Health-related quality of life during hormone therapy after breast cancer: a randomized trial

Abstract

Aim To study the effects of menopausal hormone therapy (HT) on health-related quality of life in women after breast cancer.

Patients and methods In the Stockholm trial, breast cancer survivors were randomized to HT (estradiol and progestogen) or to a control group (no treatment). A subgroup of 75 women was studied (38 with HT, 37 controls). Fifty patients were on concomitant tamoxifen. Patients completed three questionnaires (EORTC QLQ C-30, EORTC QLQ-BR 23 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)) during 1 year of treatment.

Results A significant group-by-time interaction was found for improvement of insomnia in the HT group (p < 0.001). Within the HT group, but not in the control group, there was significant improvement for HADS anxiety, HADS depression, emotional, cognitive, and social functions and global quality of life. When HT was added to tamoxifen, the increase in global quality of life was significant (p < 0.01).

Conclusion The effects of HT on quality of life in breast cancer survivors have not previously been reported. The present data suggest that this controversial treatment may improve quality of life after breast cancer.

Key words:

• HORMONE THERAPY
• QUALITY OF LIFE
• BREAST CANCER

Acknowledgements

We thank Professor Jonas Bergh, Associate Professor Roland Fernstad, Mrs Maria Gränsström and Mrs Ingrid Möller for support and assistance in data control.

Conflict of interest  The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Source of funding  This study was supported by the Stockholm Cancer Society, King Gustav V Jubilee Fund, Stockholm County Council (ALF) and the Karolinska Institutet.