Short-term health-related quality of life with epirubicin and cyclophosphamide versus 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide as adjuvant chemotherapy in Turkish patients with operable breast cancer

Abstract

877 Background: Although adjuvant treatments improve disease free and overall survival in early breast cancer, one of the key issues is ensuring that patients have a worthwhile health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Our purpose is to compare short-term HRQOL in Turkish patients with operable breast cancer receiving the combination of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (EC) or 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (FEC) as adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: Between July 2001 and June 2003, eligible patients (n=60) with Stage I-II and Stage III breast cancer were assigned to EC (epirubicin 90 mg/m2 plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2) every three weeks for four cycles and FEC (5-fluorouracil 600 mg/m2, epirubicin 100 mg/m2 plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2) every three weeks for six cycles respectively. HRQOL was assessed with WHOQOL-BREF, Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory at baseline and the start of cycles 2, 4 and 3 months after the last cycle. Treatment comparisons and scores changes between baselines were performed using statistical analysis software (SPSS 11.0 for Windows). All the scales were analyzed by using a two-sided t-test at the 5% significance level. Results: All the patients (n=60) completed baseline and subsequent measures. However, there were no statistically significant differences in global HRQOL between the two treatment groups. In both groups, selected aspects of HRQOL were impaired over time significantly, with decreased physical and social/family activities and impaired psychology; although significant improvements in emotional and physical functioning were seen after the end of both treatments except for continuous impaired social activity in FEC group. Conclusions: This information is important when advising women patients of the expected HRQOL consequences of treatment regimens and should help clinicians and their patients make informed treatment decisions. No significant financial relationships to disclose.