cancer. Method: Search at national and international databases following PRISMA guidelines. Studies involving photobiomodulation interventions for pelvic dysfunctions were included regardless of language, publication year, or study type. A total of 38 studies were identified, with 25 analyzed in greater detail. Results: The results indicated positive outcomes in pain reduction, vaginal lubrication, sexual function, vaginal stenosis, and quality of life. However, protocol heterogeneity and the lack of controlled clinical trials limit the generalization of the findings. Conclusion: Although current evidences on the use of photobiomodulation for sexual dysfunction in women with breast cancer undergoing hormone therapy remains limited and does not yet allow robust clinical recommendation, this review compiles relevant information that expands the available knowledge by identifying gaps and highlighting potential physiological mechanisms and clinical outcomes for the use of photobiomodulation in oncological female sexual health.
Downloads
References
Alnaim L. Health-related quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing treatment with hormonal therapy - a review study. Eur J Breast Health. 2022;18(4):292-8. doi: https://www.doi.org/10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2022.2022-5-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2022.2022-5-8
Meriggiola MC, Villa P, Maffei S, et al. Vulvovaginal atrophy in women with and without a history of breast cancer: Baseline data from the PatiEnt satisfactiON studY (PEONY) in Italy. Maturitas. 2024;183:107950. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.107950 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.107950
Falk SJ, Bober S. Cancer and female sexual function. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2024;51(2):365-80. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogc.2024.03.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogc.2024.03.003
Zipper R, Lamvu G. Vaginal laser therapy for gynecologic conditions: re-examining the controversy and where do we go from here. J Comp Eff Res. 2022;11(11):843-51. doi: https://doi.org/10.2217/cer-2021-0281 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2217/cer-2021-0281
Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-61. doi: https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
Freitas LF, Hamblin MR. Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE J Sel Top Quantum Electron. 2016;22(3):7000417. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201
Vitale SG, Saponara S, Succu AG, et al. Efficacy and safety of non-ablative dual wavelength diode laser therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a single-center prospective study. Adv Ther. 2024;41(12):4617-27. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-024-03004-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-024-03004-7
Kohli N, Jarnagin B, Stoehr AR, et al. An observational cohort study of pelvic floor photobiomodulation for treatment of chronic pelvic pain. J Comp Eff Res. 2021;10(17):1291-9. doi: https://doi.org/10.2217/cer-2021-0187 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2217/cer-2021-0187
Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ. 2021;372(71):n71. doi: https://www.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Ouzzani M, Hammady H, Fedorowicz Z. et al. Rayyan - a web and mobile app for systematic reviews. Syst Rev. 2016;5(210). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-016-0384-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-016-0384-4
Arjmand B, Khodadost M, Jahani Sherafat S, et al. Low-level laser therapy: potential and complications. J Lasers Med Sci. 2021;12:e42. doi: https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2021.42 DOI: https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2021.42
Barros D, Alvares C, Alencar T, et al. Blue LED as a new treatment to vaginal stenosis due pelvic radiotherapy: two case reports. World J Clin Cases. 2021;9(23):6839-45. doi: https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v9.i23.6839 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v9.i23.6839
Butrick CW, Lamvu G. Transvaginal photobiomodulation improves pain in women with pelvic muscle tenderness and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a preliminary observational study. Urology. 2022;170:14-20. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2022.08.036 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2022.08.036
Silva AL, Lopes-Martins RAB, Santos Oliveira A, et al. Effect of photobiomodulation associated with strengthening pelvic floor muscles in volunteers with urinary incontinence: a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2023;38(1):278. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-023-03919-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-023-03919-7
Marchi T, Ferlito JV, Turra AC, et al. Pilates Method and/or photobiomodulation therapy combined to static magnetic field in women with stress urinary incontinence: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Clin Med. 2023;12(3):1104. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12031104 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12031104
Dias M, Roussenq SC, Rezende LF, et al. Low level Laser therapy in radiation-induced vaginal stenosis after cervical cancer treatment: case report. Braz J Develop. 2021;7(4):35230-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.34117/bjdv7n4-133
Forret A, Mares P, Delacroix C, et al. Photobiomodulation et troubles vulvovaginaux après traitements anticancéreux [Photobiomodulation and vulvovaginal disorders after anticancer treatments]. Bull Cancer. 2023;110(9):883-92. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bulcan.2023.03.018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bulcan.2023.03.018
Frederice CP, Brito LGO, Machado HC, et al. Vaginal stretching therapy and class IIIB vaginal laser treatment for pelvic floor myofascial pain: a randomized clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2022;37(5):2421-30. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-022-03501-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-022-03501-7
Frederice CP, Mira TAA, Machado HC, et al. Effect of vaginal stretching and photobiomodulation therapy on sexual function in women with pelvic floor myofascial pain - a randomized clinical trial. J Sex Med. 2022;19(1):98-105. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.10.008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.10.008
Garcia PN, Andrino RL, González CG, et al. Use of intravaginal device based on photobiomodulation for the treatment of vaginal dryness: a pilot study. Aesthetic Medicine. 2020;6(4):23-9.
