GRASS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using Fat Tissue GRafting to Treat Symptoms of VAginal Stenosis in Women with Gynaecological Cancer – IDEAL Stage 2a surgical
IRAS ID
320423
Contact name
Marielle Nobbenhuis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
A common side effect experienced by women who have undergone radiotherapy for cervical cancer is vaginal stenosis; this is a condition whereby the vagina becomes narrower and shorter. Additionally the lining of the vagina may be thinner and drier and contain scar tissue. This can cause pain during sexual intercourse resulting in sexual avoidance, relationship problems, feelings of low self-esteem, isolation, and difficulties initiating new relationships. Vaginal stenosis can also lead to painful vaginal examinations which are routinely performed during follow-up consultations.
current treatments available for vaginal stenosis include the regular use of vaginal dilators, lubricants and moisturisers, all of which have shown poor results despite requiring a large amount of effort by the patients.
Fat grafting is a new technique whereby fat tissue is removed from other parts of the body (usually thighs, buttocks and abdomen), is processed into a liquid and then injected into the vagina area in order to generate more elasticity and improve the quality of the vaginal tissue. In a case study performed at the Royal Marsden this technique resulted in the patient reporting reduced vaginal pain and bleeding and a noticeable improvement in the size of the vagina allowing for penetrative sex.
This technique has been used successfully to rectify cosmetic and functional consequences of both breast and head & neck cancer treatments
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0546
Date of REC Opinion
21 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion