The influence of endocrine treatments for breast cancer on health-related quality of life

Association of cardiovascular disease with health-related quality of life among older women with early-stage breast cancer undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy

INTRODUCTION

Due to the improved overall survival and life expectancy of older women with breast cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) arose as the primary cause of non-cancer-related deaths in this population. Therefore, assessing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of breast cancer patients with comorbid CVD is becoming increasingly vital. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between comorbid CVD and HRQoL among older women with early-stage breast cancer who are receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) in the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the 2006-2017 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey data. We identified female patients over the age of 65 who were diagnosed with stage I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and treated with AET. HRQoL was assessed by the physical and mental component summary (PCS & MCS) in the health survey. CVD was defined as a history of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), angina, stroke, or other heart-related conditions. We performed multivariate linear regression models while controlling for covariates.

RESULTS

Among 3,904 older women, a history of CHF [β = -1.97, p = 0.025], stroke [β = -3.00, p < 0.010], or other heart-related condition [β = -1.10, p = 0.046] was significantly associated with lower PCS. However, no significant differences in PCS scores were found between women with a history of AMI or angina and those without these conditions. Having a history of CHF [β = -1.72, p = 0.033] or stroke [β = -1.48, p = 0.038] was significantly associated with lower MCS, whereas a history of angina, AMI, or other heart conditions was not associated with significant differences in MCS. Our study did not observe any significant differences in PCS and MCS between the two types AETs.

DISCUSSION

The study found that older women with early-stage breast cancer who were being treated with AETs had a lower HRQoL if they had a history of CHF or stroke. These comorbidities were identified as strong predictors for decreased HRQoL. The findings highlight the significance of managing cardiovascular diseases in such patients for better HRQoL while they receive AET treatment.

Side Effects and Its Management in Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Matter of Communication and Counseling

Objective

Women with a newly diagnosed hormone receptor-positive breast cancer are offered adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET). Although the treatment reduces the risk of relapse and death not all women are adherent to it. Many factors, including the therapy's menopausal side effects, can adversely affect adherence to the treatment. This study explores the extent to which women treated with AET perceived that health care providers addressed their side effects.

Methods

Ten focus groups were set up, containing between four to nine women. In total, 58 women participated in the study-45 from the Stockholm metropolitan region and 13 from the scarcely populated Norrbotten region. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach.

Results

The women were usually satisfied with the care they received from the health care providers. However, their experiences were more complex when it came to their satisfaction with the care in terms of the menopausal side effects of therapy, sexuality in particular. The participants reported that their healthcare providers rarely asked about sex life-related side effects of the treatment.

Conclusions

Health care providers need to communicate and consult about issues related to their patients' sex lives following their breast cancer diagnosis and during their treatment.

Benefits of Homeopathic Complementary Treatment in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on the French Nationwide Healthcare Database

BACKGROUND

Complementary therapy in oncology aims to help patients better cope with the illness and side effects (SEs) of cancer treatments that affect their quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to assess the benefits of homeopathic treatment on the health-related QOL (HRQOL) of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer (BC) prescribed in postsurgical complementary therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An extraction from the French nationwide healthcare database targeted all patients who underwent mastectomy for newly diagnosed BC between 2012 and 2013. HRQOL was proxied by the quantity of medication used to palliate the SEs of cancer treatments.

RESULTS

A total of 98,009 patients were included (mean age: 61 ± 13 years). Homeopathy was used in 11%, 26%, and 22% of patients respectively during the 7 to 12 months before surgery, the 6 months before, and 6 months after. Thereafter, the use remained stable at 15% for 4 years. Six months after surgery, there was a significant overall decrease (RR = 0.88, confidence interval (CI)₉₅ = 0.87-0.89) in the dispensing of medication associated with SEs in patients treated with ≥ 3 dispensing of homeopathy compared to none. The decrease appeared to be greater for immunostimulants (RR = 0.79, (CI)₉₅ = 0.74-0.84), corticosteroids (RR = 0.82, (CI)₉₅ = 0.79-0.85), and antidiarrheals (RR = 0.83, (CI)₉₅ = 0.77-0.88).

CONCLUSION

The study showed an increasing use of homeopathy in patients with BC following diagnosis. This use was maintained after surgery and seemed to play a role in helping patients to better tolerate the SEs of cancer treatments.

Impact of anticancer therapy on the quality of life of Sudanese patients with breast cancer at Khartoum oncology hospital

Background

Chemotherapy-related toxicity affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients with cancer. Measuring the QOL in breast cancer (BC) patients has been the focus of clinical practices and research in recent decades. This study aimed to assess the impact of BC medications on QOL of Sudanese patients with BC.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Khartoum Oncology Hospital, Sudan, from November 2020 to March 2021. All patients diagnosed with BC were included in the study. QOL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C-30) and breast cancer supplementary module (QLQ-BR23). ANOVA, independent t-test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between variables.

Results

Two hundred patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 50 ± 11.7 years. 52.5% of the patients were on a conventional therapy whereas 40.5% and 7% received hormonal and HER2-targeted therapies, respectively. In QLQ-C30 scale, the global health-QOL status score was (53.2 ± 1.9), with 54.0% of patients having poor global health-QOL status. In the functional scale, the cognitive functioning was the highest score (80.7 ± 1.8). In QLQ-C30 symptom scale, the most distressing issue was financial difficulties (63.7 ± 2.9). In QLQ-BR23 scale, body image scored the worse functioning (47.7 ± 2.7), with 54.5% of patients having poor QOL. In QLQ-BR23 symptoms scale, “being upset by hair loss” was the highest disturbing symptom (62.1 ± 3.3), with 68.6% of patients having poor QOL. Global health status (P = 0.000), social (P = 0.000), emotional (P = 0.002) and role functioning (P = 0.000) were significantly higher in patients taking HER2-targeted or hormonal therapy compared to conventional therapy. The level of symptomatology was significantly low in patients taking HER2-targeted therapy or hormonal therapy (P = 0.000) than those on conventional therapy. Hormonal (OR = 3.7, p = 0.01) and HER2-targeted therapies (OR = 10.2, p = 0.04 ) were positive predictors of QOL.

Conclusion

BC survivors in Sudan had a low QOL/global health status. Hormonal and HER2-targeted therapies were predictors of good QOL.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-02041-0.

Sleep disturbances and restless legs syndrome in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer given adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy

INTRODUCTION

Whether adjuvant therapy with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) causes sleep disturbances or not in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer (EBC) is still a controversial issue.

METHODS

Between March 2014 and November 2017, validated questionnaires for assessing insomnia, anxiety, depression, quality of life (QoL) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) were administered to 160 EBC patients at baseline and after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of AI therapy.

