scholarly journals Adherence and Persistence to Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study in Israel

Breast Care ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-54
Author(s):  
Tal Sella ◽  
Gabriel Chodick

Background: Adjuvant hormonal therapy (HT) has been consistently proven to improve multiple outcomes in early breast cancer yet rates of adherence and persistence are variable. Methods: We retrospectively identified women diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer and initiating HT between January 2000 and December 2007 in a large Israeli health provider. Prescription records including the drug name, date of purchase, and the quantity of pills dispensed were collected. We used Cox proportional hazards and binary logistic models to analyze factors associated with early discontinuation (<5 years) and nonadherence (proportion of days covered, PDC <80%) of HT, respectively. Results: A total of 4,178 women with breast cancer were identified with nearly 95% of patients treated with tamoxifen as the initial HT. Over the 5-year follow-up period, early discontinuation was identified in 955 (23%) patients. The mean PDC was 82.9% (SD 0.004). Younger age and low BMI were both associated with an increased risk of early discontinuation and nonadherence. A history of hypertension was associated with a higher likelihood of both outcomes. Conclusion: Adherence and persistence with HT among Israeli breast cancer survivors are comparable to those in international reports. Interventions are necessary to identify and prevent suboptimal HT adherence.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e12051-e12051
Author(s):  
Tal Sella ◽  
Gabriel Chodick

e12051 Background: Adjuvant hormonal therapy has been consistently proven to improve multiple outcomes in early breast cancer. Nonetheless, data on rates of adherence and persistence with therapy outside West Europe and North America are scarce. We assessed the adherence and persistence with adjuvant hormonal in a retrospective population based cohort of breast cancer survivors in Maccabi Health Services (MHS), Israel. Methods: We identified women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and initiated adjuvant hormonal therapy between January 2000 and November 2008. Subjects were followed retrospectively from first dispensed tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor (AI) and up to the earliest of the following events: disease recurrence (indicated by surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other related therapies), leaving MHS, death, or completion of 5 years of treatment. Discontinuation of therapy was defined as a 180-day or longer treatment gap. Adherence with therapy was assessed using proportion of days covered (PDC) during follow-up period. Survival analysis was used to determine the effect of adherence on all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 4178 women with breast cancer were followed for a median 7.8 years. Over 90% of patients received tamoxifen as the initial hormonal agent. Mean PDC was 84% with lower rates associated with younger age, smoking status, comorbidities and year of diagnosis. Residential area did not affect adherence. Differences were not found. Discontinuation of therapy occurred in 23% of study patients. Among persistent patients, 70% were optimally adherent with therapy (PDC>=80%). Association between adherence with therapy and survival is investigated. Conclusions: Adherence to adjuvant hormonal therapy among Israeli breast cancer patients with national health insurance is high in comparison to international reports. Nevertheless, suboptimal adherence was identified among younger (<45y) patients. Because of the efficacy of hormonal therapy in preventing recurrence and death in women with early-stage breast cancer, interventions are necessary to identify and prevent suboptimal adherence among high risk subgroups.


2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (27) ◽  
pp. 4120-4128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn L. Hershman ◽  
Lawrence H. Kushi ◽  
Theresa Shao ◽  
Donna Buono ◽  
Aaron Kershenbaum ◽  
...  

Purpose While studies have found that adjuvant hormonal therapy for hormone-sensitive breast cancer (BC) dramatically reduces recurrence and mortality, adherence to medications is suboptimal. We investigated the rates and predictors of early discontinuation and nonadherence to hormonal therapy in patients enrolled in Kaiser Permanente of Northern California health system. Patients and Methods We identified women diagnosed with hormone-sensitive stage I-III BC from 1996 to 2007 and used automated pharmacy records to identify hormonal therapy prescriptions and dates of refill. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to analyze factors associated with early discontinuation and nonadherence (medication possession ratio < 80%) of hormonal therapy. Results We identified 8,769 patients with BC who met our eligibility criteria and who filled at least one prescription for tamoxifen (43%), aromatase inhibitors (26%), or both (30%) within 1 year of diagnosis. Younger or older age, lumpectomy (v mastectomy), and comorbidities were associated with earlier discontinuation, while Asian race, being married, earlier year at diagnosis, receipt of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and longer prescription refill interval were associated with completion of 4.5 years of therapy. Of those who continued therapy, similar factors were associated with full adherence. Women age younger than 40 years had the highest risk of discontinuation (hazard ratio, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.85). By 4.5 years, 32% discontinued therapy, and of those who continued, 72% were fully adherent. Conclusion Only 49% of patients with BC took adjuvant hormonal therapy for the full duration at the optimal schedule. Younger women are at high risk of nonadherence. Interventions to improve adherence and continuation of hormonal therapy are needed, especially for younger women.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18155-e18155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Drew Carl Drennan Murray ◽  
Shruti Bhandari ◽  
Phuong Ngo ◽  
Sarah Mudra ◽  
Rachana Shirish Lele ◽  
...  

