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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 5/2017

01-05-2017 | Review Article

Prevalence of aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: David Beckwée, Laurence Leysen, Kaipo Meuwis, Nele Adriaenssens

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 5/2017

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Abstract

Background

Although aromatase inhibitors have proven to be an effective treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIA) is an adverse event associated with low compliance with treatment. The aim of this literature study is to assess the prevalence of AIA and to provide an overview of significant predictors for the development of AIA.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. A meta-analysis was performed and heterogeneity has been investigated by moderator analyses. The meta-analysis was repeated with studies that were considered as best evidence, i.e. studies with an above-average score on the STROBE checklist.

Results

Twenty-one studies (13,177 participants) were included. Prevalence rates ranged from 0.200 to 0.737. Meta-analysis resulted in a pooled estimate of 0.459 (95% CI = [0.397–0.520) with a high heterogeneity (I 2 = 98%). Moderator analysis showed no differences regarding heterogeneity. Predictors for the development of AIA included a body mass index of 25–30 kg/m2 (OR = 0.33), taxane-based chemotherapy (OR = 4.08), stage III cancer (OR = 0.32) and a duration of menopause of 5–10 years (OR = 1.10) or >10 years (OR = 0.44–3.29) (An OR <1 indicates a predictor of lower risk of AIA).

Discussion

Despite the established benefits of AI, an important portion of the patients experiences AIA. More research is needed to investigate the efficacy of treatments such as exercise therapy for AIA.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Prevalence of aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
David Beckwée
Laurence Leysen
Kaipo Meuwis
Nele Adriaenssens
Publication date
01-05-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3613-z

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