Abstract 247P
Background
Hormonal treatment (HT) is a common and effective therapy in hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer patients, either metastatic or non-metastatic. Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are considered the most effective HT in postmenopausal women. Commonly used AIs (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane) may cause various side effects. This Real World Data analysis aimed to compare AI usage frequency and side effect incidence among European patients.
Methods
CareAcross operates online localised platforms engaging with patients from several countries to support their quality of life through personalised services. Patients provide information on their diagnosis, molecular markers, treatments, as well as side effects, among others. In January 2022, data from breast cancer patients from the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy was extracted from the platform, de-identified, and analysed to compare the frequency of AI usage and side effects.
Results
Among 2080 breast cancer patients who received AIs, Letrozole was the most commonly used in both metastatic (countries’ average: 76.5%; range: 55.6-81.1%) and non-metastatic (52.2%; 41.9%-75.0%) settings. Anastrozole was used by 23.5% of metastatic and 34.4% of non-metastatic patients. Exemestane was the least used in both settings overall (19.5% and 17.9%, respectively); however its use was higher than Anastrozole in Italy (metastatic: 27.5% and non-metastatic: 39.8%) and metastatic patients in Spain (23.0%). A subset of patients reported side effects; the most common (presented below) indicate higher incidence rate for Exemestane. Table: 247P
| Letrozole (N=391) | Anastrozole (N=187) | Exemestane (N=120) | |
| Fatigue | 66.5% | 65.8% | 76.7% |
| Hot flushes | 50.9% | 50.8% | 59.2% |
| Sleeping problems | 49.4% | 44.9% | 59.2% |
| Dry mouth | 32.0% | 32.6% | 37.5% |
| Constipation | 30.7% | 32.1% | 34.2% |
Conclusions
Based on the analysis of breast cancer patients’ reports via an online platform, Letrozole is the most commonly used AI in 5 European countries (especially in metastatic patients). It is followed by Anastrozole and Exemestane (mainly in that order). Patient reported outcomes confirm similar safety profiles for these treatments, although Exemestane is linked to more side effects.
Legal entity responsible for the study
Care Across Ltd.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
P.A. Kosmidis: Personal, Other, Registration for conference: MSD, Sanofi, Pfizer; Personal, Other, Investigator meetings: Bristol Myers Squibb, LEO Pharma, Novartis. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.