RESULTS

AI therapy significantly decreased the patients' QoL, but did not influence insomnia, anxiety or depression. However, it significantly increased the frequency and severity of RLS. Patients with RLS at baseline (19%) or who developed RLS during AI therapy (26.3%) reported statistically lower quality of sleep, higher anxiety and depression, and worse QoL compared to patients who never reported RLS (54.7%).

CONCLUSION

Although AI therapy does not affect sleep quality, it may increase RLS frequency. The presence of RLS could identify a group of EBC patients who may benefit from psychological support.

One-year recovery from breast cancer: Importance of tumor and treatment-related factors, resilience, and sociodemographic factors for health-related quality of life

Aim

This study investigated the changes in health-related quality of life from diagnosis to 1 year after diagnosis in breast cancer (BC) patients and the influence of clinical, psychological, and sociodemographic variables. An additional aim was to explore the mediating and moderating effects of resilience on changes in health-related quality of life.

Methods

A longitudinal population-based study was conducted in southern Sweden. Newly diagnosed BC patients filled in measures of health-related quality of life, resilience, and sociodemographic variables at diagnosis (N = 980) and 1 year post-diagnosis (N = 780). Clinical variables were extracted from the Swedish national breast cancer quality registry. Mixed-model analyses were performed.

Results

Most health-related quality of life outcomes declined from diagnosis to 1 year post-diagnosis. Role limitations due to emotional problems remained the same, whereas mental health improved. Lower health-related quality of life outcomes were associated with symptomatic detection and axillary dissection. Patients with a higher TNM stage and histologic grade and estrogen receptor (ER)-negative and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-positive status, who received chemotherapy, antibody therapy, or bisphosphonate therapy, had a steeper decline in outcomes. Changes in resilience were positively associated with all outcomes but did not mediate or moderate changes in any. Resilience at baseline moderated changes in bodily pain, vitality, and mental health, with higher baseline resilience being associated with a steeper decline, possibly due to floor or ceiling effects. Patients with lower socioeconomic status, educational level, and older age had a lower health-related quality of life.

Conclusion

Physical health-related quality of life among breast cancer patients declined 1 year post-diagnosis, whereas mental health-related quality of life improved. Low resilient patients may be especially vulnerable at diagnosis. Biopsychosocial assessment at diagnosis can help identify patients who may require additional support. A multidimensional treatment plan should be started early to help overcome the problems in everyday activities.

Identification of icaritin derivative IC2 as an SCD-1 inhibitor with anti-breast cancer properties through induction of cell apoptosis

Background

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women, yet effective targets and related candidate compounds for breast cancer treatment are still lacking. The lipogenic enzyme, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), has been considered a potential target for breast cancer treatment. Icaritin (ICT), a prenylflavonoid derivative from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Epimedii Herba, has been reported to exert anticancer effects in various types of cancer. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effect of the new ICT derivative, IC2, targeting SCD1 on breast cancer cells and to explore the specific mechanism.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative evaluation were performed to detect the expression level of SCD1 in normal and tumor samples. Computer-aided drug design (CADD) technology was used to target SCD1 by molecular docking simulation, and several new ICT derivatives were prepared by conventional chemical synthesis. Cell viability was evaluated by an MTT assay and dead cell staining. SCD1 expression in cancer cells was determined by Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses. The enzymatic activity of SCD1 was evaluated by detecting the conversion rate of [d31] palmitic acid (PA) using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). DAPI staining, flow cytometry and Western blot were used to detect cell apoptosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were used to determine cell mitochondrial function. Lentiviral transduction was utilized to generate SCD1-overexpressing cell lines.

Results

We found that SCD1 was overexpressed and correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Among a series of ICT derivatives, in vitro data showed that IC2 potentially inhibited the viability of breast cancer cells, and the mechanistic study revealed that IC2 treatment resulted in ROS activation and cellular apoptosis. We demonstrated that IC2 inhibited SCD1 activity and expression in breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SCD1 overexpression alleviated IC2-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

Conclusions

The new ICT derivative, IC2, was developed to induce breast cancer cell apoptosis by inhibiting SCD1, which provides a basis for the development of IC2 as a potential clinical compound for breast cancer treatment.

Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer on Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate whether postmenopausal women with breast cancer (BC) on adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy have a higher prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Second, the aim was to determine the quality of life (QoL) and level of anxiety depending on whether or not they are AI users.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study involving 168 patients was performed. Three questionnaires were carried out: sexual functioning was evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), while the EORTC QLQ-BR23 measures to study QoL in patients with BC and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire (trait and status) were used to assess anxiety status in patients under treatment with AIs or not.

Results

47.6% (80/168) of the postmenopausal BC survivors were not sexually active (mean time after surgery: 48.6 months) despite a relatively low mean age (56.43 years). Postmenopausal AI-treated women had significantly worse sexual function as measured by the FSFI (23.40 ± 5.26 vs. 30.16 ± 2.24; p = 0.000). There were significant differences between both groups in all domains, except orgasm. The QoL score was 37.67 ± 7.38 in AI users versus 39.00 ± 1.44 among nonusers (p = 0.053). Patients under endocrine treatment also presented STAI scores significantly higher (25.83 ± 4.99 vs. 19.00 ± 7.12; p = 0.000). Trait anxiety was high in both groups, but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

We observed a high prevalence of sexual inactivity among BC survivors regardless of AI use. Patients with AI use presented significantly higher prevalence of FSD, worse QoL, and greater anxiety.

The Long-Term Effects of Cancer Treatment on Sexuality and Couple Relationships

Breast cancer and its pharmacological treatment often induce an impairment in women's sexual functioning and couple relationships, as a consequence of physiological changes and psychosocial issues that may arise and persist long after treatment. This study aims to evaluate the sexual functioning, the quality of the couple relationship, and the overall health status of breast cancer survivors. A further objective is to determine the predictive role of specific clinical and sociodemographic variables for sexual functioning and the couple relationship. Sixty-four breast cancer survivors completed the following questionnaires: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), the Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12), and a self-report questionnaire to collect sociodemographic characteristics. Clinical information was retrieved from medical records. Compared to normative data, our sample reported significantly (p < .01) lower mean scores in the FSFI, DAS, and Physical Component (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the SF-12. Multiple regression analyses show a significant effect of age, hormonal therapy, and psychological well-being on sexual functioning and a significant effect of physical and mental well-being on the quality of the couple relationship. Additionally, 75% of patients qualified for sexual dysfunction as measured by the FSFI global scale, and 71.9% declared they were not adequately informed about the side effects of treatments on sexuality. The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors underlines the need for specific attention to this problem, starting from a complete and targeted communication between patients and health providers regarding these side effects.

Health-related quality of life in breast cancer patients: review of reviews from 2008 to 2018

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer still is a topic. This overview of the literature aimed to update the current knowledge on quality of life in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

A review of literature in MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Google Scholar were carried out to identify review papers on health-related quality of life in breast cancer during the 2008 to 2018. All publications were screened using the PRISMA guideline. The methodological quality of reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR. The findings were summarized and tabulated accordingly.