Hottz F, Herchenhorn D, Lenzi J, et al. Photobiomodulation as a treatment for dermatitis caused by chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell anal carcinoma: case report and literature review. Radiat Oncol. 2022;17(1):49. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13014-022-02015-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13014-022-02015-4
Lanzafame RJ, Torre S, Leibaschoff GH. The rationale for photobiomodulation therapy of vaginal tissue for treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: an analysis of its mechanism of action, and current clinical outcomes. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019;37(7):395-407. doi: https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2019.4618 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2019.4618
Modesto W, Frederice C, Bardin M. Blue light-emitting diode therapy for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a Brazilian report. Lasers Med Sci. 2025;40(1):21. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-025-04283-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-025-04283-4
Pavie MC, Robatto M, Bastos M, et al. Blue light-emitting diode in healthy vaginal mucosa-a new therapeutic possibility. Lasers Med Sci. 2019;34(5):921-7. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2678-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2678-3
Pereira e Silva ACM, Brito MB, Robatto M, et al. Blue light-emitting diode therapy for chronic vulvovaginitis symptoms: a series of cases. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2022;40(11):747-50. doi: https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2022.0038 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2022.0038
Robatto M, Pavie MC, Garcia I, et al. Ultraviolet a blue light-emitting diode therapy for vulvovaginal candidiasis: a case presentation. Lasers Med Sci. 2019;34(9):1819-27. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-019-02782-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-019-02782-9
Santos CHMD, Guimarães FDS, Barros FHR, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on fistula-in-ano treatment. Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2021;34(1):e1572. doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-672020210001e1572 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-672020210001e1572
Santos FP, Carvalhos CA, Figueiredo-Dias M. New insights into photobiomodulation of the vaginal microbiome-a critical review. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(17):13507. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713507 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713507
Sarveazad A, Babahajian A, Yari A, et al. Combination of laser and human adipose-derived stem cells in repair of rabbit anal sphincter injury: a new therapeutic approach. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2019;10(1):367. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-019-1477-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-019-1477-5
Sarveazad A, Yari A, Babaei-Ghazani A, et al. Combined application of chondroitinase ABC and photobiomodulation with low-intensity laser on the anal sphincter repair in rabbit. BMC Gastroenterol. 2021;21(1):473. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-021-02047-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-021-02047-2
Starzec-Proserpio M, Bardin MG, Morin M. Not all lasers are the same: a scoping review evaluating laser therapy for vulvodynia. Sex Med Rev. 2023;12(1):14-25. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qead039 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qead039
Zipper R, Lamvu G. Vaginal laser therapy for gynecologic conditions: re-examining the controversy and where do we go from here. J Comp Eff Res. 2022;11(11):843-51. doi: https://doi.org/10.2217/cer-2021-0281 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2217/cer-2021-0281
Zipper R, Pryor B. Evaluation of a novel deep tissue transvaginal near-infrared laser and applicator in an ovine model. Lasers Med Sci. 2022;37(1):639-43. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-021-03315-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-021-03315-z
Zipper R, Pryor B, Lamvu G. Transvaginal photobiomodulation for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain: a pilot study. Womens Health Rep. 2021;2(1):518-27. doi: https://doi.org/10.1089/whr.2021.0097 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/whr.2021.0097
Runowicz CD, Leach CR, Henry NL, et al. American Cancer Society/American Society of Clinical Oncology breast cancer survivorship care guideline. CA Cancer J Clin. 2016;66(1):43-73. doi: https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21319 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21319
Lubián López DM. Management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors: an update. World J Clin Oncol. 2022;13(2):71-100. doi: https://doi.org/10.5306/wjco.v13.i2.71 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5306/wjco.v13.i2.71
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Os direitos morais e intelectuais dos artigos pertencem aos respectivos autores, que concedem à RBC o direito de publicação.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
