In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed a population of 373 patients with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer currently or previously treated with AET (tamoxifen, AI, GnRH agonists). A specific questionnaire was administered to these patients during one of their follow-up visits at the Breast Unit of “Mauriziano Umberto I” Hospital in Turin from January 2021 to December 2021.
The questionnaire was composed of 31 questions and 5 sections: AET tolerance and side effects; adherence to treatment (regularity of assumption, change or suspension of treatment due to intolerance); adherence and tolerance to extended therapy; patient–physician communication and strategies suggested to control side effects; and the importance and efficacy of medical and psychological support (Appendix A ).
The study included patients with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer (luminal A and luminal B) who underwent any type of surgery (mastectomy or conservative surgery) followed by AET (tamoxifen, AI, GnRH agonists) from at least 6 months, also including those in the extended therapy regimen. We did not include in our analysis patients on exclusive endocrine therapy and patients with breast cancer recurrence, nor did we include patients who used both tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors because it could represent a confounding factor. We did not set any limit in terms of time from diagnosis or from the beginning of follow-up.
The questionnaire was composed of 31 questions and 5 sections: AET tolerance and side effects; adherence to treatment (regularity of assumption, change or suspension of treatment due to intolerance); adherence and tolerance to extended therapy; patient–physician communication and strategies suggested to control side effects; and the importance and efficacy of medical and psychological support (
The study included patients with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer (luminal A and luminal B) who underwent any type of surgery (mastectomy or conservative surgery) followed by AET (tamoxifen, AI, GnRH agonists) from at least 6 months, also including those in the extended therapy regimen. We did not include in our analysis patients on exclusive endocrine therapy and patients with breast cancer recurrence, nor did we include patients who used both tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors because it could represent a confounding factor. We did not set any limit in terms of time from diagnosis or from the beginning of follow-up.
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