RESULTS

Within over a decade, a total of 974 review papers were identified which according to the study selection criteria finally we have evaluated 82 reviews. Of these about 85% had a reasonable methodological quality. The findings were mainly summarized on several headings including instruments used to measure quality of life, treatment, supportive care, psychological distress, and symptoms. Questionnaires had a good performance to quantify quality of life in breast cancer patients. Most reviews were focused on the impact of treatment including endocrine therapy as well as integrating complementary and alternative medicine into the current practice. According to the reviews, yoga was the most recommended exercise to improve quality of life in breast cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings from this overview indicated that quality of life in breast cancer patients enhanced during the last decade. Several simple but effective interventions such as physical activity and psychosocial interventions proved to be effective in improving quality of life in this population. However, management of symptoms such as pain, and lymphedema, issues related to worry, sexual function especially for young patients, and the future outlooks all are among topics that deserve further consideration. Also, this overview indicated that methodological issues in measuring quality of life in breast cancer patients improved greatly, but still there is a long way to go to understand what really matter to patients.

Symptoms in long-term breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study in primary care

Purpose

Various long-term symptoms can manifest after breast cancer treatment, but we wanted to clarify whether these are more frequent among long-term breast cancer survivors than matched controls and if they are associated with certain diagnoses.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, population-based study of 350 breast cancer survivors treated with chemo- and/or radiotherapy ≥5 years (median 10) after diagnosis and 350 women without cancer matched by age and primary care physician. All women completed a questionnaire enquiring about symptoms, underwent echocardiography to assess the left ventricle ejection fraction, and completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Cardiovascular diseases were diagnosed from primary care records. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, symptoms were adjusted for the long-term effects and compared between cohorts and within the survivor group.

Results

Concentration difficulties, forgetfulness, dizziness, and nocturia were more frequent among breast cancer survivors compared with controls, but differences could not be explained by cardiac dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, depression, or anxiety. Intermittent claudication and appetite loss were more frequent among breast cancer survivors than controls and associated with cardiac dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. Breast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy with/without radiotherapy were at significantly higher odds of forgetfulness and nocturia, but significantly lower odds of dizziness, compared with breast cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy alone.

Conclusions

Intermittent claudication and appetite loss are common among breast cancer survivors and are associated with cardiac dysfunction and mood disorders. Other symptoms varied by whether the patient underwent chemotherapy with/without radiotherapy (forgetfulness and nocturia) radiotherapy alone (dizziness).

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Even 10 years after diagnosis, breast cancer survivors experience various long-term symptoms.

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Some symptoms are more common among breast cancer survivors than among controls without cancer.

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Not all symptoms are associated with known cardiovascular or psychological diagnoses.

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A symptom-specific approach may be appropriate.

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This study does not evaluate a causal relation.

Self-reported Improvement in Side Effects and Quality of Life With Integrative Medicine in Breast Cancer Patients

Purpose. Although the demand from patients for integrative medicine is increasing, complementary medicine services are still quite heterogeneous and have not been incorporated into clinical routine. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate improvements in side effects and quality of life associated with a hospital-based integrative medicine program in the modern breast cancer patient care setting. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, integrative health counseling and treatment were evaluated in women with breast cancer. Over a 15-month period, data for 75 patients from an integrative medicine consultancy service with standardized operating procedures were collected at the University Breast Center for Franconia. At baseline, the patients answered a questionnaire on their medical history, symptoms, and the treatment goals they were hoping to achieve with integrative medicine. In the follow-up, patient-reported outcomes related to side effects of conventional cancer treatment and patients’ quality of life were analyzed. Results. Among 60 patients with the therapy goal of reducing the side effects of conventional treatment, 46 (76.7%) were successful. Among 57 patients hoping to improve disease-related quality of life, 46 (82%) reported success. Whereas patients with metastatic disease achieved a reduction in the side effects of conventional therapy, quality-of-life improvements were predominantly achieved by patients with a good treatment prognosis. Conclusions. Breast cancer patients benefit from the counseling and treatment provided with integrative medicine in all phases of tumor disease. Integrative treatment services should be included as part of patient care in clinical routine work to offer patients the maximum quality of care and safety with complementary therapies.

Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of Endocrine Monotherapy and in Combination with Targeted Therapy on Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women with HR+/HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer

INTRODUCTION

A major treatment goal for advanced breast cancer (ABC) is to maintain or ideally improve patient quality of life (QoL). Given the changing disease landscape, this systematic literature review (SLR) aims to assess the impact of endocrine therapies (ET), including ET monotherapy (ET mono) and ET combined with targeted therapy (ET + TT), on QoL of women with HR+/HER2- ABC.

METHODS

A SLR was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the following criteria: (1) included ET mono or ET + TT, (2) reported QoL outcomes, (3) focused on women with HR+/HER2- ABC, and (4) published after 2007 (when standardized HER2 testing became available). The databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and key conference proceedings from 2013 to 2016. QoL outcomes for ET mono, ET + TT, and comparisons between the two were summarized from the identified trials.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies (representing 6 RCTs) were identified. The study populations included first-line (5 studies) and ET-failure settings (6 studies). Across settings, global health status (GHS) maintained or deteriorated slightly on these treatments during the trial period. Time to deterioration (TTD) in QoL measured by GHS was analyzed in 6 studies and 4 RCTs. In the first-line setting, reported median TTD in GHS was similar between ET mono and ET + TT (7.2-13.8 months in ET mono; 11.1 months in ET + TT). In the ET-failure setting, ET + TT showed significantly longer TTD vs. ET mono in GHS (median 5.6-8.4 months in ET mono and 8.3-11.7 months in ET + TT) and some additional domains.

CONCLUSIONS

ET + TT users experienced similar QoL in the first-line and ET-failure setting relative to patients on ET mono. Moreover, ET + TT users experienced better QoL outcomes in some domains in the ET-failure setting relative to ET mono users.

FUNDING

Novartis.

Investigating Associations Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Endocrine Therapy Underuse in Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

Endocrine therapy (ET) underuse puts women at increased risk for breast cancer (BC) recurrence. Our objective was to determine if health-related quality of life (HRQOL) subgroups were associated with underuse.

METHODS

Data came from the third phase of the Carolina Breast Cancer Study. We included 1,599 women with hormone receptor-positive BC age 20 to 74 years. HRQOL was measured, on average, 5 months postdiagnosis. Subgroups were derived using latent profile (LP) analysis. Underuse was defined as not initiating or adhering to ET by 36 months postdiagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) between HRQOL LPs and underuse. The best HRQOL LP was the reference. Chemotherapy- and race-stratified models were estimated, separately.

