{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Treatment utilization and non-drug interventions for vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer survivors taking endocrine therapy: Real-world findings from the United States and Europe.
{Author}: Kingsberg S;Banks V;Caetano C;Janssenswillen C;Moeller C;Schoof N;Harvey M;Scott M;Nappi RE;
{Journal}: Maturitas
{Volume}: 188
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Oct 23
{Factor}: 5.11
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108071
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Vasomotor symptoms induced by endocrine therapy are common in breast cancer survivors and a risk factor for therapy discontinuation and lower quality of life. The REALISE study evaluated the real-world treatment landscape in breast cancer survivors with vasomotor symptoms taking endocrine therapy, including pharmaceuticals, lifestyle changes, and over-the-counter products.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Secondary analysis of the Adelphi Vasomotor Disease Specific Programme™, a large cross-sectional point-in-time survey and chart review conducted in the US and five European countries (February-October 2020). Oncologists provided demographic, clinical, and treatment data for adult breast cancer survivors with induced vasomotor symptoms taking endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors); patients voluntarily completed self-report surveys on their symptom severity, concomitant sleep and/or mood symptoms, lifestyle changes, and use of over-the-counter products.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Patient characteristics; vasomotor symptom severity; use of pharmaceuticals, lifestyle changes, and over-the-counter products (from pre-defined lists); lines of treatment.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Overall, 77 oncologists reported data for 618 breast cancer survivors, of whom 183 (29.6 %) completed self-report forms. Physicians classified 420 (68.0 %) women as experiencing moderate-severe vasomotor symptoms, of whom 66.9 % were receiving treatment. In total, 15.2 % of all breast cancer survivors were prescribed systemic hormone therapy. Venlafaxine (24.7 %), citalopram (16.5 %), and paroxetine (13.6 %) were the most commonly prescribed nonhormonal medications. Lifestyle changes (77.8 %) and over-the-counter products (61.6 %) were common, especially in patients with concomitant sleep and/or mood symptoms.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Despite contraindications, a relatively large proportion of treatment-seeking breast cancer survivors with vasomotor symptoms were prescribed systemic hormone therapy. This, combined with high patient-reported use of lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products, suggests a need for symptomatic relief and demand for new nonhormonal alternatives with established safety profiles in this population.