Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the standard of care for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the occurrence of menopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients receiving the AI therapy. Patients treated with AIs had an increased risk of all-grade arthralgia (1.63 [95% CI: 1.34–1.98]) and insomnia (1.24 [95% CI: 1.14–1.34]). The overall incidence of hot flashes, fatigue, arthralgia, sweating, and insomnia in patients receiving AIs was 30.47% (95% CI: 25.51%–35.93%), 17.16% (95% CI: 14%–20.85%), 17.91% (95% CI: 11.29%–27.22%), 14.64% (95% CI: 11.46%–18.52%), and 16.52% (95% CI: 12.45%–21.6 %), respectively. Both arthralgia (RR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.16–0.75) and sweating (RR = 11.02, 95% CI: 4.11–29.57) differed between patients with early- and advanced-stage breast cancer. Our findings indicates that AIs are associated with a significant risk of developing arthralgia and insomnia in breast cancer patients. Effective early detection and management of menopausal symptoms would likely lead to safer use of AIs in breast cancer patients.
Highlights
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies and causes of tumor-related deaths among women worldwide [1]
menopausal symptoms (MS) induced by Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been reported in several randomized control trials (RCTs), but the specific risk of MS associated with AIs has not been defined
Our study indicates that the use of AIs in breast cancer patients is associated with an increased risk of menopausal symptoms (MS)
Summary
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies and causes of tumor-related deaths among women worldwide [1]. Most of the breast cancer patients are postmenopausal at the time of diagnosis, or reach menopause following anti-cancer treatment. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a cornerstone of the standard of care for most postmenopausal breast cancer patients who are progesterone receptor and/or estrogen-receptor positive [2]. Anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane are AIs that have been used in randomized control trials (RCTs) and demonstrated advantage compared with tamoxifen [3,4,5]. Several studies have indicated that AIs may have side effects, such as genitourinary or musculoskeletal discomfort [6, 7]. The full impact of AIs on menopausal symptoms (MS) in breast cancer patients is not known
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