RESULTS

Initiation analyses included 953 women who had not begun ET by their 5-month survey. Of these, 154 never initiated ET. Adherence analyses included 1,114 ET initiators, of whom 211 were nonadherent. HRQOL was not significantly associated with noninitiation, except among nonchemotherapy users, with membership in the poorest LP associated with increased odds of noninitiation (adjusted OR, 5.5; 95% CI, 1.7 to 17.4). Membership in the poorest LPs was associated with nonadherence (LP1: adjusted OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2 to 4.0 and LP2: adjusted OR,1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.6). Membership in the poorest LP was associated with nonadherence among nonchemotherapy users (adjusted OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.1).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest women with poor HRQOL during active treatment may be at increased risk for ET underuse. Focusing on HRQOL, a modifiable factor, may improve targeting of future interventions early in the BC continuum to improve ET initiation and adherence and prevent BC recurrence.

Examining health-related quality of life patterns in women with breast cancer

PURPOSE

We aimed to identify subgroups of women with breast cancer who experience different health-related quality of life (HRQOL) patterns during active treatment and survivorship and determine characteristics associated with subgroup membership.

METHODS

We used data from the third phase of the population-based Carolina Breast Cancer Study and included 2142 women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2008 to 2013. HRQOL was measured, on average, 5 and 25 months post diagnosis. Latent profile analysis was used to identify HRQOL latent profiles (LPs) at each time point. Latent transition analysis was used to determine probabilities of women transitioning profiles from 5 to 25 months. Multinomial logit models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals for associations between patient characteristics and LP membership at each time point.

RESULTS

We identified four HRQOL LPs at 5 and 25 months. LP1 had the poorest HRQOL and LP4 the best. Membership in the poorest profile at 5 months was associated with younger age aOR 0.95; 0.93-0.96, White race aOR 1.48; 1.25-1.65, being unmarried aOR 1.50; 1.28-1.65 and having public aOR 3.09; 1.96-4.83 or no insurance aOR 6.51; 2.12-20.10. At 25 months, Black race aOR 1.75; 1.18-1.82 was associated with the poorest profile membership. Black race and smoking were predictors of deteriorating to a worse profile from 5 to 25 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest patient-level characteristics including age at diagnosis and race may identify women at risk for experiencing poor HRQOL patterns. If women are identified and offered targeted HRQOL support, we may see improvements in long-term HRQOL and better breast cancer outcomes.

Decision Support for a Woman Considering Continuing Extended Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Case Study

This case study evaluated decision coaching with a breast cancer survivor considering continuing extended endocrine therapy from eight years to 10 years. The survivor, aged 58 years and who completed surgery and chemotherapy eight years ago, was concerned about side effects of endocrine therapy. Decision coaching based on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework involved an oncology nurse using the Ottawa Personal Decision Guide. Compared to baseline (2 out of 4), decisional comfort improved (3 out of 4) post decision coaching. The survivor felt more certain, but wanted further advice from her oncologist. She was leaning toward discontinuing endocrine therapy given she valued quality of life over a small risk of recurrence. Audio-recording analysis using the Decision Support Analysis Tool revealed high decision coaching quality (10/10). Breast cancer survivors facing preference-sensitive decisions about extended endocrine therapy could be supported with decision coaching by oncology nurses to ensure informed values-based decisions.

Interest in Integrative Medicine Among Postmenopausal Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Patients in the EvAluate-TM Study

Background. Breast cancer patients often use complementary and alternative medicine, but few prospectively collected data on the topic are available specifically for postmenopausal breast cancer patients. A large prospective study was therefore conducted within a noninterventional study in order to identify the characteristics of patients interested in integrative medicine. Methods. The EvAluate-TM study is a prospective, multicenter noninterventional study in which treatment with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole was evaluated in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive primary breast cancer. Between 2008 and 2009, 5045 postmenopausal patients were enrolled at 339 certified breast centers in Germany. As part of the data collection process, patients were asked at the baseline about their interest in and information needs relating to integrative medicine. Results. Of the 5045 patients recruited, 3411 responded to the questionnaire on integrative medicine and took part in the analysis, 1583 patients expressed an interest in integrative medicine, and 1828 patients declared no interest. Relevant predictors of interest in integrative medicine were age, body mass index, tumor size, previous chemotherapy, and use of concomitant medications for other medical conditions. Interest in integrative medicine declined highly significantly (P < .001) with age (<50 years, 74.1%; 50-60 years, 54.1%; >65 years, 38.0%). Patients in favor of integrative medicine were significantly less satisfied with the information received about individual treatments and antihormonal therapy. Patients with interest in integrative medicine were more often interested in rehabilitation and fitness, nutritional counseling, and additional support from self-help organizations. These women were mostly interested in receiving information about their disease and integrative medicine from a physician, rather than from other sources. Conclusions. This study shows that a considerable proportion of postmenopausal breast cancer patients are interested in integrative medicine. Information about integrative medicine should therefore be provided as part of patient care for this group. It was found that receiving concomitant medication for other medical conditions is one of the main predictors for women not being interested in integrative medicine. This group of patients may need special attention and individualized information about integrative medicine. Additionally, most patients were interested in obtaining the relevant information from their doctor.

Treatment challenges for community oncologists treating postmenopausal women with endocrine-resistant, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer

Community-based oncologists are faced with challenges and opportunities when delivering quality patient care, including high patient volumes and diminished resources; however, there may be the potential to deliver increased patient education and subsequently improve outcomes. This review discusses the treatment of postmenopausal women with endocrine-resistant, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2- negative advanced breast cancer in order to illustrate considerations in the provision of pertinent quality education in the treatment of these patients and the management of therapy-related adverse events. An overview of endocrine-resistant breast cancer and subsequent treatment challenges is also provided. Approved treatment options for endocrine-resistant breast cancer include hormonal therapies and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors. Compounds under clinical investigation are also discussed.

