Real-world data indicate lower adherence rates for breast cancer endocrine therapy when radiation therapy is omitted
A study presented at the ASTRO Annual Meeting reveals that breast cancer patients who forgo radiation therapy are less likely to adhere to long-term endocrine medication. The findings suggest that maintaining daily treatment for five years is more difficult than clinical expectations assume.
Why it matters
Highlights a significant gap between clinical treatment plans and real-world patient behavior, impacting long-term cancer recurrence prevention.
by American Society for Radiation Oncology
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Many patients with early-stage breast cancer do not consistently maintain the long-term hormone therapy prescribed after lumpectomy, a large U.S. insurance claims analysis indicates. The findings provide real-world context for treatment approaches that consider omitting radiation therapy, which typically rely on the expectation that patients will continue taking medication for at least five years.
Fewer than 30% of patients remained above a standard adherence threshold during all five recommended years of endocrine therapy. Patients who did not receive radiation therapy were more likely to experience substantial lapses in adherence than those who did, and younger age was also associated with lower adherence.
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