e18155 Background: Black (B) women after early stage of diagnosis have been shown to have double the risk of white (W) women for failing to receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Despite lower incidence of breast cancer in B patients, they are more likely to die of the disease. Worse outcomes in B populations have been related to clinical and socioeconomic factors. However, the determination of improved access and its effects on survival in black patients remains uncertain. Methods: 1042844 patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 with stage I-III breast cancer were identified in the NCDB. Only W and B races were analyzed with established risk factors of age, stage, comorbidity score, and insurance status. Data was analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Odds Ratio (OR) for binary outcome, Hazard Ratio (HR) for time-to-event (survival) outcome along with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) are reported. Results: Among the total population 85.5% were W, 10.6% B, and 3.9% other. B were more likely to be uninsured (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.59 - 1.72; p < 0.0001), or have Medicaid (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.96 - 2.07; p < 0.0001). B were also diagnosed at later stage (stage 3 OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.57 - 1.63; p < 0.0001) with higher co-morbidities (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 2.34 - 2.67; p < 0.0001) consistent with prior studies. B were more likely to experience delayed treatment (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 2.10 - 2.20; p < 0.0001). B race remained an independent factor associated with higher likelihood of death compared to W patients (HR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.3 - 1.34; p < 0.0001) in multivariable analysis. Conclusions: This large database study demonstrates that even when controlling for established risk factors such lack of insurance or Medicaid, higher comorbidities, and later stage at diagnosis, B patients were more likely to experience delays in treatment initiation and worse overall survival. This suggests race remains an independent risk factor for poor outcome even when clinical factors are matched. Further analysis including tumor biology should be examined to better understand this persistent disparity.


2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (34) ◽  
pp. 8597-8605 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Doyle ◽  
Alfred I. Neugut ◽  
Judith S. Jacobson ◽  
Victor R. Grann ◽  
Dawn L. Hershman

Purpose Adjuvant chemotherapy, especially with anthracyclines, is known to cause acute and chronic cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients. We studied the cardiac effects of chemotherapy in a population-based sample of breast cancer patients aged ≥ 65 years with long-term follow-up. Patients and Methods In the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, we analyzed treatments and outcomes among women ≥ 65 years of age who were diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancer from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 1999. Propensity scores were used to control for baseline heart disease (HD) and other known predictors of chemotherapy, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risk of cardiomyopathy (CM), congestive heart failure (CHF), and HD after chemotherapy. Results Of 31,748 women with stage I to III breast cancer, 5,575 (18%) received chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was associated with younger age, fewer comorbidities, hormone receptor negativity, multiple primary tumors, and advanced disease. Patients who received chemotherapy were less likely than other patients to have pre-existing HD (45% v 55%, respectively; P < .001). The hazard ratios for CM, CHF, and HD for patients treated with doxorubicin (DOX) compared with patients who received no chemotherapy were 2.48 (95% CI, 2.10 to 2.93), 1.38 (95% CI, 1.25 to 1.52), and 1.35 (95% CI, 1.26 to 1.44), respectively. The relative risk of cardiotoxicity among patients who received DOX compared with untreated patients remained elevated 5 years after diagnosis. Conclusion When baseline HD was taken into account, chemotherapy, especially with anthracyclines, was associated with a substantially increased risk of CM. As the number of long-term survivors grows, identifying and minimizing the late effects of treatment will become increasingly important.


2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (28) ◽  
pp. 4611-4619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Jun Ma ◽  
Susan G. Hilsenbeck ◽  
Wilson Wang ◽  
Li Ding ◽  
Dennis C. Sgroi ◽  
...  

Purpose We previously identified three genes, HOXB13, IL17BR and CHDH, and the HOXB13:IL17BR ratio index in particular, that strongly predicted clinical outcome in breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen monotherapy. Confirmation in larger independent patient cohorts was needed to fully validate their clinical utility. Patients and Methods Expression of HOXB13, IL17BR, CHDH, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction in 852 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary breast cancers from 566 untreated and 286 tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients. Gene expression and clinical variables were analyzed for association with relapse-free survival (RFS) by Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results ER and PR mRNA measurements were in close agreement with immunohistochemistry. In the entire cohort, expression of HOXB13 was associated with shorter RFS (P = .008), and expression of IL17BR and CHDH was associated with longer RFS (P < .0001 for IL17BR and P = .0002 for CHDH). In ER+ patients, the HOXB13:IL17BR index predicted clinical outcome independently of treatment, but more strongly in node-negative patients. In multivariate analysis of the ER+ node-negative subgroup including age, PR status, tumor size, S phase fraction, and tamoxifen treatment, the two-gene index remained a significant predictor of RFS (hazard ratio = 3.9; 95% CI, 1.5 to 10.3; P = .007). Conclusion This tumor bank study demonstrated HOXB13:IL17BR index is a strong independent prognostic factor for ER+ node-negative patients irrespective of tamoxifen therapy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 07 (02) ◽  
pp. 142-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Gupta ◽  
M. Singh ◽  
Amish Vora ◽  
G. Babu ◽  
M. Walia ◽  
...  