Health-related quality of life of postmenopausal Chinese women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer during treatment with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors: a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study

Background

Estimating quality of life (QoL) in patients with breast cancer is of importance in assessing treatment outcomes. Adjuvant endocrine therapy is widely used for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) early-stage breast cancer (EBC), and evidence suggests that aromatase inhibitors (AIs) may improve QoL for these patients. This study evaluated QoL in postmenopausal Chinese patients with HR+ EBC taking AIs.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, and observational study that had no intent to intervene in the current treatment of recruited patients. Eligible patients were recruited within 7 days of beginning adjuvant treatment with AIs. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) scale was used to evaluate the patients’ QoL. Data were collected at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results

From June 2010 to October 2013, a total of 494 patients with HR+ EBC were recruited from 21 centers. There was a 7.51-point increase in the patients’ mean FACT-B trial outcome index (TOI), from 90.69 at baseline to 98.72 at 24 months (P < .0001). The mean TOI scores at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months were 90.69, 94.36, 97.71, and 96.75, respectively (P < .0001, for all). The mean (FACT-B) emotional well-being subscale scores at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were 16.32, 16.55, 17.34 (P < .0001), 17.47 (P < .0001), and 17.85 (P < .0001), respectively, and social well-being scores were 18.61, 19.14 (P < .04), 19.35 (P < .008), 18.32, and 18.40, respectively. In the mixed model, baseline TOI, clinical visits, prior chemotherapies, age group, and axillary lymph-node dissection presented statistically significant effects on the change of FACT-B TOI and FACT-B SWB, whereas only baseline TOI, clinical visits, and prior chemotherapies presented statistically significant effects on the change of FACT-B EWB. FACT-B TOI, being the most pertinent and precise indicator of patient-reported QoL, demonstrated significant changes reflecting clinical benefit of adjuvant AIs endocrine therapy in the QoL of HR + EBC patients.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated significant improvements in the long-term QoL of postmenopausal Chinese patients with HR+ EBC at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after starting treatment with AIs. The current study indicates improved long-term QoL with AI adjuvant treatment, which will aid clinicians in optimizing treatment to yield effective healthcare outcomes.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01144572

Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for sexual dysfunctions in women treated for breast cancer: design of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial

Background

Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent, long-term complication of breast cancer and its treatment and can be treated effectively with face-to-face sexual counselling. However, relatively few women actually opt for face-to-face sex therapy, with many women indicating that it is too confronting. Internet-based interventions might be a less threatening and more acceptable approach, because of the convenience, accessibility and privacy it provides. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of internet-based programs for improving sexual functioning in the general population. The objective of the current study is to investigate the efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program in alleviating problems with sexuality and intimacy in women who have been treated for breast cancer.

Methods/design

In a multicenter, randomized controlled trial we are evaluating the efficacy of an internet-based CBT program in reducing problems with sexuality and intimacy in breast cancer survivors. Secondary outcomes include body image, marital functioning, psychological distress, menopausal symptoms, and health-related quality of life. We will recruit 160 breast cancer survivors (aged 18-65 years) with a formal DSM-IV diagnosis of sexual dysfunction from general and academic hospitals in the Netherlands. Women are randomized to either an intervention or waiting-list control group. Self-report questionnaires are completed by the intervention group at baseline (T0), ten weeks after start of therapy (T1), post-treatment (T2), 3 months post-treatment (T3), and 9 months post-treatment (T4). The control group completes questionnaires at T0, T1 and T2.

Discussion

There is a need for accessible and effective interventions for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions in breast cancer survivors. This study will provide evidence about the efficacy of an internet-based approach to delivering a CBT intervention targeted specifically at these sexual health issues. If proven to be effective, internet-based CBT for problems with sexuality and intimacy will be a welcome addition to the care offered to breast cancer survivors. Hopefully this therapy will lower the barrier to seeking help for these problems, resulting in improved quality of life after breast cancer.

Trial registration

The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02091765).

Cancer treatments and their side effects are associated with aggravation of insomnia: Results of a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Insomnia affects between 30% to 60% of patients with cancer but to the authors' knowledge little is known regarding factors associated with its development. It has been postulated that adjuvant cancer treatments and their side effects could trigger sleep disturbances in this population but empirical evidence is lacking. The goal of the current study was to assess, separately in patients with breast and prostate cancer, the effect of adjuvant treatments on the evolution of insomnia symptoms and the mediating role of somatic symptoms.

METHODS

As part of a population-based epidemiological study, patients with breast cancer (465 patients) and prostate cancer (263 patients) completed at baseline (perioperative period) and 2 months, 6 months, 10 months, 14 months, and 18 months later the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and a questionnaire assessing various somatic symptoms.

RESULTS

In patients with breast cancer, radiotherapy (overall effect) and chemotherapy (at 2 months), but not hormone therapy, were associated with increased insomnia severity, whereas androgen deprivation therapy was related to increased insomnia in patients with prostate cancer. In patients with breast cancer, the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on insomnia was found to be significantly mediated by a variety of somatic symptoms, whereas night sweats had a particularly marked mediating role for hormone therapy, both in patients with breast and prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the current study indicate that cancer treatments and their side effects contribute to the aggravation of insomnia symptoms. Side effects of cancer treatments should be monitored more closely and managed as effectively as possible to prevent the occurrence or aggravation of insomnia.

Management of patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer with visceral disease: challenges and treatment options

Endocrine therapy is an important treatment option for women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) advanced breast cancer (ABC), yet many tumors are either intrinsically resistant or develop resistance to these therapies. Treatment of patients with ABC presenting with visceral metastases, which is associated with a poor prognosis, is also problematic. There is an unmet need for effective treatments for this patient population. Although chemotherapy is commonly perceived to be more effective than endocrine therapy in managing visceral metastases, patients who are not in visceral crisis might benefit from endocrine therapy, avoiding chemotherapy-associated toxicities that might affect quality of life. To improve outcomes, several targeted therapies are being investigated in combination with endocrine therapy for patients with endocrine-resistant, HR+ ABC. Although available data have considered patients with HR+ ABC as a whole, there are promising data from a prespecified analysis of a Phase III study of everolimus (Afinitor(®)), a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, in combination with exemestane (Aromasin(®)) in patients with visceral disease progressing after nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor therapy. In this review, challenges and treatment options for management of HR+ ABC with visceral disease, including consideration of therapeutic approaches undergoing clinical investigation, will be assessed.

Symptoms: Menopause, Infertility, and Sexual Health

By 2022, the number of survivors is expected to grow to nearly 18 million. Therefore, addressing acute and chronic negative sequelae of a cancer diagnosis and its treatments becomes a health imperative. For women with a history of breast cancer, one of the common goals of treatment and prevention of recurrence is to reduce circulating concentrations of estradiol, especially in women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Hormone deprivation after a diagnosis of breast cancer impacts physiological targets other than in the breast tissue and can result in unwanted side effects, all of which can negatively impact quality of life and function and cause distress. Symptoms that are most strongly linked by evidence to hormone changes after cancer diagnosis and treatment include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep changes, fatigue, mood changes, and diminishing sexual function, including vaginal atrophy (decreased arousal, dryness and dyspareunia), infertility, decreased desire and negative self-image. Weight gain and resulting body image changes are often concomitants of the abrupt onset of treatment-induced menopause. The purpose of this chapter is to briefly review what is known about the advent of premature menopause in women treated for breast cancer, menopausal symptoms that are exacerbated by endocrine treatments for breast cancer, and the associated concerns of hot flashes and related menopausal symptoms, sexual health and fertility issues. We will discuss limitations in the current research and propose strategies that address current limitations in order to move the science forward.

