{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,9]],"date-time":"2026-09-09T05:10:57Z","timestamp":1788930657791,"version":"build-2803163510"},"reference-count":28,"publisher":"Frontiers Media SA","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,9]],"date-time":"2026-09-09T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1788912000000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["frontiersin.org"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Front. Oncol."],"abstract":"\n Introduction<\/jats:title>\n Sexual health challenges after breast cancer commonly include physical symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) (e.g., vaginal pain) and psychological problems (e.g., negative body image) necessitating interventions that address both issues.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Objective<\/jats:title>\n To assess the feasibility of a multicomponent intervention of hypnotic relaxation and vaginal moisturizer to improve GSM, sexual desire, and body image in female breast cancer survivors.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Methods<\/jats:title>\n This two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial tested an 8-week self-administered multicomponent intervention, hypnotic relaxation intervention (HRI) with vaginal moisturizer, compared to a vaginal moisturizer-only group (VMO). All participants used vaginal moisturizer daily in weeks 1 and 2. In weeks 3\u20138, vaginal moisturizer use decreased to every other day. In addition to vaginal moisturizer, HRI participants added hypnotic relaxation 3 times per week in weeks 3\u20138. Eligible women reported vaginal or vulvar dryness and\/or pain with sexual activity, negative body image changes, and\/or decreased sexual desire.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Main outcomes and measures<\/jats:title>\n The primary outcomes were accrual, retention, and adherence rates. Preliminary intervention effects on sexual function were assessed using the Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction V2 (SexFS V2) as well as on body image using the Breast Cancer Impact of Treatment Scale (BITS) at baseline and 8 weeks.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Results<\/jats:title>\n \n Thirty participants were randomized to HRI (\n n<\/jats:italic>\n \u00a0=\u00a014) or VMO (\n n<\/jats:italic>\n \u00a0=\u00a016); all completed the study. Adherence was excellent for both HRI (92%) and VMO (90%). Sexual desire, body image, and GSM-related outcomes (lubrication and pain) improved for both groups. Small to moderate effects were found in the change scores favoring the HRI group compared to the VMO group for SexFS V2 interest (\n d<\/jats:italic>\n \u00a0=\u00a00.37) and body image (\n d<\/jats:italic>\n \u00a0=\u00a00.42). In the full sample, large effects were found for an increase in lubrication,\n d<\/jats:italic>\n \u00a0=\u00a01.50 (0.97, 2.02), and a reduction in pain,\n d<\/jats:italic>\n \u00a0=\u00a00.81 (0.39, 1.22), on the FSFI.\n <\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Conclusions and relevance<\/jats:title>\n This randomized controlled pilot trial supported the feasibility of hypnotic relaxation and vaginal moisturizer for female breast cancer survivors with sexual problems. Hypnotic relaxation coupled with vaginal moisturizer appears to be a promising intervention, particularly for improving body image, and a larger, well-powered study is needed to confirm these findings.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Trial registration<\/jats:title>\n \n ClinicalTrials.gov<\/jats:ext-link>\n , Identifier NCT05692960.\n <\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.3389\/fonc.2026.1895188","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,9]],"date-time":"2026-09-09T04:43:48Z","timestamp":1788929028000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["A pilot randomized controlled trial of a multicomponent intervention to improve sexual function in female breast cancer survivors"],"prefix":"10.3389","volume":"16","author":[{"given":"No\u00ebl M.","family":"Arring","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"College of Nursing, University of Manitoba","place":["Winnipeg, MB, Canada"]},{"name":"College of Nursing, University of Tennessee","place":["Knoxville, TN, United States"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Carolyn","family":"Lafferty","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Dermatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan","place":["Ann Arbor, MI, United States"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Jeanne","family":"Carter","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center","place":["New York, NY, United States"]},{"name":"Department of Psychiatry, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center","place":["New York, NY, United States"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Deborah","family":"Marshall","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai","place":["New York, NY, United States"]},{"name":"Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai","place":["New York, NY, United States"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Jennifer Barsky","family":"Reese","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center","place":["Philadelphia, PA, United States"]},{"name":"Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences; Temple University College of Public Health","place":["Philadelphia, PA, United States"]}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1965","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,9]]},"reference":[{"key":"B1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph191911921","article-title":"Sexual dysfunction in women with cancer: A systematic review of longitudinal studies","volume":"19","author":"Sousa Rodrigues Guedes","year":"2022","journal-title":"Int J Environ Res Public Health"},{"key":"B2","article-title":"Sexual health","year":"2021"},{"key":"B3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.esmoop.2024.102236","article-title":"Investigating sexual health after breast cancer by longitudinal assessment of patient-reported outcomes","volume":"9","author":"Franzoi","year":"2024","journal-title":"ESMO Open"},{"key":"B4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1200\/jco.2005.04.2499","article-title":"Sexual problems in younger women after breast cancer surgery","volume":"24","author":"Burwell","year":"2006","journal-title":"J Clin Oncol"},{"key":"B5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1200\/jco.1999.17.8.2371","article-title":"Predictors of sexual health in women after a breast cancer diagnosis","volume":"17","author":"Ganz","year":"1999","journal-title":"J Clin