Weekly vs. 3-Weekly Docetaxel for Breast Cancer: Quality of Life Study
Author Information
Author(s): Nuzzo Francesco, Morabito Alessandro, Gravina Adriano, Di Rella Francesca, Landi Gabriella, Pacilio Carmen, Labonia Vincenzo, Rossi Emanuela, De Maio Ermelinda, Piccirillo Maria Carmela, D'Aiuto Giuseppe, Thomas Renato, Rinaldo Massimo, Botti Gerardo, Di Bonito Maurizio, Di Maio Massimo, Gallo Ciro, Perrone Francesco, de Matteis Andrea
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute, Napoli, Italy
Hypothesis
Are weekly schedules of docetaxel-based chemotherapy superior to 3-weekly ones in terms of quality of life in locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer?
Conclusion
Weekly schedules of docetaxel-based chemotherapy are inferior to 3-weekly ones in terms of quality of life for patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Global quality of life was better in the 3-weekly arm (p = 0.03).
- Patients treated with weekly schedules presented a significantly worsening in role functioning and financial scores (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001).
- Overall response rate was 39.1% in the 3-weekly arm and 33.3% in the weekly arm.
Takeaway
This study found that getting chemotherapy every week made patients feel worse than getting it every three weeks, even though the weekly treatment had fewer side effects.
Methodology
Patients were randomized to receive either weekly or 3-weekly docetaxel-based chemotherapy and their quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to differences in compliance with quality of life assessments between treatment arms.
Limitations
The study was stopped prematurely and is underpowered; different stages of disease among participants may affect quality of life levels.
Participant Demographics
Women aged ≤ 70 years with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.84-1.97
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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