Considerations for payers in managing hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cause of death in women. In 2010, the direct cost associated with BC care in the US was $16.5 billion, the highest among all cancers. By the year 2020, at the current rates of incidence and survival, the cost is projected to increase to approximately $20 billion. Although endocrine therapies to manage hormone receptor-positive (HR+) BC are highly effective, endocrine resistance results in disease progression. Increased understanding of endocrine resistance and the mechanisms of disease progression has led to development and subsequent approval of novel targeted treatments, resulting in the expansion of the therapeutic armamentarium to combat HR+ BC. Clear guidelines based on the safety and efficacy of treatment options exist; however, the optimal sequence of therapy is unknown, and providers, payers, and other key players in the health care system are tasked with identifying cost-effective and evidence-based treatment strategies that will improve patient outcomes and, in time, help curb the staggering increase in cost associated with BC care. Safety and efficacy are key considerations, but there is also a need to consider the impact of a given therapy on patient quality of life, treatment adherence, and productivity. To minimize cost associated with overall management, cost-effectiveness, and financial burden that the therapy can impose on patients, caregivers and managed care plans are also important considerations. To help evaluate and identify the optimal choice of therapy for patients with HR+ advanced BC, the available data on endocrine therapies and novel agents are discussed, specifically with respect to the safety, efficacy, financial impact on patients and the managed care plan, impact on quality of life and productivity of patients, and improvement in patient medication adherence.

Quality of life and most prevalent unmet needs of Chinese breast cancer survivors at one year after cancer treatment

PURPOSE

This study aims to examine the supportive care needs of Chinese breast cancer survivors, and investigate the relationships with participant characteristics and quality of life.

METHODS

A total of 163 participants were recruited from a local public hospital and completed a self-administered questionnaire: the 34-item Supportive Care Needs Survey, the supplementary module of access to healthcare and ancillary support services, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy.

RESULTS

The five most commonly reported unmet needs were all in the health system information domain (range: 55-63%), and the majority (84%) reported at least one unmet need in relation to information on healthcare. Stepwise multivariable regression analyses revealed that the time spent on travelling from home to hospital, receiving hormonal therapy, and physical and psychological unmet needs were independently associated with poorer quality of life among the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast cancer survivors perceive various unmet needs, and health system information is the most common one. Those who have more unmet needs in the physical and psychological domains were more likely to perceive a poorer quality of life.

Assessment of Preference for Hormonal Treatment-Related Health States among Patients with Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVES

1) To obtain preference scores from patients with breast cancer in Singapore for different stages of breast cancer and hormonal therapy-related adverse effects, and 2) to determine the association of patients' demographic and clinical characteristics with those preference scores.

METHODS

A total of 22 health states were used to elicit preference values from 64 patients with breast cancer. At each interview, 14 health states were randomly selected and rated by the patient using the visual analogue scale and standard gamble methods to derive health state preference scores, which were recalibrated to the scale of 0 (death) and 1 (perfect health).

RESULTS

Mean adjusted visual analogue scale scores ranged from 0.25 (no recurrence with ischemic cerebrovascular events) to 0.82 (no recurrence with no adverse effects). Mean adjusted standard gamble scores ranged from 0.31 (distant recurrence with chemotherapy-related adverse effects) to 0.80 (no recurrence with no adverse effects). Adverse effects ischemic cerebrovascular events and spine fracture resulted in the greatest decline in health state preference scores. Age, ethnicity, education level, and prior chemotherapy were associated with preference scores. Having children was not found to be associated with the preference scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Taking into account disease progression and hormonal therapy-related adverse effects as well as their impact on health-related quality of life, this study quantifies patients' preference for various breast cancer-related health states. The findings offer valuable information for future cost-utility analysis of breast cancer treatments.

Health-related quality of life and psychological distress during neoadjuvant endocrine therapy with letrozole to determine endocrine responsiveness in postmenopausal breast cancer

Trials of adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer have shown that aromatase inhibitors have little impact on global health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but have significant effects on patient-reported endocrine symptoms (ESs). There are few studies of HRQoL and psychological distress during preoperative endocrine therapy performed to determine endocrine responsiveness. The NEOS trial is a multicenter, phase 3 randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The primary aim of the trial was to evaluate the need for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with clinical T1c-T2N0M0, hormone receptor-positive tumors who responded to neoadjuvant letrozole (LET) administered for 24-28 weeks before surgery. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival and the secondary endpoints included adverse events, HRQoL, and cost-effectiveness. In a HRQoL sub-study, subjects were assessed at baseline and 4 and 16 weeks after starting neoadjuvant LET, using the functional assessment of cancer therapy-breast and its ES subscale, and the hospital anxiety and depression scale. HRQoL and psychosocial distress were analyzed in the uncontrolled phase during 24-28 weeks of neoadjuvant LET therapy in the NEOS trial. From May 16, 2008, to December 14, 2011, 503 patients were recruited into the HRQoL sub-study. The full analysis set included 497 patients with a mean age of 63-years old. The questionnaire response rates at enrollment and 4 and 16 weeks were 94.4, 90.7, and 89.1 %, respectively. There were no significant changes in the FACT-G or B-trial outcome index over time, but the social and family well-being score and the ES subscale deteriorated significantly, and the number of patients with clinically significant hot flush increased significantly. Anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being improved significantly after neoadjuvant LET. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy with LET had no impact on global HRQoL, but did influence endocrine-related symptoms such as hot flush. This study is registered as UMIN000001090.

Modulatory effects of l-carnitine on tamoxifen toxicity and oncolytic activity

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of l-carnitine (l-CAR) in tamoxifen (TAM)-induced toxicity and antitumor activity. Adult female rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I was served as control, groups II and III were treated with TAM (10 mg/kg, periorally) and l-CAR (300 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), respectively, while group IV was treated with both compounds. The treatment continued daily for 28 days. Administration of TAM resulted in significant increase in serum lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and bilirubin level. TAM produced a significant increase in lipid peroxides (LPO) level and nonsignificant change in nitrogen oxide (NO( x)) level accompanied with significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of hepatic and uterus tissues and significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) content of uterus tissue. Administration of l-CAR for 1 h prior to TAM treatment decreased serum lipids and liver enzymes significantly and significantly increased SOD activity in liver and uterus tissues compared with TAM-treated group. Furthermore, it restored LPO and GSH levels and increased NO( x) level in uterus tissue. DNA fragmentation and the apoptotic marker, caspase-3, were not detected in the liver of all treated groups. Histopathologically, alterations in the liver and uterus structures after TAM treatment, which was attenuated after l-CAR administration. The antitumor effect and survival of the combined treatment of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice was less than each one alone. l-CAR interestingly increased survival rate of EAC-bearing mice more than TAM-treated group. In conclusion, l-CAR has beneficial effects regarding TAM toxicity; however, it interferes with its antitumor effect.

