Sequential Hormonal Therapy for Advanced Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Iaffaioli R V, Formato R, Tortoriello A, Prete S Del, Caraglia M, Pappagallo G, Pisano A, Fanelli F, Ianniello G, Cigolari S, Pizza C, Marano O, Pezzella G, Pedicini T, Febbraro A, Incoronato P, Manzione L, Ferrari E, Marzano N, Quattrin S, Pisconti S, Nasti G, Giotta G, Colucci G
Primary Institution: INT G Pascale, Naples, Italy
Hypothesis
Can sequential therapy with anastrozole and exemestane improve clinical outcomes in patients with advanced breast cancer?
Conclusion
The study confirms that sequential hormonal therapy can extend the time during which endocrine therapy is effective, delaying the need for chemotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Anastrozole produced an overall response rate of 27%.
- Exemestane showed a clinical benefit rate of 44% in patients who progressed after anastrozole.
- The median time to progression for anastrozole was 11 months.
- Low toxicity was reported with both treatments.
- Sequential hormonal therapy can delay the need for chemotherapy.
Takeaway
This study shows that using two hormonal treatments one after the other can help women with advanced breast cancer feel better for longer without needing stronger treatments like chemotherapy.
Methodology
Patients received anastrozole until disease progression, followed by exemestane until further progression, with evaluations for clinical benefit and response rates.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to patient expectations regarding chemotherapy as a preferred treatment option.
Limitations
The study was limited by a high dropout rate in the second-line treatment and the subjective nature of some patient-reported outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 30–93 years, median age 66, with a mix of prior treatments and metastatic disease sites.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 18.6–36.8% for overall response rate; 95% CI: 63.2–81.4% for clinical benefit.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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