AbstractOptimization of adjuvant systemic therapy in women with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer includes the consideration of chemotherapy and duration of hormone therapy. Adjuvant hormonal therapy significantly improves long-term survival of breast cancer patients with hormone receptor-positive disease. Despite the proven clinical efficacy of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, many breast cancer survivors either fail to take the correct dosage at the prescribed frequency (adherence) or discontinue therapy (persistence). Expert oncologist discussed on the duration of adjuvant hormonal therapy for improvement of OS and quality of life of breast cancer patients by providing reduction in recurrence and mortality. This expert group used data from published literature, practical experience and opinion of a large group of academic oncologists to arrive at this practical consensus recommendations for the benefit of community oncologists.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soojeong Choi ◽  
Young Jae Lee ◽  
Jae Ho Jeong ◽  
Jinhong Jung ◽  
Jong Won Lee ◽  
...  

BackgroundAlthough the guidelines recommend gynecological assessment and close monitoring for symptoms of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors taking tamoxifen (TAM), the risk of endometrial cancer in young breast cancer survivors has not yet been fully assessed. This study aimed to investigate the risk of developing endometrial cancer and the frequencies of gynecological examinations in young breast cancer survivors taking TAM in South Korea.MethodsA nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service claims data. Kaplan–Meier analyses and log-rank tests were used to assess the probability of endometrial cancer, benign endometrial conditions, and the probability of invasive endometrial procedure. To analyze the risk of endometrial cancer and benign endometrial conditions, we used a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model.ResultsBetween 2010 and 2015, 60,545 newly diagnosed female breast cancer survivors were included. The total person–years were 256,099 and 140 (0.23%) patients developed endometrial cancer during the study period. In breast cancer survivors aged ≥60 years [hazard ratio (HR), 5.037; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.185–11.613], 50–59 years (HR, 4.343; 95% CI, 2.122–8.891), and 40–49 years (HR, 2.121; 95% CI, 1.068–4.213), TAM was associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. In subjects aged below 40 years, TAM did not significantly increase the risk of endometrial cancer. However, among the TAM subgroups, breast cancer survivors aged below 40 years [1.61 per 1,000 person–years (PY); HR, 12.460; 95% CI, 2.698–57.522] and aged 40–49 years (2.22 per 1,000 PY; HR, 9.667; 95% CI, 4.966–18.819) with TAM-related endometrial diseases showed significantly increased risks of endometrial cancer. Among the TAM subgroup with benign endometrial conditions, the ratios of the frequency of invasive diagnostic procedures to the incidence of endometrial cancer were higher in subjects under 40 than subjects aged 60 or more.ConclusionYoung breast cancer survivors with TAM-related benign endometrial diseases are at a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer. Gynecological surveillance should be tailored to the risk of endometrial cancer in young breast cancer survivors to improve the early detection of endometrial cancer and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.


Author(s):  
Reina Haque ◽  
Rowan T. Chlebowski ◽  
LieHong Chen

Abstract Purpose Sleep problems are more common in breast cancer survivors than those without a cancer history. Our goal was to examine the risk of fractures among breast cancers survivors who used prescription sleep aids. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 21,346 adult women diagnosed with stage 0–III breast cancer between 2009 and 2016 and followed them through 2017. We examined person-year rates of fractures by sleep medication use and calculated adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with Cox proportional hazards models using time-dependent variables for sleep medications and covariate medications (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and bisphosphonates) adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and tumor characteristics and cancer treatments. Results The sleep medication use was common (40%) in breast cancer survivors and was associated with a 33% increased risk of fractures (adjusted HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.20–1.49). Further, in a sensitivity analysis based on new use of sleep medication, the fracture risk was even stronger (adjusted HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.26–1.64). Conclusion Given the high use of sleep medications and the high risk of fractures in breast cancer survivors, this study suggests that non-pharmacologic management of sleep problems might be considered as alternative therapy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reina Haque ◽  
Rowan T. Chlebowski ◽  
LieHong Chen

Abstract Purpose: Sleep problems are more common in breast cancer survivors than those without a cancer history. Our goal was to examine the risk of fractures among breast cancers survivors who used prescription sleep aids. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 21,346 adult women diagnosed with stage 0-III breast cancerbetween 2009-2016and followed them through 2017. We examined person-year rates of fracturesby sleep medication use and calculated adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)with Cox proportional hazards models using time-dependent variables for sleep medications and covariate medications (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and bisphosphonates) adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and tumor characteristics and cancer treatments.Results: The sleep medication use was common (40%) in breast cancer survivors and was associated with a 33% increased risk of fractures(adjusted HR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.20-1.49). Bisphosphonateuse did not mitigate this risk. Further, in a sensitivity analysis based on new use of sleep medication, the fracture risk was even stronger (adjusted HR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.26-1.64).Conclusion:Given the high use of sleep medicationsand the high risk of fractures in breast cancer survivors, this study suggests that non-pharmacologic management of sleep problems might be considered as alternative therapy.


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