The impact of endocrine therapy on sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer: encouraging results from a prospective study

The goal of this project was to investigate the contentious issue of a possible effect of endocrine therapy (ET) on sexual dysfunction (SD) in postmenopausal early stage breast cancer survivors. To date, few studies have assessed sexual functioning prior to initiating ET and none have taken sexual distress into account when reporting the prevalence of ET-induced SD. We report the findings of a study on the change in SD (defined as experiencing sexual problems causing distress) during the first 6 months of ET usage. Between January 2009 and May 2011, 118 patients entered the study and 66 completed questionnaires prior to initiation of ET and after 6 months of use. Sexual functioning (SF) was evaluated with the female sexual function index while sexual distress was assessed with the female sexual distress scale (FSDS-R). Gynecological symptoms were measured with the FACT-B ES subscale. Over time, the level of gynecological symptoms increased (p < 0.001), whereas no decline in SF was observed. The percentage of women who reported experiencing at least one sexual problem (85 %) and the percentage who were sexually distressed (30 %) remained the same across time. Importantly, the change in the prevalence of SD between baseline (24 %) and 6 months (29 %) was not statistically significant. Women experiencing SD at baseline were more likely to experience SD after 6 months of ET usage (OR = 7.4, 95 % CI = 1.5-36.9) than women who had no SD prior to initiating ET. The observation that SF remained stable across time is encouraging news. However, longer follow-up and the inclusion of women who were premenopausal at diagnosis are needed to determine the potential influence of extended duration of ET (e.g., at least 5 years) on SD. Further studies, including assessing the impact of early identification of patients at risk of developing SD and timely intervention, are warranted.

Huaier aqueous extract suppresses human breast cancer cell proliferation through inhibition of estrogen receptor α signaling

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) has been reported to play a critical role in promoting the growth of breast tumor cells. In the present study, we explored the effect of Huaier extract on estrogen receptor α signaling in breast cancer cell lines. Our data demonstrated that Huaier extract effectively inhibited the proliferation of the MCF-7, T47D and ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cell lines. For the mechanism analysis, we demonstrated that Huaier extract significantly reduced the mRNA and protein levels of ERα in all three ERα-positive cell lines. The downregulation of ERα protein levels was correlated with activation of the proteasomes. We demonstrated that Huaier extract markedly decreased the expression of both ERα and its downstream genes, inhibited the estrogen-stimulated proliferation and reversed the estrogen-induced activation of the nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathway. Our study provides evidence that Huaier extract is a novel estrogen receptor modulator and is a promising drug for the prevention and treatment of ERα-positive human breast cancers.

Premature menopause

Premature menopause affects 1% of women under the age of 40 years. The women are at risk of premature death, neurological diseases, psychosexual dysfunction, mood disorders, osteoporosis, ischemic heart disease and infertility. There is need to use simplified protocols and improved techniques in oocyte donation to achieve pregnancy and mother a baby in those women at risk. Review of the pertinent literature on premature menopause, selected references, internet services using the PubMed and Medline databases were included in this review. In the past, pregnancy in women with premature menopause was rare but with recent advancement in oocyte donation, women with premature menopause now have hoped to mother a child. Hormone replacement therapy is beneficial to adverse consequences of premature menopause. Women with premature menopause are at risk of premature death, neurological diseases, psychosexual dysfunction, mood disorders, osteoporosis, ischemic heart disease and infertility. Public enlightenment and education is important tool to save those at risk.

Lenalidomide, melphalan, and prednisone, followed by lenalidomide maintenance, improves health-related quality of life in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients aged 65 years or older: results of a randomized phase III trial

The MM-015 trial assessed the effect of lenalidomide-based therapy on health-related quality of life. Patients (n=459) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma aged 65 years or over were randomized 1:1:1 to nine 4-week cycles of lenalidomide, melphalan, and prednisone, followed by lenalidomide maintenance; or lenalidomide, melphalan, and prednisone, or melphalan and prednisone, with no maintenance therapy. Patients completed health-related quality of life questionnaires at baseline, after every third treatment cycle, and at treatment end. Health-related quality of life improved in all treatment groups during induction therapy. Patients receiving lenalidomide maintenance had the most pronounced improvements, Global Health Status/Quality of Life (P<0.05), Physical Functioning (P<0.01), and Side Effects of Treatment (P<0.05) out of 6 pre-selected health-related quality of life domains. More patients receiving lenalidomide maintenance achieved minimal important differences (P<0.05 for Physical Functioning). Therefore, lenalidomide, melphalan, and prednisone, followed by lenalidomide maintenance, improves health-related quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00405756).

Quality of life of Bahraini women with breast cancer: a cross sectional study

Background

Breast cancer can impact survivors in many aspects of their life. Scarce information is currently available on the quality of life of cancer survivors in Bahrain. The objective of this study is to describe the quality of life of Bahraini women with breast cancer and its association with their sociodemographic and clinical data.

Methods

This is a cross sectional study in which the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Cancer Specific version translated into Arabic was administered to a random sample of 337 Bahraini women with breast cancer. Relevant descriptive statistics were computed for all items. The equality of means across the categories of each categorical independent variable was tested using parametric tests (ANOVA and independent t-test) or non-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney tests) of association where appropriate.

Results

Of the total sample, 239 consented to participation. The mean and median age of participants were 50.2 (SD ± 11.1) and 48.0 respectively. Participants had a mean score for global health of 63.9 (95% CI 61.21-66.66). Among functional scales, social functioning scored the highest (Mean 77.5 [95% CI 73.65-81.38]) whereas emotional functioning scored the lowest (63.4 [95% CI 59.12-67.71]). The most distressing symptom on the symptom scales was fatigability (Mean 35.2 [95% CI 31.38-39.18]). Using the disease specific tool it was found that sexual functioning scored the lowest (Mean 25.9 [95% CI 70.23-77.90]). On the symptom scale, upset due to hair loss scored the highest (Mean 46.3 [95% CI 37.82-54.84]). Significant mean differences were noted for many functional and symptom scales.

Conclusion

Bahraini breast cancer survivors reported favorable overall global quality of life. Factors associated with a major reduction in all domains of quality of life included the presence of metastases, having had a mastectomy as opposed to a lumpectomy and a shorter time elapsed since diagnosis. Poorest functioning was noted in the emotional and sexual domains. The most bothersome symptoms were fatigability, upset due to hair loss and arm symptoms. This study identifies the categories of women at risk of poorer quality of life after breast cancer and the issues that most need to be addressed in this Middle East society.

