A Dedicated Menopausal After Cancer Clinic May Improve Adherence to Endocrine Therapy For Breast Cancer: A Population Based Study

Martin, H; Saunders, C; Redfern, A; Hickey, M

Author(s): Martin, H; Saunders, C; Redfern, A; Hickey, M;
Details: Publication Year 2024-12,Volume 24,Issue #8,Page e731-e736
Journal Title: Clinical Breast Cancer
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: PURPOSE: To examine utilization of a dedicated menopause symptoms after cancer clinic (MSAC) and to determine whether women referred to the MSAC for management of severe hot flush symptoms are more likely to adhere to endocrine therapy compare to those with severe symptoms not referred to MSAC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Breast cancer patients prescribed endocrine therapy with a diagnosis of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer between January 2003 and December 2011 were identified from the Royal Perth Hospital Breast Unit database. Details of breast cancer pathology, endocrine therapy, endocrine therapy related side effects, referral to MSAC and patient reported adherence to endocrine therapy for up to 4 years were ascertained from the database and medical records systems. For those with severe vasomotor symptoms, total duration of endocrine therapy was compared between women referred to MSAC and those who were not referred to MSAC. RESULTS: About 1275 women were identified from the database, with the cohort followed up until Dec 2016. Of these women, 120 (9.4%) were referred to MSAC and 1155 (90.1%) received usual care. In total, 147 reported severe vasomotor symptoms of whom almost half (71) were referred to MSAC. Women with severe vasomotor symptoms managed by MSAC were less likely to discontinue endocrine therapy (15.5%) compared with those managed with usual care (26.3%). However, this difference was not statistically significant (chi-square test statistic = 2.584, 1df, P = .1). CONCLUSION: Management of severe vasomotor symptoms at a dedicated menopause clinic may increase adherence to endocrine therapy for breast cancer.
Publisher: Elsevier
Keywords: Humans; Female; *Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy/pathology; Middle Aged; *Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/therapeutic use; *Hot Flashes/drug therapy; *Menopause; Medication Adherence/statistics & numerical data; Aged; Adult; Follow-Up Studies; Endocrine adherence; Hot flushes; Menopause clinic; Side effects; Survivorship
Department(s): Surgical Oncology
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clbc.2024.08.017
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2024-12-17 06:25:44

Last Modified: 2024-12-17 06:25:56