A revolutionary fat transfer procedure is demonstrating promising results in the treatment of lichen sclerosus, a painful condition affecting thousands of women in the UK.

PETALS Trial Offers New Hope

The PETALS trial, conducted at the Royal Free Hospital, provides a potential solution to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of lichen sclerosus and improve patients’ quality of life. The condition affects over 300,000 women in the UK, often remaining undiagnosed.

Understanding Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus causes intense itching and fragile vulval tissue, frequently leading to painful sexual intercourse and an increased risk of vulval cancer. Current treatments provide limited and often temporary relief. Researchers at the Royal Free Hospital in London have pioneered a novel approach involving the transfer of fat tissue.

How the Procedure Works

The procedure involves extracting fat from areas like the stomach or thighs. This fat is then purified to concentrate stem cells before being injected into the vulval tissue under general anesthesia.

Promising Trial Results

Initial results from the PETALS trial are encouraging, with success reported in eight out of ten patients. Patients experienced a significant reduction in pain and a restoration of a normal sex life.

Patient Story: Maria Tether-Jenkins

Maria Tether-Jenkins, a 53-year-old patient, has lived with lichen sclerosus since childhood. Diagnosed at 28, she previously relied on steroid creams with limited long-term effectiveness. She joined Professor Peter Butler’s PETALS trial in 2021 after discovering the treatment online.

Maria reported minimal side effects and a remarkable recovery, experiencing a shift from constant pain and tearing to almost complete symptom resolution. The vulval tissue regained a healthy appearance, and she is now able to experience pain-free sexual intercourse.

The Condition and Future Research

Lichen sclerosus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks vulval tissue. While rare in men, it can cause inflammation of the foreskin. Experts emphasize the condition is often underdiagnosed due to misidentification with other ailments like thrush or menopause.

The cause of lichen sclerosus remains unclear, but it typically affects post-menopausal women or begins in childhood, carrying a 4% risk of developing vulval cancer over time. Professor Butler believes the stem cells in the transferred fat reverse scarring (fibrosis) in the vaginal tissue, though further research is necessary.

The trial is expanding to other hospitals, but Professor Butler stresses that this is not a cure. The PETALS trial offers a beacon of hope for women living with lichen sclerosus, potentially offering a significant improvement in their quality of life.