Tamoxifen Adherence and Breast Cancer Survival
Author Information
Author(s): McCowan C, Shearer J, Donnan P T, Dewar J A, Crilly M, Thompson A M, Fahey T P
Primary Institution: University of Dundee
Hypothesis
Does adherence to tamoxifen influence survival in women with breast cancer?
Conclusion
Higher adherence to tamoxifen is associated with better survival outcomes in women with breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 79% of patients were prescribed tamoxifen.
- Median adherence to tamoxifen was 93%.
- Adherence below 80% was linked to a higher risk of death.
- 51% of patients discontinued tamoxifen before completing 5 years.
- Longer tamoxifen use was associated with better survival.
Takeaway
Taking tamoxifen as prescribed helps women with breast cancer live longer, but many women don't take it as they should.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study linked prescription records to breast cancer patient data to analyze adherence and its impact on mortality.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to observational data and inclusion of patients not typically eligible for trials.
Limitations
The study could not determine why some women were non-adherent or discontinued treatment.
Participant Demographics
Women with breast cancer in Tayside, Scotland, primarily aged around 61.4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.046
Confidence Interval
95% CI=0.83–0.87
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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