Trial Outcomes & Findings for Breast Cancer, Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy, and Sexual Functioning: The Effects of Vaginal Testosterone Therapy (NCT NCT01697345)

NCT ID: NCT01697345

Last Updated: 2014-01-24

Results Overview

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administered to participants prior to starting vaginal testosterone therapy and the survey was repeated after using the study drug for 4 weeks. The participants served as their own controls. The FSFI assesses six domains of sexual functioning (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) over the past 4 weeks. The sum of all domain scores equals the total FSFI score. The total FSFI score ranges from 2-36 and a total FSFI score \< 26.5 suggests female sexual dysfunction.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

EARLY_PHASE1

Target enrollment

12 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline, 4 weeks

Results posted on

2014-01-24

Participant Flow

Participants were prospectively recruited from Nebraska Cancer Specialists in Omaha, NE, between January 11, 2013, and April 23, 2013.

During the first study visit, the the PI procured a vaginal swab because women with suppressed estrogen levels have an increased risk for infection. Also, in the clinical setting, the PI has observed that women who develop a yeast or bacterial infection while using vaginal testosterone frequently report symptoms of vaginal burning or irritation.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Vaginal Testosterone
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy will be compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream will be supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose will deliver 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream will be applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
Overall Study
STARTED
13
Overall Study
COMPLETED
12
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
1

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Vaginal Testosterone
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy will be compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream will be supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose will deliver 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream will be applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
Overall Study
Withdrawal by Subject
1

Baseline Characteristics

Breast Cancer, Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy, and Sexual Functioning: The Effects of Vaginal Testosterone Therapy

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Vaginal Testosterone
n=12 Participants
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy will be compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream will be supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose will deliver 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream will be applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
Age, Continuous
59.67 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.095 • n=99 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
12 Participants
n=99 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants
n=99 Participants
Marital Status
Married
12 Participants
n=99 Participants
Marital Status
Not Married
0 Participants
n=99 Participants
Length of Marriage
0-5 years
1 participants
n=99 Participants
Length of Marriage
6-10 years
0 participants
n=99 Participants
Length of Marriage
11-15 years
0 participants
n=99 Participants
Length of Marriage
16-20 years
0 participants
n=99 Participants
Length of Marriage
21-25 years
5 participants
n=99 Participants
Length of Marriage
26-30 years
1 participants
n=99 Participants
Length of Marriage
31-35 years
2 participants
n=99 Participants
Length of Marriage
36-40 years
2 participants
n=99 Participants
Length of Marriage
41-50 years
0 participants
n=99 Participants
Length of Marriage
51-55 years
1 participants
n=99 Participants
Highest Level of Education
High school degree
3 Participants
n=99 Participants
Highest Level of Education
Associate's degree
3 Participants
n=99 Participants
Highest Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
4 Participants
n=99 Participants
Highest Level of Education
Master's degree
2 Participants
n=99 Participants
Oophorectomy
Yes
4 Participants
n=99 Participants
Oophorectomy
No
8 Participants
n=99 Participants
Estrogen-receptor (ER) Status
ER+
11 Participants
n=99 Participants
Estrogen-receptor (ER) Status
ER-
1 Participants
n=99 Participants
Progesterone-receptor (PR) Status
PR+
10 Participants
n=99 Participants
Progesterone-receptor (PR) Status
PR-
2 Participants
n=99 Participants
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Status
HER2+
1 Participants
n=99 Participants
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Status
HER2-
11 Participants
n=99 Participants
Aromatase Inhibitor
anastrozole (Arimidex)
11 Participants
n=99 Participants
Aromatase Inhibitor
letrozole (Femara)
1 Participants
n=99 Participants
Aromatase Inhibitor
exemestane (Aromasin)
0 Participants
n=99 Participants
Vaginal Swab Test
No vaginal infection
9 Participants
n=99 Participants
Vaginal Swab Test
Gardnerella vaginalis
3 Participants
n=99 Participants
Vaginal Swab Test
Candidiasis species
0 Participants
n=99 Participants
Sexually Active Prior to Study
Yes
7 Participants
n=99 Participants
Sexually Active Prior to Study
No
5 Participants
n=99 Participants
Sexually Active During Study
Yes
11 Participants
n=99 Participants
Sexually Active During Study
No
1 Participants
n=99 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 4 weeks

