Adrenal Failure in Breast Cancer Patients After Hormone Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): V. Hug, S. Kau, G.N. Hortobagyi, L. Jones
Primary Institution: The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Hypothesis
Long-term endocrine treatments for breast carcinoma may lead to adrenal insufficiency.
Conclusion
18% of patients receiving long-term treatment with cyclic-alternating hormones developed clinical signs of adrenal insufficiency.
Supporting Evidence
- 18% of patients developed clinical signs of adrenal insufficiency after treatment.
- Patients who developed adrenal failure were older and received treatment for longer.
- Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency included nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Takeaway
Some breast cancer treatments can make your body stop making important hormones, which can make you very sick.
Methodology
Patients were treated with cyclic-alternating hormones of oestradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate, and their responses were monitored.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection and reporting of symptoms.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and focused only on patients who responded to treatment.
Participant Demographics
30 post-menopausal women with stage IV breast carcinoma, median age 64 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.025
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website