Anti-cancer drugs
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Acute effects of tamoxifen and third-generation aromatase inhibitors on menopausal symptoms of breast cancer patients.
Endocrine treatments of breast cancer patients antagonize estrogen and may lead to consequences of estrogen deprivation including menopausal symptoms. We analyzed the changes in frequency and severity of menopausal symptoms in patients receiving tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors and identified factors influencing these symptoms. One hundred and eighty-one consecutive postmenopausal breast cancer patients scheduled to start endocrine treatment were included in this prospective study. ⋯ Younger age was associated with more hot flashes and vaginal dryness at baseline, and after 1 and 3 months of therapy (all p<0.02). We conclude that there are significant differences between the early effects of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors on menopausal symptoms of breast cancer patients. Our results underscore the need for safe and effective non-hormonal interventions to alleviate vasomotor and musculoskeletal symptoms which were the most prevalent and severe symptoms.