Modalities of prescription of aromatase inhibitors (AI) in adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with HR+ breast cancer: Analysis of daily practices in France

Abstract

e11619 Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely used as adjuvant therapy for HR+ breast cancer. This survey is an overview of clinical daily practices in France Methods: Multicentric survey conducted in October 2008 by Internet among a sample of 293 physicians specialized in breast cancer management (oncologists, radiotherapists, surgeons) prescribing adjuvant AIs in post-menopausal patients with HR+ breast cancer Results: When started upfront, 87% of physicians expressed that the optimal duration of AIs treatment is 5 years, and 7 % more than 5 years. Nevertheless only, 33% of physicians inform their patients of a total duration of AIs therapy of 5 years, and 66% of a possible adjustment according to the evolution of the scientific knowledge during the five years. AIs are prescribed after the end of chemotherapy by 97% of physicians, after the end of radiotherapy by 83%, and during radiotherapy by 15%. When started after two years of tamoxifen, 71 % of physicians expressed that the optimal duration of AIs treatment is 3 years, 22% 5 years, and 3% more than five years. When started after five years of tamoxifen, 48% of physicians expressed that the optimal duration of AIs treatment is less than three years, 15% 3 years, 15% 5 years, and 2% more than five years. The optimal duration of treatment with aromatase inhibitors is still subject to question for 73% of the physicians interviewed Conclusions: In France, most physicians declared an optimal duration of treatment with aromatase inhibitors in adjuvant setting in HR+ breast cancer in line with guidelines and/or approved indications. However, the optimal duration of treatment is still subject to question for many physicians No significant financial relationships to disclose.