Feasibility study of focused ultrasound in the treatment of vulvar low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions with persistent symptoms

Objective This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of focused ultrasound (FUS) for the treatment of vulvar low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (VLSIL) with persistent symptoms.Methods This retrospective analysis included 24 VLSIL patients who underwent FUS treatme...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chang Su, Xinglin Liu, Can Wu, Xi Wang, Chengzhi Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2024-12-01
Series:International Journal of Hyperthermia
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Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/02656736.2024.2365975
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Summary:Objective This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of focused ultrasound (FUS) for the treatment of vulvar low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (VLSIL) with persistent symptoms.Methods This retrospective analysis included 24 VLSIL patients who underwent FUS treatment. At each follow-up visit, the clinical response was assessed including changes in symptoms and signs. In addition, the histological response was assessed based on the vulvar biopsy results of the 3rd follow-up. Clinical and histological response were assessed to elucidate the efficacy.Results A total of 22 patients completed follow-up and post-treatment pathological biopsies. After treatment, the clinical scores of itching decreased from 2.55 ± 0.51 to 0.77 ± 0.81 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the clinical response rate and histological response rate were 86.4% and 81.8%, respectively. Only two cured patients indicated recurrence in the 3rd and 4th year during the follow-up period and achieved cure after re-treatment. In terms of adverse effects, only one patient developed ulcers after treatment, which healed after symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment without scarring, and no other treatment complications were found in any patients. None of the patients developed a malignant transformation during the follow-up period.Conclusion This study revealed that FUS is feasible, effective, and safe for treating VLSIL patients with persistent symptoms, providing a new solution for the noninvasive treatment of symptomatic VLSIL.
ISSN:0265-6736
1464-5157