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Open Access 01-06-2019 | Breast Cancer | Epidemiology

Quality of life in pre- and postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer: a comprehensive analysis from the prospective MaLife project

Authors: Norbert Marschner, Tanja Trarbach, Jacqueline Rauh, Dirk Meyer, Sigrun Müller-Hagen, Johanna Harde, Stephanie Dille, Lisa Kruggel, Martina Jänicke, The TMK-Group (Tumour Registry Breast Cancer)

Published in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Quality of life (QoL) plays an important role in recovery—especially after an incisive diagnosis such as breast cancer. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of QoL for pre- and postmenopausal patients, starting from initial systemic treatment of early breast cancer until 3 years later, in patients from a so-called “real-world” setting.

Methods

251 premenopausal and 478 postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer have been recruited into the longitudinal MaLife project within the prospective, multicentre, German Tumour Registry Breast Cancer between 2011 and 2015. The questionnaires FACT-G, FACT-Taxane, FACT-ES, EORTC QLQ-BR23, BFI and HADS were filled in at start of treatment (T0), 6, 12, 24 and 36 months later. The proportion of patients with clinically meaningful changes at 36 months was determined.

Results

This first interim analysis shows that the FACT-G global QoL improved over time regardless of the menopausal status. However, clinically meaningful decrease of social/family well-being (48–51%), arm symptoms (44–49%) and symptoms of neurotoxicity (55–56%) was frequently reported 3 years after start of treatment. Many premenopausal patients also reported a clinically meaningful worsening of endocrine symptoms (64%), emotional well-being (36%) and fatigue intensity (37%). Additionally, 3 years after start of treatment, 15% of the patients were classified as doubtful cases and 18% as definite cases of anxiety.

Conclusions

Despite improvements in global QoL, breast cancer survivors report worsened ailments 3 years after start of therapy. Follow-up care should distinguish between premenopausal patients needing special attention for emotional/menopausal issues, and postmenopausal patients needing particular care regarding physical concerns.

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Title: Quality of life in pre- and postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer: a comprehensive analysis from the prospective MaLife project
Authors: Norbert Marschner
Tanja Trarbach
Jacqueline Rauh
Dirk Meyer
Sigrun Müller-Hagen
Johanna Harde
Stephanie Dille
Lisa Kruggel
Martina Jänicke
The TMK-Group (Tumour Registry Breast Cancer)
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Fatigue
Published in: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 0167-6806
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7217
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-019-05197-w

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