Oncol"},{"key":"B6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"397","DOI":"10.1016\/j.maturitas.2010.03.027","article-title":"Sexuality after breast cancer: A review","volume":"66","author":"Gilbert","year":"2010","journal-title":"Maturitas"},{"key":"B7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"66","DOI":"10.1002\/pon.3819","article-title":"Sexual functioning in breast cancer survivors experiencing body image disturbance","volume":"25","author":"Boquiren","year":"2016","journal-title":"Psychooncology"},{"key":"B8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1200\/jco.2012.41.7915","article-title":"Sexuality in adult cancer survivors: Challenges and intervention","volume":"30","author":"Bober","year":"2012","journal-title":"J Clin Oncol"},{"key":"B9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1200\/jco.2004.08.150","article-title":"Predictors of sexual functioning in ovarian cancer patients","volume":"22","author":"Carmack Taylor","year":"2004","journal-title":"J Clin Oncol"},{"key":"B10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1002\/cncr.28738","article-title":"Treatment\u2010related amenorrhea and sexual functioning in young breast cancer survivors","volume":"120","author":"Rosenberg","year":"2014","journal-title":"Cancer"},{"key":"B11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1743-6109.2008.01052.x","article-title":"The effects of hypoestrogenism on the vaginal wall: Interference with the normal sexual response","volume":"6","author":"Lara","year":"2009","journal-title":"J Sex Med"},{"key":"B12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1093\/jsxmed\/qdae061","article-title":"Nrg-Cc004 ancillary data study-exploring the effect of bupropion on sexual desire in female cancer survivors with and without vulvovaginal symptoms","volume":"21","author":"Carter","year":"2024","journal-title":"J Sex Med"},{"key":"B13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1200\/jco.23.00523","article-title":"Clinical practice strategies to address sexual health in female cancer survivors","volume":"41","author":"Arring","year":"2023","journal-title":"J Clin Oncol"},{"key":"B14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1200\/jco.2003.04.196","article-title":"Breast cancer in younger women: Reproductive and late health effects of treatment","volume":"21","author":"Ganz","year":"2003","journal-title":"J Clin Oncol"},{"key":"B15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1743-6109.2004.10107.x","article-title":"Revised definitions of women's sexual dysfunction","volume":"1","author":"Basson","year":"2004","journal-title":"J Sexual Med"},{"key":"B16","volume-title":"Hypnotic Relaxation Therapy: Principles and Applications","author":"Elkins","year":"2014"},{"key":"B17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s10549-019-05395-6","article-title":"Phase ii randomized controlled trial of hypnosis versus progressive muscle relaxation for body image after breast or gynecologic cancer","volume":"178","author":"Barton","year":"2019","journal-title":"Breast Cancer Res Treat"},{"key":"B18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1080\/07347332.2023.2206406","article-title":"The experience of women in a phase ii trial of hypnosis and progressive muscle relaxation for body image: Informing future research questions","volume":"42","author":"Arring","year":"2024","journal-title":"J Psychosoc Oncol"},{"key":"B19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1093\/jnci\/djk175","article-title":"Female sexual desire\u2014beyond testosterone","volume":"99","author":"Ganz","year":"2007","journal-title":"JNCI: J Natl Cancer Institute"},{"key":"B20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1200\/jco.21.02654","article-title":"A pill for sexual desire in female cancer survivors: Too good to be true","volume":"40","author":"Lustberg","year":"2022","journal-title":"J Clin Oncol"},{"key":"B21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/j.2002.384.doc.x","article-title":"Design and analysis of pilot studies: Recommendations for good practice","volume":"10","author":"Lancaster","year":"2004","journal-title":"J Eval Clin Pract"},{"key":"B22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"39","DOI":"10.1002\/pon.4907","article-title":"Cancer and aging: Reflections for elders (Care): A pilot randomized controlled trial of a psychotherapy intervention for older adults with cancer","volume":"28","author":"Nelson","year":"2019","journal-title":"Psychooncology"},{"key":"B23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"256","DOI":"10.3390\/healthcare13030256","article-title":"Feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes of project rally: Pilot study of a ymca-based pickleball program for cancer survivors","volume":"13","author":"Parker","year":"2025","journal-title":"Healthcare (Basel)"},{"key":"B24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1080\/00926230590475206","article-title":"The female sexual function index (Fsfi): Cross-validation and development of clinical cutoff scores","volume":"31","author":"Wiegel","year":"2005","journal-title":"J Sex Marital Ther"},{"key":"B25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1111\/jsm.12966","article-title":"Development and initial validation of the Promis(\u00ae) sexual function and satisfaction measures version 2.0","volume":"12","author":"Weinfurt","year":"2015","journal-title":"J Sex Med"},{"key":"B26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"77","DOI":"10.1207\/s15324796abm3201_9","article-title":"Body change stress for women with breast cancer: The breast-impact of treatment scale","volume":"32","author":"Frierson","year":"2006","journal-title":"Ann Behav Med"},{"key":"B27","unstructured":"Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (Ctcae) Version 5\n \n \n \n 2017"},{"key":"B28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.maturitas.2026.108880","article-title":"Effect of a non-hormonal vaginal moisturizer on vaginal and vulvar health in postmenopausal women with breast cancer: A randomized clinical trial","volume":"207","author":"Martin","year":"2026","journal-title":"Maturitas"}],"container-title":["Frontiers in Oncology"],"original-title":[],"link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fonc.2026.1895188\/full","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,9]],"date-time":"2026-09-09T04:43:54Z","timestamp":1788929034000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fonc.2026.1895188\/full"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,9]]},"references-count":28,"alternative-id":["10.3389\/fonc.2026.1895188"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fonc.2026.1895188","relation":{},"ISSN":["2234-943X"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2234-943X","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,9]]},"article-number":"1895188"}}