Laser Therapy for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, a Systematic Review

Abstract

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the anogenital area, with a higher incidence in post-menopausal women. In the long term, it can lead to loss of vulvar architecture or progress to squamous cell carcinoma. The evidence-based treatment involves high-potency topical corticosteroids in long regimens. However, second-line treatments are not well-established, including laser therapy. This current study aims to assess the level of evidence supporting this therapy. We conducted a search for primary-level studies published before April 2023 through MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL, with no restrictions on the publication language or date. The methodological quality and risk of bias of the included studies were evaluated using the updated Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias (RoB-2). Six studies (177 patients) met our eligibility criteria. Laser therapy was compared to topical corticosteroid treatment in five out of six studies. No significant histological differences were found, except for an increase in collagen production in the laser group. A greater reduction in itching, pain, and dyspareunia at 1 and 3 months of treatment in the laser group, as well as in the Skindex-29 at 6 months, was reported. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher among those who received laser therapy. Tolerability was excellent. No significant differences were observed in any of the previous aspects in the study compared to the placebo. In conclusion, there is not enough evidence to recommend laser therapy as a standalone treatment.

Keywords

• lichen sclerosus
• laser therapy
• carbon dioxide laser
• Neodymium:YAG laser
• diode laser
• systematic review