Prednisolone Improves Treatment for Advanced Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): R.D. Rubens, C.L. Tinson, R.E. Coleman, R.K. Knight, D. Tong, P.J. Winter, W.R.S. North
Primary Institution: Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Clinical Oncology Unit, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
Hypothesis
Does the addition of prednisolone improve the response to primary endocrine treatment in patients with advanced breast cancer?
Conclusion
The addition of prednisolone significantly improves the response rate and survival in patients receiving primary endocrine treatment for advanced breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- The response rate to primary endocrine treatment increased from 30% to 49% with the addition of prednisolone.
- The median duration of response improved from 9 months to 14 months when prednisolone was included.
- Median survival increased from 17 months to 21 months for patients receiving prednisolone.
Takeaway
Giving prednisolone along with other treatments helps more people with advanced breast cancer feel better and live longer.
Methodology
Patients with advanced breast cancer were randomized to receive either primary endocrine treatment alone or with prednisolone, and their responses were evaluated.
Limitations
The study did not assess the effects of prednisolone after failure of primary endocrine treatment alone in detail.
Participant Demographics
Patients included both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women with advanced breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
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