Standardized, patient-centered treatment plans for breast and gynecologic cancer survivors facing sexual dysfunction and vaginal microbiome changes
Official title: Standardizing Patient-Centered Treatment Protocols for Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Survivors with Sexual Dysfunction Incorporating Longitudinal Vaginal Microbiome Changes
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11431053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly program tests personalized, non-hormonal treatment plans for sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors, guided by changes in the vaginal microbiome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $374,337 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA316264-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11431053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with breast cancer or related gynecologic cancer who have sexual dysfunction related to GSM and are undergoing or completed cancer therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without GSM-related symptoms or who are not experiencing sexual distress may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to help women who have survived breast or gynecologic cancer by addressing sexual dysfunction that often goes untreated. It uses disease-site–specific treatment algorithms that combine physical examinations, patient-reported outcomes, and microbiome data to tailor care. The study builds on prior findings that non-hormonal therapies can reduce distress and pain, and seeks to implement these strategies in a real-world setting. Participants will be monitored over time to see if personalized care improves quality of life and adherence to cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience less sexual distress and pain and better overall quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous Phase II work showed that tailored GSM treatment algorithms can reduce symptoms and distress.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rojas, Kristin — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rojas, Kristin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.