Genomic analysis of the ecdysone steroid signal at metamorphosis onset using ecdysoneless and EcRnullDrosophila melanogaster mutants

Steroid hormone gene regulation is often depicted as a linear transduction of the signal, from molecule release to the gene level, by activation of a receptor protein after being bound by its steroid ligand. Such an action would require that the hormone be present and bound to the receptor in order to have target gene response. Here, we present data that presents a novel perspective of hormone gene regulation, where the hormone molecule and its receptor have exclusive target gene regulation function, in addition to the traditional direct target genes. Our study is the first genome-wide analysis of conditional mutants simultaneously modeling the steroid and steroid receptor gene expression regulation. We have integrated classical genetic mutant experiments with functional genomics techniques in the Drosophila melanogaster model organism, where we interrogate the 20-hydroxyecdysone signaling response at the onset of metamorphosis. Our novel catalog of ecdysone target genes illustrates the separable transcriptional responses among the hormone, the pre-hormone receptor and the post-hormone receptor. We successfully detected traditional ecdysone target genes as common targets and also identified novel sets of target genes which where exclusive to each mutant condition. Around 12 % of the genome responds to the ecdysone hormone signal at the onset of metamorphosis and over half of these are independent of the receptor. In addition, a significant portion of receptor regulated genes are differentially regulated by the receptor, depending on its ligand state. Gene ontology enrichment analyses confirm known ecdysone regulated biological functions and also validate implicated pathways that have been indirectly associated with ecdysone signaling.

Psychotropic medication during endocrine treatment for breast cancer

Purpose

Psychological problems are frequently mentioned in women treated for breast cancer in whom depression is mentioned as the most common disorder. The aim was to study the prescription of psychotropic medication in women with endocrine treatment for breast cancer in women in our prospective and consecutive pharmacy database.

Methods

Women (n = 2,172) with at least one prescription of tamoxifen, fulvestrant, anastrazole, letrozole or exemestane were considered as breast cancer patients treated with endocrine therapy. This group was compared with an age- and family physician-matched group of women without cancer (n = 8,129), and the incidence risk ratio (IRR) and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. In addition, the prevalence of these psychotropic medication prescriptions and the 95% CI were calculated.

Results

There was an increased prescription of psychotropic medication in the female breast cancer patients on endocrine therapy: anxiolytics (IRR 2.07, 95% CI 1.87–2.29), hypnotics and sedatives (IRR 2.59, 95% CI 2.34–2.87) and anti-depressants (IRR 1.46, 95% CI 1.28–1.65). The prevalences of anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives were also increased in this group, indicating an increased use over time of these drugs. The prevalence of anti-depressant prescription was not increased, indicating short-term use only.

Conclusions

This study indicated increased psychological distress due to breast cancer diagnosis and/or treatment in women on endocrine therapy. Anti-depressants were only prescribed for a short time. These data can contribute to an improved awareness of the impact of breast cancer (treatment) and therefore potentially to the optimizing of support for these patients.

The impact of breast cancer on living an everyday life 4.5-5 years post-diagnosis - a qualitative prospective study of 39 women

BACKGROUND

The survival of women with breast cancer has improved. There are many studies available describing different aspects of how the illness and its treatment affect the women. Usually these studies are cross-sectional and focus on assessments of a sample of women at a single point in time during post-treatment. These studies are important but of limited value if we are interested in understanding more about breast cancer in a life context. The present study is a contribution.

METHODS

A consecutive sample of 39 women was followed up by means of repeated thematic interviews about how they lived their lives, from the end of radiation therapy to a point four years later, i.e. 4.5-5 years post diagnosis.

RESULTS

Four different groups of women emerged. Largely, the first group evaluated the cancer initiated transformation of their lives in a positive way. The breast cancer helped them depart from a career treadmill or to positive interpersonal experiences. In the second group the cancer and its treatment seemed to pass without marked traces. The cancer made a difference for the third group, but both in positive and negative ways. A different life perspective or improved relationships were weighted against troublesome side effects from treatment. Finally, in the fourth group a bodily decline due to side effects and other health problems was predominant and this obstructed their chances of living a good life.

DISCUSSION

The narratives showed that being diseased by breast cancer has different impacts depending on how the woman lives her life - it is very much a matter of transition in a life context. The results are furthermore discussed in relation to adaptation and coping theory.

Characteristics of breast cancer patients who experience menopausal transition due to treatment

OBJECTIVE

To identify patient-related and treatment-related factors associated significantly with climacteric symptoms in young patients who experience menopausal transition due to adjuvant treatment for breast cancer.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used questionnaire data collected to screen breast cancer patients for participation in a multicenter trial on the efficacy of supportive interventions for treatment-induced menopausal symptoms. The screening instrument included questions on sociodemographics, menopausal history and current menopausal status and symptoms, treatment history and lifestyle factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated significantly with two major menopausal symptoms, hot flushes/night sweats and vaginal dryness.

RESULTS

In total, 435 patients were included in this study. Hot flushes/night sweats exhibited a significant, negative association with education and a significant positive association with alcohol consumption, and having been treated with the combination of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Vaginal dryness was positively associated with combined treatment with chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Menopausal symptoms among young breast cancer patients who experience menopausal transition due to adjuvant treatment are associated with a number of sociodemographic, lifestyle and treatment-related factors. Carefully designed interventions to prevent or alleviate these symptoms should take these factors into account.

Modulation of human estrogen receptor α activity by multivalent estradiol-peptidomimetic conjugates

Estradiol-peptidomimetic conjugates (EPCs) are linear, sequence-specific peptoid oligomers that site-specifically display multiple copies of 17β-estradiol (E2), a ligand for the human estrogen receptor α (hERα). We evaluate the ability of multivalent EPCs to activate hERα-mediated transcription. EPCs activated the hERα in both a length- and valence-dependent manner, with the highest levels of activation generated by divalent peptoid 6-mers, divalent 18-mers, and trivalent 9-mers. Hexavalent EPCs did not activate hERα, but instead blocked E2-mediated hERα activation. The physicochemical features of EPCs can be precisely tuned, which may allow the generation of a library of chemical tools for modulating specific effects of estrogens.

Trait anxiety predicts disease-specific health status in early-stage breast cancer patients

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to examine the differences in health status (HS) of women with breast cancer (BC) at different moments in time, and between women scoring high and not high on trait anxiety, and to identify possible predictors of HS 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Methods

Patients (N = 223) completed a trait anxiety questionnaire before diagnosis. Women who received a diagnosis of BC completed a BC-specific HS questionnaire 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. ANCOVA for repeated measures and multiple regression analysis were used in the analyses.

Results

Women scoring high on trait anxiety had significant (P < .005) lower Body image, worse Future perspective and Sexual functioning, and more Side-effects than women who did not score high on trait anxiety. At 6 and 12 months after surgery, the same aspects of HS were predicted by higher trait anxiety scores.

Conclusions

Higher scores on trait anxiety resulted in worse scores on four HS domains, indicating that there should be more attention for this group of patients, even before treatment starts.