Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Endocrinology, Lancet, Menopause / 08.07.2015
Endocrine Therapies for Young Breast Cancer Patients Can Cause Abrupt Menopause Symptoms
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Jürg Bernhard Ph.D.
International Breast Cancer Study Group Coordinating Center and Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: In the combined analysis of the SOFT and TEXT trials, the aromatase inhibitor exemestane was more effective than tamoxifen in preventing breast cancer recurrence in young women (premenopausal) who also receive ovarian function suppression (OFS) as adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment for hormone-sensitive early breast cancer, providing a new treatment option for these women. These trials were conducted by the International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) and involved more than 4700 patients of over 500 centers in 27 countries. Now we present patient-reported quality of life outcomes from these trials.
In the TEXT and SOFT trials, patients assigned exemestane+OFS reported more detrimental effects of bone or joint pain, vaginal dryness, greater loss of sexual interest and difficulties becoming aroused, while patients assigned tamoxifen+OFS were more affected by hot flushes and sweats. Global quality of life domains (mood, ability to cope and physical well-being) were similar between the randomized treatment groups. (more…)