Side effects and impacts of extended adjuvant endocrine therapy: A qualitative study among women with HR+/HER2- breast cancer.

• DOI: 10.1200/jco.2023.41.16_suppl.e12509
• Publication Date: 2023-06-04T14:09:31Z
• Authors: Teresa Edwards; Lindsey Norcross; Jennifer Fine; Susan Martin; Catherine Coulouvrat; Patricia Spears; Christina Isabell...; Giorgio Ferrari; Nneka Onwudiwe
• Keywords: Regimen; Adjuvant Therapy; Thematic Analysis

e12509 Background: Extended (≥5-year) adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) is generally the preferred treatment approach for patients with hormone receptor–positive (HR+) breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. However, due to side effect burden and other challenges, patient adherence extended ET often suboptimal, presenting challenges healthcare providers alike. To further understand potential barriers adherence, objective this study was explore effects impacts among women HR+ through in-depth qualitative interviews. Methods: Individual interviews were conducted 20 US a self-reported clinical diagnosis nonmetastatic HR+/HER2− who had undergone ≥4 years currently taking or concluded their regimen within past 12 months. Using thematic analysis methods, interview transcripts interviewers’ field notes analyzed identify important concepts dominant trends. Results: Interview participants averaged 52.8 in age diverse race, education level, employment status. The most commonly reported hot flashes (n = 16), joint pain 15), difficulty sleeping weight management fatigue reduced interest sex 14), feeling irritable 14). Participants frequently identified 8), 4), discomfort intercourse 4) as bothersome effects. that frequency severity they experienced remained constant throughout period; only 3 having switched regimens manage numerous from effects, including cognitive physical functioning (most common), social interactions, work/productivity. Several spoke about tradeoffs make enduring reduce For participants, primary benefit perceived reduction recurrence; some “peace mind” ET, knowing doing everything possible expressed reluctance stop despite because medication made them feel less anxious worried Conclusions: Patients receiving continue experience significant during these impact quality life many ways. Some are nonetheless motivated long-term recurrence and/or emotional it affords.