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administered to participants prior to starting vaginal testosterone therapy and the survey was repeated after using the study drug for 4 weeks. The participants served as their own controls. The FSFI assesses six domains of sexual functioning (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) over the past 4 weeks. The sum of all domain scores equals the total FSFI score. The total FSFI score ranges from 2-36 and a total FSFI score \< 26.5 suggests female sexual dysfunction.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
FSFI Total Score (Pretest)
n=12 Participants
Administered to participants prior to starting vaginal testosterone therapy.
FSFI Total Score (Postteset)
n=12 Participants
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy was compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream was supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose delivered 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream was applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
Total Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Score
8.691 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.803
18.783 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 7.050

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 4 weeks

The desire score is calculated by adding the individual scores from the desire domain (question #1 and #2) and multiplying the sum by the domain factor of 0.6. The domain score for desire ranges from 1.2 (minimum) to 6 (maximum) and a higher value represents a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
FSFI Total Score (Pretest)
n=12 Participants
Administered to participants prior to starting vaginal testosterone therapy.
FSFI Total Score (Postteset)
n=12 Participants
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy was compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream was supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose delivered 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream was applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
FSFI Desire Domain
1.350 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.373
2.650 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.866

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 4 weeks

The arousal score is calculated by adding the individual scores from the arousal domain (question #3, #4, #5, #6) and multiplying the sum by the domain factor of 0.3. The arousal domain score ranges from 0 (minimum) to 6 (maximum)and a higher value represents a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
FSFI Total Score (Pretest)
n=12 Participants
Administered to participants prior to starting vaginal testosterone therapy.
FSFI Total Score (Postteset)
n=12 Participants
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy was compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream was supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose delivered 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream was applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
FSFI Arousal Domain
1.200 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.677
2.825 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.256

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 4 weeks

The lubrication score is calculated by adding the individual scores from the lubrication domain (question #7, #8, #9, #10) and multiplying the sum by the domain factor of 0.3. The domain score for lubrication ranges from 0 (minimum) to 6 (maximum) and a higher value represents a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
FSFI Total Score (Pretest)
n=12 Participants
Administered to participants prior to starting vaginal testosterone therapy.
FSFI Total Score (Postteset)
n=12 Participants
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy was compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream was supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose delivered 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream was applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
FSFI Lubrication Domain
1.175 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.620
2.675 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.929

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 4 weeks

The orgasm score is calculated by adding the individual scores from the orgasm domain (question #11, #12, #13) and multiplying the sum by the domain factor of 0.4. The domain score for orgasm ranges from 0 (minimum) to 6 (maximum) and a higher value represents a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
FSFI Total Score (Pretest)
n=12 Participants
Administered to participants prior to starting vaginal testosterone therapy.
FSFI Total Score (Postteset)
n=12 Participants
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy was compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream was supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose delivered 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream was applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
FSFI Orgasm Domain
1.733 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.767
2.933 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.049

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 4 weeks

The satisfaction score is calculated by adding the individual scores from the satisfaction domain (question #14, #15, #16) and multiplying the sum by the domain factor of 0.4. The satisfaction domain score ranges from 0.8 (minimum) to 6 (maximum) and a higher value represents a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
FSFI Total Score (Pretest)
n=12 Participants
Administered to participants prior to starting vaginal testosterone therapy.
FSFI Total Score (Postteset)
n=12 Participants
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy was compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream was supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose delivered 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream was applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
FSFI Satisfaction Domain
2.300 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.311
4.200 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.293

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 4 weeks

The score for pain is calculated by adding the individual scores from the pain domain (question #17, #18, #19) and multiplying the sum by the domain factor of 0.4. The domain score for pain ranges from 0 (minimum) to 6 (maximum) and a higher value represents a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
FSFI Total Score (Pretest)
n=12 Participants
Administered to participants prior to starting vaginal testosterone therapy.
FSFI Total Score (Postteset)
n=12 Participants
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy was compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream was supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose delivered 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream was applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
FSFI Pain Domain
0.933 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.875
3.500 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.276

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: After 4 weeks

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
FSFI Total Score (Pretest)
n=12 Participants
Administered to participants prior to starting vaginal testosterone therapy.
FSFI Total Score (Postteset)
n=12 Participants
Testosterone USP micronized powder supplied by Medisca Pharmacy was compounded by Precision Compounding pharmacy as testosterone 0.3% per 0.5 milliliters (mL) in pharmabase cream. The compounded testosterone vaginal cream was supplied in pre-filled syringes and each 0.5 mL dose delivered 300 mcg of testosterone daily. The cream was applied to the vaginal opening once daily for four weeks (28 days).
Number of Participants Who Continued Vaginal Testosterone Upon Completion of the Study
11 participants
1 participants

Adverse Events

Vaginal Testosterone

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Dr. Melissa A Dahir

Creighton University

Phone: 402-657-2847

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place